{"id":16020,"date":"2016-11-21T11:43:30","date_gmt":"2016-11-21T10:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tfu.de\/ihk-dont-hold-onto-prejudices-take-advantage-of-whats-available\/"},"modified":"2016-11-21T11:43:30","modified_gmt":"2016-11-21T10:43:30","slug":"ihk-dont-hold-onto-prejudices-take-advantage-of-whats-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tfu.de\/en\/ihk-dont-hold-onto-prejudices-take-advantage-of-whats-available\/","title":{"rendered":"IHK: Don’t hold onto prejudices\u2014take advantage of what’s available!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"U.Hu<\/a><\/p>\n

Many startups and founders have a fixed idea in their minds: the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) imposes \u201cpenalties\u201d without doing anything in return.<\/p>\n

In my experience, that\u2019s far from the truth. Even better: you get a lot of things completely for free. If that isn\u2019t an attractive deal for us thrifty Swabians! <\/p>\n

When you first start your own business, you don’t have to pay anything at first. Sure, some courses cost money. But many lectures, events, resources, and personalized advice are free. <\/p>\n

After 3 years of self-employment, a contribution will be levied. The calculation is based on your profit (this is often confused\u2014it\u2019s your profit, not your revenue!). <\/p>\n

If there is no profit at all, the \u201cminimum contribution\u201d in Ulm is 120 euros per year.<\/p>\n

If you make a profit of EUR 100,000, you’ll pay EUR 330 per year. That’s 0.3%. And if you’ve made a bigger profit\u2014say, 1 million\u2014you’ll pay EUR 4,250, or 0.4%. <\/p>\n

The question of membership fees may be stirring up a lot of controversy, but in my opinion, it\u2019s rather beside the point\u2014see the examples above. Especially if you actively take advantage of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the opportunities it offers. After all, you\u2019re the one who decides how much value you get for your money. <\/p>\n

So, in what situations would it be worthwhile for you to involve the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)?<\/p>\n

Let’s say you’re just starting to explore the idea of becoming self-employed. Whether you see yourself more as a project-based startup or as someone launching a business, it’s very helpful to get a general overview of the requirements. <\/p>\n

You can get this information very efficiently by attending an afternoon workshop on \u201cStarting a Business,\u201d which takes place once a month. It costs 35 euros and provides you with a truly comprehensive overview of everything you need to know. A one-hour personal consultation with the Starter Center is also included in this price. <\/p>\n

After this event, you’ll know what to watch out for when starting your business and where to seek help if needed.<\/p>\n

Actually, you can always contact the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs). For example, if you\u2019re not quite sure whether your lawyer is advising you correctly or whether your international client is playing by the rules. Just call the appropriate offices and ask. You\u2019ll see that there are people there who will take your concerns seriously. <\/p>\n

Or do you need information about technology transfer? Do you need to get in touch with a specific company or government agency? Do you have questions about financing, succession planning, or grants? Just ask! <\/p>\n

Of course, you can always contact us at TFU with any questions you may have. But the IHK is also an important part of our network. We have our own contacts at the IHK, which allows us to resolve issues much more quickly and easily than if we had to do the research ourselves. <\/p>\n

Later on in my career, the topic of training\u2014which is extremely important to me\u2014comes into play.<\/p>\n

I travel internationally quite a bit, and I don\u2019t know of any organization that works as well\u2014especially for small and medium-sized businesses\u2014as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Germany. How else could apprenticeship programs be organized that work for both Daimler and Maier GmbH, a company with five employees (the vast majority\u2014namely 90%\u2014of all companies in Germany have fewer than 10 employees)? <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget: the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is, first and foremost, the self-governing body of the business community. It has been entrusted by the government with certain tasks, which it carries out on behalf of the government but in collaboration with the business community\u2014such as handling export transactions (you\u2019d be surprised at just how much is sometimes required for that…)\u2014but above all, the IHK is meant to represent the interests of the business community. It does so through the participation of the business community. Precisely because of the many small businesses in Germany, this system has proven very effective. You can get involved and contribute. <\/p>\n

Of course, as always, some criticism is justified. The Chambers of Industry and Commerce need to adapt to the times. Many of them are doing just that. But before you jump to conclusions, take a look at what\u2019s available and take advantage of the opportunities. We know our colleagues well and would be happy to help you find the right ones. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many startups and founders have a fixed idea in … <\/p>\n

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