Start a business in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Start up your business!
Do you have a brilliant idea and want to start your own business? You’ll find help here!
Our free services for founders and start-ups provide everything you need for a successful launch:
- Founder consulting to ensure your venture is built on a solid foundation.
- Location search: We find the perfect commercial space or property for you.
- Expertise and contacts: We help you navigate bureaucracy and build your network.
- We remain by your side even after you launch—for instance, with initiatives to help you recruit skilled talent.
You can also connect with others and grow together at the DeveLUP start-up and founder center.
Let’s make your dream a reality—we look forward to hearing from you!
DeveLUP: Start-up Center between Berlin and Hamburg
Starting a business in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Our services for your launch
Starting a Business – Our District Needs More Entrepreneurial Spirit
As a partner of the Gründerplattform, we want to encourage more people to take the step into self-employment. We want to inspire you to finally make your dream of starting your own business a reality. Why not get started today? The Gründerplattform offers innovative tools designed for startup guidance.
For instance, you can learn how to develop your business model and business plan. The platform also suggests potential financing options. Of course, you can also contact us directly; we provide advice on your startup project—completely free of charge!

Das DeveLUPHub for founders
DeveLUP is the “Future Center” for the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, bringing together all the key players driving our economic and innovative edge—from the startup center to regional economic development agencies.
Located right between Hamburg and Berlin, DeveLUP offers the ideal space and infrastructure to turn ideas for our environment, society, and economy into reality. Head to the countryside and step into the future!
Your contact person is Henrik Wegner (pictured on the right). He is happy to advise you on starting a business in the district and connect you with the right people.
Contact
Henrik Wegner
+49 3871 7226404
henrik.wegner@kreis-lup.de

GründungswerftThe startup scene in the Northeast
Gründungswerft is a non-profit initiative with over 400 members and the largest startup initiative in Northern Germany. Together, we are working to create a positive environment where inspiring individuals can realize their ambitions.
Our members include founders, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed—as well as anyone looking to connect within a diverse startup scene through a wide range of formats.
You can find more information on the Gründungswerft website!
IHK zu SchwerinStart-up Consulting
The IHK Schwerin supports entrepreneurs at all stages of self-employment—from the initial idea to implementation. Specialist advisors provide information during personal consultations on legal requirements, financing, funding opportunities, social security, and business models.
The IHK also offers guidance on business succession and starting a business as a secondary occupation. The goal is to realistically evaluate the business idea and provide tailored support.
Your contact person is Felix Kletzin. You can reach him at 0385 5103-313 or via email at kletzin(at)schwerin.ihk.de. Further information and appointment scheduling are available at ihk.de.
Photo: IHK Schwerin

Handwerkskammer SchwerinAdvice, support, and qualification
The HWK Schwerin supports aspiring entrepreneurs in the skilled crafts sector as they prepare to start their own businesses. Business consultants offer personalized advice on topics such as the start-up process, concept development, investment and financing planning, and more.
In addition, acting on behalf of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Chamber serves as the point of contact for issuing education vouchers for training related to business start-ups and successions.
The contacts are Birk Palitzsch (Tel.: 0385 7417-1401) and Karina Reinke (Tel.: 0385 7417-1402). Further information can be found on the website: hwk-schwerin.de.

ATI WestmecklenburgInnovations need a kick-start.
ATI Westmecklenburg GmbH is a consultancy firm for start-ups and entrepreneurs, focusing on technology-oriented ventures. ATI offers tailored advice on topics such as business start-ups, innovation support, market analysis, patent protection, and grant applications. Some services are provided free of charge, as they are funded by the EU and the Ministry of Economics, Employment and Health of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
For specific services, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) covers up to 50 percent of the costs. ATI is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and works closely with a network of experts, including tax advisors, innovation service providers, and patent attorneys.
The contact person is Steffi Groth, Managing Director; she can be reached by phone at 0385 3993-777 or via email at groth@ati-mv.de. Further information is available on the ATI Westmecklenburg website: ati-mv.de.

GründerMVYour compass for startup questions
GründerMV is a central platform for aspiring entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It offers comprehensive information, guidance, and contacts to facilitate the startup process. The platform champions bold ideas and creative approaches, aiming to foster the innovative spirit of founders and establish Mecklenburg-Vorpommern as a hotspot for pioneering ventures.
Founders are viewed as heroes with the potential to transform not only their own lives but also the region. The GründerMV team supports them throughout their journey. The point of contact is Chuck Henjes (CEO of Gründungswerft, chuck.henjes@gruendungswerft.com).
For more information, please visit the GründerMV website: gruender-mv.de.

Find your crewBut above all, cool people.
Is your crew not yet complete? Then simply post your vacancies for free on our job board!
You can post ads here at no cost and find the right employees for your company—from seasoned pros to newcomers—ensuring your skilled workforce comes from the local region.
Do you have any questions?We have the answers!
Yes. You do not need to have a finished business plan or a fully developed business model yet. The Southwest Mecklenburg Economic Development Agency supports you from the early stages of your startup project. Together, we can clarify the next steps and identify the right contacts, networks, and additional support services for your venture. Furthermore, the district’s startup and business creation coordinator is based in the same building, and we are happy to bring them into consultations.
We support you at various stages of your journey toward self-employment—from startup consulting and the search for suitable commercial premises and real estate to facilitating key contacts. In addition, you gain access to expertise and networks covering topics such as business planning, financing, and building your company. The services provided by Wirtschaftsförderung Südwestmecklenburg for founders and startups are free of charge.






