LB as a Business Hub

The first project under the Ludwigsburg County Future Strategy is now being successfully implemented: As of September 1, the new countywide tradesperson parking permit is in effect in Ludwigsburg County. It is intended for trades businesses that need to park their vehicles—along with materials, machinery, tools, or specialized equipment—close to their work sites. Under the leadership of the District Economic Development Office and with the support of the Ludwigsburg District Trades Association, the district’s transportation authorities have developed the tradespeople’s parking permit.

The Tradesperson Parking Permit is valid in all cities and municipalities within the district and includes the following exemptions:

• Exemption from parking fees on public streets
• Exemption from maximum parking duration limits (except in short-term parking zones with a limit of less than 30 minutes) and exemption from the requirement to use a parking disc
• Parking in areas with restricted stopping and in no-stopping zones, even outside the marked areas
• Parking in resident-only parking spaces
• Parking in traffic-calmed areas, even outside the marked areas

Eligible applicants are small businesses that require a service, workshop, or service van weighing up to 7.5 metric tons directly at the job site for their operations. The administrative fee is 200 euros per annual permit. Up to three vehicles can be registered on a single permit. If necessary, multiple permits may be requested.

Further information about the permit and the application process can be found at www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/handwerkerparkausweis

How can small and medium-sized businesses continue to grow successfully even in an era of artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainties, and far-reaching structural change? The answer from the approximately 160 representatives from business, politics, and local government who gathered for the fourth edition of “Wirtschaft im Gespräch” on July 27 at the Alte Kelter in Besigheim was clear: Anyone who wants to remain successful in the future must drive innovation, develop new skills, and actively shape change. The Ludwigsburg District, together with the Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg and the City of Besigheim, hosted the networking event.

“The future of our business location is determined not only by technological developments, but above all by the people who shape them. That is why we bring together businesses, academia, and politics and foster dialogue on an equal footing,” said District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier. Especially in times of great change, he noted, it is important to learn from one another, share experiences, and jointly develop new perspectives for the region as a business hub.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Katharina Hölzle, Executive Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and Director of the Institute for Ergonomics and Technology Management IAT at the University of Stuttgart. Drawing on the latest findings from technology foresight, she highlighted which technologies and business models will shape the economy in the coming years, including in the areas of smart manufacturing and bio-based materials. Here, German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from their technological strengths and manufacturing expertise. “Transformation succeeds when companies actively shape their future, view new technologies as opportunities, and develop the necessary competencies within the company. With their innovative strength and proximity to customers, SMEs in particular have the key prerequisites for tapping into new growth opportunities,” emphasized Professor Dr. Hölzle.

In the panel discussion that followed, she spoke with Hanno Höhn, Managing Director of MANN+HUMMEL Germany and Chief Performance Officer, as well as Dr. André Konzelmann, Managing Director of Konzelmann GmbH, about how companies can successfully navigate this transformation. In addition to technological innovation, successful transformation also requires qualified employees, an innovation-friendly corporate culture, and leaders who actively support change. Equally crucial are the courage to question existing business models and the willingness to consistently pursue new paths.

With approximately 160 participants, “Wirtschaft im Gespräch” once again saw an increase in attendance and underscored its importance as a platform for exchange between business, academia, and the public sector. Through this event series, the Ludwigsburg District, the Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg, and the City of Besigheim are jointly demonstrating their commitment to an innovative, competitive, and sustainable business location.

Companies that perform demolition work in areas classified as low or medium asbestos risk must obtain a permit for such work by December 19, 2026, at the latest. This is provided for in an amendment to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, which will take effect as early as 2026. Commencing demolition work without a valid permit will constitute an administrative offense in the future.

The Trade Inspection Department of the District Office issues permits for businesses located in the Ludwigsburg district. For more information on the permit and the application process, visit the Ludwigsburg District Trade Inspection website at www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/landratsamt-landkreis/kreisverwaltung/dezernat-ii-umwelt-technik-bauen/fb-24-gewerbeaufsicht/asbest/. Fees apply for the issuance of a permit.

Businesses that already hold a license for activities involving a high risk of asbestos exposure (such licenses are typically issued by the regional councils) do not require a separate permit under the new regulations, as this is covered by their existing license.

Through their “Creative Spaces Region Stuttgart” competition, Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS) and the International Building Exhibition 2027 Stuttgart Urban Region (IBA’27) are once again seeking innovative and sustainable concepts for creative workspaces in the Stuttgart region. This marks the sixth edition of the competition. Five prizes totaling 25,000 euros will be awarded.

Eligible to participate are individuals, networks, companies, and organizations of all kinds that operate or are planning to operate cross-sector creative spaces in the Stuttgart region. The competition seeks innovative spatial concepts that provide a special impetus for sustainability. Additional criteria include networking within the industry and with various stakeholders, local and online reach, as well as the project’s viability and feasibility. The quality of the submission and the appeal of the proposal will also be evaluated.

Project proposals for the “Creative Spaces Region Stuttgart” competition can be submitted from now until October 20, 2026.

Further information can be found on the website kreativ.region-stuttgart.de/creativespaces26

Many companies have untapped potential to save energy or use it more efficiently, for example through sophisticated concepts for space and process heating or waste heat. Regional companies that wish to identify valuable savings opportunities and commit to climate protection can currently take advantage of LEA’s consulting services free of charge, thanks to funding from the Ludwigsburg district.

During the introductory energy consultation, companies receive a general assessment of their current energy situation. Based on this, the consultants outline possible steps companies can take to use energy more efficiently and make effective use of available funding.

The Ludwigsburg District Energy Agency (LEA) is the regional point of contact for energy efficiency, the heating transition, construction, renovation, and urban development in the Ludwigsburg district. In addition to its technical expertise, the LEA is involved in the development of municipal heating plans and can identify resulting opportunities for businesses.

For more information on these services, visit www.lea-lb.de/angebote/unternehmen/energieeinstiegsberatung/

Brillen-Mosqua in Ludwigsburg has once again been named among the exclusive group of Germany’s Top 100 Opticians. The awards were presented by the well-known entertainer, author, and Bambi and Grimme Award winner Wigald Boning. Owner and Managing Director Markus Stammberger—along with the entire team—is justifiably proud of this special recognition, which his company has now received for the tenth consecutive year. To mark the tenth consecutive award, Mosqua executive Tatjana Chirico was also honored to accept the golden certificate of honor, alongside another company from northern Germany.

The selection of the TOP 100 Opticians takes place as part of an independent, multi-stage competition process. The BGW Institute for Innovative Market Research in Düsseldorf is responsible for the methodological implementation, supported by an independent jury drawn from the fields of business administration, market research, and marketing.

The award-winning businesses stand out for their high level of personal attention, commitment to service, and consistently customer-oriented management. For more information, visit www.top100optiker.de.

Embedding climate protection in businesses is a complex task. Workflows, processes, and structures must be reimagined, and technologies must be implemented. At the same time, there are many opportunities, such as cost savings through efficiency gains, greater independence from energy prices, and funding opportunities.

Together with the City of Ludwigsburg, the Ludwigsburg District supports companies in this effort by offering expert presentations, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among businesses. The Energy & Climate Business Network is a project of the Future Strategy for the Ludwigsburg District as a Business Hub and a component of the initiative “Exchange and Networking Formats for Local SMEs.”

Two meetings are scheduled for the coming weeks:

Thursday, October 1, 2:00–5:00 p.m. Focus: Electric Mobility & Vehicle Fleets at the KUZ, Ludwigsburg

• Last-minute registration is possible until Tuesday (September 29) at the following address:Energy & Climate Business Network: “Electric Mobility & Vehicle Fleets – Opportunities, Strategies & Challenges” – Ludwigsburg

Thursday, November 26: Insights into the family-owned business HUOBER BREZEL: EMAS, organic products, and corporate social responsibility in action. Further information will be published in the coming weeks.

The Business Network is open to all interested companies. Participation does not require membership and is free of charge. You can always find the latest information about the meetings at Climate Protection in Businesses | Ludwigsburg. If you’d like to be notified directly about upcoming events, sign up for the mailing list on the page mentioned above.

Are you already an expert and would like to present your company? Become a host and contact us at: inge.guensel[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de

The Welcome Service Region Stuttgart (WSRS) offers regular consultation hours in Ludwigsburg County. Small and medium-sized businesses that employ—or plan to employ—foreign skilled workers can receive free advice here on a variety of specific questions. This information service is also aimed at international skilled workers, their family members, and students who want to live and work in Ludwigsburg County or who have recently moved to the county and need support.

The next consultation session will take place at the Ludwigsburg District Office on the following date:

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Registration for these sessions is required; please contact Ms. Acevic at svetlana.acevic[at]region-stuttgart.de or by phone at +49 16221 52 728.

Address: Ludwigsburg District Office, Kreishaus, Room 405, Hindenburgstraße 40, 71638 Ludwigsburg

For more information, please visit https://welcome.region-stuttgart.de/.

From the initial idea to a market-ready product—how can this journey be successfully navigated in an era when innovation, AI, and corporate culture are more closely intertwined than ever? This event, organized by Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH, will explore the role ideas play in an economic context, how companies can find suitable partners within the ecosystem, and how AI can serve as a catalyst for idea and innovation management.

Many innovation processes fail not because of a lack of methods, but because of the underlying conditions: a lack of security, insufficient motivation, and rigid structures.

How can the interplay of user needs, business factors, and technology be harnessed to create genuine innovations that succeed on the market as digital products? And how do you establish the culture necessary to make this happen? Drawing on 13 years of experience, zigzag demonstrates what really matters during implementation: from problem identification to cross-functional teams to a bold culture of psychological safety.

Dennis Knopf, Director of Project & Product Management, and Dr. Andreas Haas, Strategy Director & Business Development at the global design studio for digital products zigzag, will demonstrate how they create an environment in which teams develop new ideas with enthusiasm, courage, and energy—using a clear framework that spans from prototyping to real-world user feedback.

Prof. Dr. Katharina Hölzle, Director of the IAT at the University of Stuttgart and Executive Director of the Fraunhofer IAO, offers insights into how to manage ideas, find partners in the innovation ecosystem, and strategically leverage AI as a catalyst.

Look forward to exciting ideas, practical insights, and the opportunity to discuss this very topic with other participants: How can we make our idea management future-proof?

Date: November 25, 2025, 1:30–5:00 p.m.

Location: zigzag GmbH, Kronprinzstr. 11

70173 Stuttgart

Register via the online registration form: https://pretix.eu/wrs/IDZ-6/

The free CyberLab startup consulting service, EXI Digital, helps with the startup process and supports founders as equals during this exciting initial phase. The experts at Cyberforum examine business ideas from every angle, assess their market readiness and viability, and offer personalized support: From competitive analysis to a financing plan. The EXI Digital startup consulting service is open to all industries and free of charge. The only requirement is that the business idea has a digital component.

Following the startup consulting, participants can take part in pitch training, workshops, TeamUps, and specialized consulting with experts that is 70% subsidized. This program is funded through co-financing by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism, using funds from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the State of Baden-Württemberg.

For more information, visit www.cyberlab-karlsruhe.de/starthilfe/gruendungsberatung.

Through the mFUND innovation initiative, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports research and development projects focused on digital, data-driven applications for the mobility of the future. The program supports the development of digital business ideas based on mobility, geographic, and weather data. The current call for proposals focuses on small-scale research projects, feasibility studies, and field studies. Key areas of focus include data access, data application, and/or data governance and standardization.

Eligible projects may receive a maximum grant of 200,000 euros, with funding rates ranging from 40 to 80 percent. Applications submitted by startups or SMEs and/or the widespread dissemination of results will be given special consideration during the evaluation process. The application process consists of two stages, with preliminary project outlines submitted in the first stage. Further information on the program and its terms and conditions can be found in the funding guidelines at https://bmdv.bund.de/SharedDocs/DE/Anlage/DG/vierter-foerderaufruf-foerderlinie.pdf?__blob=publicationFile