A crisis? We’re here for you!

Unforeseen challenges are part and parcel of entrepreneurship – whether they be economic changes, energy crises or natural disasters: the important thing is to stay calm and take the right steps.

As the business development agency for the Steinfurt district, we’re here to support you with our experience, expertise and a strong network.

On this page, you’ll find quick help, clear points of contact and practical support services to help you emerge stronger from any situation.

Financial difficulties

Ensure liquidity – before the situation becomes critical

Unexpected drops in revenue or rising costs can quickly put companies under pressure. It’s important to act early: get a clear overview of your finances, prioritise your expenditure and speak to your bank or financing partners in good time.

What exactly should you do?

  • Assess your liquidity position: record your bank and cash balances. Enter outstanding receivables and payables on a day-by-day basis.
  • Record upcoming customer orders: Record the resulting income and expenditure, together with other expenditure, over a 90-day period.
  • Renegotiate payment terms: Agree longer payment terms with suppliers and shorter terms with customers; arrange instalment payments where appropriate.
  • Cut costs: Immediately stop or postpone any expenditure not essential to business operations.
  • Secure short-term financing:
    → Discuss bridging loans, overdraft facilities or guarantees with your main bank.
    → Check funding schemes such as the NRW.BANK Universal Loan.
  • Seek advice at an early stage: Contact funding advisers, the business development agency or Wirtschafts-Senioren Osnabrück.

Contact person at Wirtschafts-Senioren: Michael Schmitt, +49 175 5213165, m.schmitt@wirtschaftssenioren-os.de

Wirtschaftssenioren Osnabrück e.V.

Energy concerns

Keeping energy costs under control

Rising energy prices and supply difficulties are placing a massive strain on many businesses. It is important to identify short-term savings opportunities and develop long-term strategies for energy efficiency or self-sufficiency.

What specific steps can be taken?

  • Analyse energy consumption: Where are the short-term savings opportunities? (e.g. lighting, machinery, heating times)
  • Carry out (or commission) an energy audit: make use of advisory services offered by the Chamber of Crafts, energy agencies or funding bodies.
  • Review investments: Plan for a photovoltaic system, energy storage or energy management systems.
  • Raise staff awareness: Introduce energy-saving measures into everyday working life (e.g. switching off equipment that is not in use).

Livelihood security

Protecting your business – sustainably and securely

When a crisis threatens the very survival of your business, swift and well-considered action is essential.

What exactly should you do?

  • Take stock:
    → Document liquidity, order books, liabilities and receivables in detail.
  • Develop a crisis plan:
    → Define short-term measures (cost-cutting, financing) and medium-term strategies (market adaptation).
  • Seek restructuring advice:
    → Seek professional help at an early stage.
  • Hold discussions with creditors:
    → Negotiate payment deferrals or rescheduling.
  • Observe insolvency law deadlines:
    → If in doubt, seek legal advice at an early stage, before there is a risk of insolvency.
  • Build emotional resilience:
    → Plan for executive coaching or psychological support.

Guidance documents / Getting started

What should I do first?

1. Keep calm
  • Take a moment to pause
  • Get an overview of the situation

2. Check liquidity
  • Draw up a 90-day liquidity plan
  • Record bank account balances and cash holdings
  • Record receivables and payables by due date, down to the day, including for upcoming orders within the planning period

3. Seek help

  • Contact an economic development agency, a bank or a consultant
  • Seek support at an early stage

4. Communicate openly

  • Keeping staff and partners informed
  • Building trust through clear communication

5. Check funding opportunities

  • Check funding schemes or support options
  • Prepare your application

6. Setting priorities

  • Identify key tasks
  • Take action: prioritise what is essential for survival
 
Tip: Make use of our advisory service – we’ll help you find the right solutions!

Advice for businesses Advice for start-ups and the self-employed

Contact persons

Varvara Leinz
Unternehmensservice
Alina Overfeld
Gründungs- und Nachfolgeberatung
Mechthild Leiwering-Hillers
Gründungs- und Nachfolgeberatung