14th Lausitz Café "Perspectives in Craftsmanship – Becoming Visible Together"

The Lausitz Café is an entertaining and regularly recurring event series, this time being held in cooperation with the Dresden Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK) . Together, we would like to discuss specific questions with you regarding visibility and starting a business in the skilled trades . In 2025, we plan to expand the event series to the entire Görlitz district and invite you to Löbau on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 .

Doors open at 4 pm - the official start of the event is at 4:30 pm .
The official part ends at 6 pm, followed by an evening of discussion and networking.

Questions:

In this Lausitz Café, we're focusing on the visibility of (small) craft businesses as a key success factor in the competition for future-proof ideas, loyal customers, and reliable partners. Visibility isn't a matter of size, but of having the courage to put yourself out there. And that starts with open communication.

Input:
From the workbench to the spotlight – visibility for small craft businesses.
Judith Riecker // TEXSIB GmbH Beiersdorf

Many craft businesses do impressive work, yet hardly anyone knows about it. In a world saturated with online marketing, competitions, and content overload, new approaches are needed to make good work visible. We'll discuss how small, local craft businesses can gain attention – and why a strong brand presence is worthwhile for even small businesses today. The goal is to collaboratively develop ideas for achieving visibility in the craft sector in a pragmatic, authentic, and effective way.

Table 1 // Becoming (more) visible
Judith Riecker // TEXSIB GmbH Beiersdorf

Lukas
is 22, a trained carpenter, and currently starting his own business. He has talent, passion – and his first commission. But when he tries to finish his website, he realizes: photos are missing, the text sounds stilted, and he feels out of place on social media.
As a tradesman, do I really have to produce content? How can I win over customers without being inauthentic?

Introducing
Texsib: A large-format printing company from Upper Lusatia, specializing in large-format outdoor advertising, trade fair booth construction, and shopfitting. As a creative enabler, they not only produce posters and banners but also tell brand stories visually – from concept to finished product. Together with their in-house marketing agency, BTA, they support companies in the areas of strategy, content, and visibility – especially in unexpected places.

Table 2 // Let's go! - Looking to the future
Lorenz Kallenbach // ideenfluss eV / ahoj Görlitz

story:
He's young, full of ideas – and ready to take action: He wants to start his own small, sustainable craft business. Building ecologically, working fairly with his team, giving young people a future – that's his plan. But: No sooner has he begun than he's bombarded with questions. How will you finance all this? Who's going to buy it with these timber prices? Have you thought about retirement savings?
How do you stay motivated when bureaucracy is so cumbersome and doubts are gnawing at you? In Lusatia, there are many like Clemens – but often it remains just an idea. Why is that?

Introducing
ideenfluss eV / Startup Lab “ahoj Görlitz”
Do you want to develop a business model from an idea? Then the startup lab “ahoj” in Görlitz is the perfect place for you. ideenfluss eV supports young idea developers at “ahoj.” It's a central hub where you'll find space, community, and support throughout the startup process. In addition to ongoing workshops, “ahoj” offers relevant information and a constantly growing network for valuable exchange of experiences.

Table 3 // Star*Parade – Using competitions to your advantage
Anna-Marie Hillen // Dresden Chamber of Skilled Crafts // Self-EmployedLausitz

story:
She takes the plunge into self-employment. She founds her own automotive business – with great passion, fresh ideas, and the desire to modernize and customer-focused the trade. But how does someone find out about her business? She heard about the Star*Parade, a business start-up competition. She's curious – but also unsure: Is this even something for me? And why should I present myself and my idea publicly?
How can Henriette be convinced to participate in competitions? What are the benefits for her?

 

This offer is open to all residents of the Görlitz district and is free of charge. Food and drinks will also be provided, so no one has to discuss the event on an empty stomach.

Anyone who is curious and wants to know what has already been discussed in past Lausitz Cafés can get an overview on our Miroboard .

 

Accessibility information: Will be published as soon as the exact location is determined.