Two Berlin-based optometrists achieved their dream of self-employment and helping improve people’s quality of life by establishing their own practice, Lieblingsbrille Augenoptik. Christin Drabe and Lars Nagel were able to do so with the help of the European Regional Development Fund's support for skilled crafts- and tradespeople.
- 11 May 2020
Our goal is to build long-term relationships with our customers. To do so, we always want to remain at the cutting edge of technology and provide innovative advice to our customers.
Christin and Lars had gained many years’ experience in the industry, but always as employees. When Christin passed her exam for the master craftsman's diploma, they decided to start their own business.
To examine customers and provide the most suitable spectacles or contact lenses, requires expensive equipment. The ERDF start-up subsidy for Lieblingsbrille Augenoptik was EUR 7 000 through its Meistergründungsprämie, a once-off bonus for craftspeople to set up their own business.
Modern technical equipment
Christin and Lars focus on innovation, giving sound advice to their customers, and building a relationship with them. With the ERDF grant, they were able to buy the modern equipment they needed and start their new enterprise. The equipment they now have enables them to precisely determine and meet their customers’ needs.
The friendly service and expertise they provide has been enthusiastically embraced by their customers, who keep returning to Lieblingsbrille Augenoptik.
ERDF funding provides valuable information
The previous experience the couple had gained in the industry helped ensure a successful start to their new venture. The advice they received from the Berlin Chamber of Crafts was equally significant. From the beginning, they learnt about establishing a business and how to secure funding from the ERDF.
Christin and Lars are already forging plans to expand their business and provide young people with an apprenticeship. The ERDF provides a further grant to help make recruiting employees easier.
In this manner, the ERDF ensures that good and ambitious business concepts become reality, that craftspeople become self-employed and create jobs, and offer new and creative products and services.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Lieblingsbrille Augenoptik – innovative and customer-oriented ophthalmic optics” is EUR 7 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 3 500 through the “Berlin ERDF” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Jobs, growth, and investment”.