Wiesbaden’s Work Readiness Program Facilitates Home Based Business Process | Clause

Wiesebaden, Germany – Have you ever thought about starting a home-based business but don’t know where to start?

Thanks to a coordinated effort by the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Employment Readiness Program, providers now have access to face-to-face and digital resources that can help streamline the effort.

“We’ve created more opportunities for people to learn about the home base business application process,” said Megan Bryan, Employment Readiness Program Specialist. “There is now more continuity of care in the home base business application process.”

Employment Readiness Program Manager Earl McFarland explained that while resources will be available starting in 2020, “we want to digitize the entire process.

“We have streamlined the application process. … We’re trying to make it as user-friendly as possible,” McFarland said.

As a result, McFarland explained, there has been a 70 percent increase in the number of approved home businesses at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden. “HHBs have become another source of income for community members – especially Wiesbaden-based couples.”

Potential sellers must register with both the military base and the German tax office, Bryan said. Those interested in starting a business should contact the Army Community Service’s Employment Readiness Program or visit ERP at https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/employment-readiness-program (click on Home Based Business Link) to begin the process.

McFarland explained that the online application forms will be submitted to the relevant authorities for further processing. Registration with the German tax office can take three to four months, Bryan said.

“We’ve digitized the application process, and other garrisons are adapting that digital application process style,” said Bryan, who says she’s committed to helping individuals and spreading the word about local home-based businesses. “I can get through it,” she said.

Home Based Business operators may not advertise their services except by word of mouth, but they are listed on both the base and MWR home pages. Brian makes every effort to share information about local home-based businesses, and is invited to attend community events to showcase their products and services, such as the ACS Birthday Block Party and Back to School Event.

“It’s an option open to everyone,” she said, including non-US citizens who may not have the opportunity to work for the Defense Department. “Home-based businesses are something anyone can do.”

Brian pointed out that it can cost “thousands of dollars” when starting a private business in the United States. Here, with the help of the employment readiness program, home business operators only have to pay a registration fee of 40 euros and the program helps. Advertise the service.

“If you’re unregistered and doing business illegally, you could lose your privileges or be eligible for German back taxes,” Bryan said.

In addition to assisting with the application process, Employment Readiness Program staff hold bi-monthly home-based business information sharing sessions (where children are accommodated) for providers to share their experiences, challenges and information about the various services available in the country.

There is also a dedicated Facebook group where local Home Based Business operators can collaborate. “They’re helping each other out, which is good for us,” McFarland added.

“Some of the services that are being offered are not available to the economy and fill a void in the community,” Bryan said. , baked goods to postpartum support.

For more information about local home-based businesses, visit https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/employment-readiness-program or call civ (0611) 143-548-9201.