|
|
|
:: Hot Topics |
Starting a Company in Germany—Resources for the Entrepreneur
By
Sandy Weiner,
Germany Career Advisor
Berlin is often viewed as the gateway to Europe, thanks to
its central location, its three airports and the extensive transportation
system providing easy access to the rest of Europe, both East and West. With
over 60% of all Germans speaking good English, there are many opportunities
that a creative, focused entrepreneur can make the most of with Berlin as a
base.While many people consider finding a job that allows them
to move to Germany, few think about the opportunities of building a business
themselves. But Germany offers a wealth of support for start-ups and
entrepreneurs.
Due to the current poor economy in Germany, many services
and innovations are not in high demand. However, the right service or offer
can still find a lucrative marketplace here. The need for technical services
is also on the rise.
Below are just a few of the services available to start or
build a business in or around Berlin. Some of these firms offer office
space, others provide relocation packages – including business services,
temporary living arrangements, etc - networking opportunities, legal
support, market research and more.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
U.S. Commercial Service
www.export.gov
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s US Commercial Service has a network of
export and industry specialists located in 104 cities across the United
States and in over 80 countries worldwide to assist U.S. exporters to enter
or expand into international markets. It offers counseling, information, and
fee-based services to aid exporters. See the website for information on
export support offered by the US Commercial Service and other agencies of
the US Government. If you are interested in a particular market you should
also look at the page for the country. Before you make an appointment with
your local EAC, read the Country Commercial Guide and Best
Prospects/Industry Overview located on the country page.
The U.S. Commercial Service in Germany
http://www.buyusa.de
The U.S. Commercial Service in Germany has offices in the US Embassy in
Berlin, and in the U.S. Consulates in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg,
Leipzig and Munich. Its staff of trade specialists can help you find a
partner in Germany, provide market research, guide you regarding legal
issues in both Germany and the European Union, and supply business
development counseling and assistance in building your network in Germany.
FINDING PARTNERS
A private company that specializes in helping US firms build partner
relations is SalesPartner, which can be contacted by telephone at
+49-30-7879-2966 or by email at
partner@salespartner.org
AID FOR INNOVATIVE START-UPS
Brandenburg Economic Development Board
http://www.zab-brandenburg
In Brandenburg, ZAB — Zukunfts fur Argentur Brandenburg GmbH (Brandenburg
Economic Development Board) — is ready to help in starting up or expanding
an energy-, technology- or innovation-oriented company. Its goal is be “a
one-stop agency” where an entrepreneur can find assistance with financing,
business start-up and expansion, subsidies, networking, marketing and
promotion advice and industry specific counseling.
IZBM---Innovations-Zentrum Berlin Management GmbH
http://www.izbm.de
IZBM offers a wealth of services for innovative start-ups, including a
technology incubator location, where office space and continuous, full
support is available
These are just a few of the many resources awaiting entrepreneurs and
companies looking to relocate to Berlin. They can help you make sure that
your venture in Germany receives all the support it needs to succeed.
About Sandy
Weiner
Sandy Weiner, Master Certified Coach, Career Managment Fellow, is a partner in the firm 1-Focus International, a coaching and organization enhancement firm. She is an American living in Berlin, working with clients internationally to help them be their best. For information regarding coaching contact
http://www.1-focus.org or
sandy.weiner@one-focus.org, with “re:goinglobal” in the subject field.
|
 |
|
|
|
