Starting a Business in Berlin

86 87 Starting a Business in Berlin A Beginner’s Guide considered when embarking on self-employment. Help is also offered to those seeking suitable financing and funding options. Feedback is available on business plans, and the de- partment specialising in law and taxation can offer additional useful advice. The IHK pays for its work by charging a membership fee ba- sed on the business performance of the particular company. This allows it to remain independent of both the state and the goodwill of individual wealthy businesses. New entrepre- neurs are exempt from the fee for the first two years provided their profits do not exceed €25,000 per annum, they are sole proprietors, and they are not listed in the Commercial Regis- ter or Register of Cooperatives. Professional bodies The typical responsibilities of professional bodies include ensuring that businesses have a suitable environment in which to operate, improving competitive conditions, helping newcomers on the path to self-employment, and supporting businesses through periods of adversity. Nearly every branch of industry has its own representational body these days to champion its interests externally vis-à-vis politicians, official- dom, the trade unions, the media and the general public. Participation and membership tend to be voluntary, and a fee is usually levied. In the area of crafts and skilled trades, it is the guilds that act on behalf of their various members. In all other commercial and freelance sectors, associations assume these functions. entrepreneurs from across industry in the work of the IHK in an honorary capacity, thus helping to determine its future direction. In areas where government regulation is unavoidable, the IHK exercises official authority. This is particularly evident in the area of vocational training, where government interventi- on is replaced by a DIY approach. Taking the example of organising and preparing final ex- amination procedures for vocational training courses, the IHK supports companies that educate young people and, as a result, nurture valuable employees for the entire market. It may seem unfair or odd to some to be made part of a community and then, by law, have to pay a fee, but this deci- sion was made by politicians elected by the German people because they believe in social markets and community. The IHK fee is just one of very many examples: By providing ser- vices such as covering the tasks of public authority as well as being the voice of the regional economy – the Chamber is a central part of the German economic system; after all, it has the freedom to manage certain things of interest in a more efficient and dynamic fashion than could ever be achieved through any other institution. The IHK therefore offers a wide range of services to all its members, including those who are yet to get on board. This gives newcomers in particular the opportunity to attend advisory sessions aimed specifically at their needs, where they can find out early on about the steps that need to be  ihk-berlin.de/English/en CHAPTER 8