Competence Center Women and Work

The funding program Competence Center Women and Work of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with headquarters or branches in North Rhine-Westphalia and offers continuous subsidies for the implementation of gender-equitable and family-friendly personnel policies. The goal is to strengthen equal opportunities for women and men through needs-oriented consulting as well as the networking of regional stakeholders. The competence centers support SMEs in creating attractive working conditions to attract and retain female skilled workers in the long term. With tailored workshops, mentoring offers, and public relations measures, awareness of the value of female employees in business development is heightened and competitiveness is sustainably improved.

Companies can submit applications at any time, provided they meet the SME status and can prove their headquarters or a branch in North Rhine-Westphalia. The funding program supports not only classic HR processes but also takes into account specific target groups such as career starters, returnees, women with a migration background, or those with disabilities. Through the establishment and maintenance of regional networks, an exchange on equal footing is created, providing practical tips for balancing family and work as well as for continuing education strategies. This opens up new potential for recruiting skilled workers and promotes sustainable business development. The competent support provided by the competence centers offers SMEs the opportunity to successfully position themselves in a dynamic labor market.