RKW Bremen

What RKW Bremen does

RKW Bremen GmbH is a privately held, non-profit consulting and knowledge-transfer organization based in Bremen, Germany, operating since 1921 as part of the nationwide RKW (Rationalisierungs- und Innovationszentrum der Deutschen Wirtschaft) network. The company functions as a regional hub for multiple federally and EU-funded programs targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bremen and Bremerhaven, with select programs extending into Lower Saxony. Its core offerings include INQA-Coaching for digital transformation (up to 80% subsidized, max EUR 11,520), the Digiscouts apprentice-led digitalization program, Kreislaufcaptains circular-economy qualification, Enterprise Europe Network advisory services, and two quality seals (RKW-Gütesiegel Arbeitgeberattraktivität and Ausgezeichnet Familienfreundlich). Additional lines include IQ Netzwerk qualification counseling for international professionals and Servicestelle digital am Arbeitsplatz digital transformation advisory.

The organization's business model is predominantly grant-funded: RKW Bremen serves as an implementing partner for programs financed by ESF Plus, BMAS, BMWK, BMFSFJ, BAMF, and Senatorin für Arbeit Bremen, meaning most consulting is provided free of charge to eligible SMEs. The only meaningful direct-revenue stream is the RKW-Gütesiegel participation fee (EUR 1,000–1,800 net per two-year certification). Go-to-market is hybrid — sales-led through direct consulting engagement and event-driven through seminars, workshops, and the annual RKW Impulse conference — with community elements via the Kreislaufliga (circular economy specialist network) and Digiscouts alumni.

RKW Bremen operates a single headquarters at Martinistraße 68 in Bremen, which also houses LABEW+ (Landesagentur für berufliche Weiterbildung und Transformation) since July 2024. The organization has between 11 and 50 employees and is led by authorized managing director Harm Wurthmann. Technology footprint is modest: Microsoft Teams for online coaching, the 'Mein RKW' user portal, a BITV 2.0-compliant website, and a Fillout-based readiness assessment for Kreislaufcaptains. No proprietary AI/ML products or data assets are developed.

Name

RKW Bremen

Legal name

RKW Bremen GmbH

Website

https://rkw-bremen.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1921

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RKW Bremen GmbH is a non-profit consulting and knowledge-transfer organization in Bremen, Germany, part of the nationwide RKW network since 1921. It serves SMEs in Bremen and Bremerhaven with publicly funded advisory, training, and certification programs covering digital transformation, circular economy, employer attractiveness, and international professional integration.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

SME Consulting and Knowledge Transfer Services

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Applications User/Admin Training (ERP/CRM/ITSM platforms) (BPAEANAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Job Readiness Training & Soft Skills Development (EDAKANAD)

Keywords

• SME consulting services
• Knowledge transfer platform
• Digital transformation advisory
• Circular economy training
• Employer attractiveness certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Publicly Funded Consulting Services: The majority of RKW Bremen's programs and services are fully funded by public grants. RKW Bremen serves as an implementing partner for federal and EU programs (ESF Plus, BMAS, BMWK, IQ network, INQA, EEN), meaning most services (INQA-Coaching, Digiscouts, EEN sustainability consulting, LABEW+ qualifications, individual qualification counseling for international professionals) are provided at no cost to SME beneficiaries. The organization operates as a non-profit consulting entity, not as a commercial product company.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

RKW Bremen GmbH operates as a publicly funded regional knowledge-transfer platform connecting business, science, and public administration to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Bremen and Bremerhaven. The organization delivers subsidized consulting, training programs, and certifications across digital transformation (INQA-Coaching), sustainability and circular economy (Kreislaufcaptains, EEN), employer attractiveness and family-friendly workplace seals (RKW-Gütesiegel Arbeitgeberattraktivität, Ausgezeichnet Familienfreundlich), apprentice-led digitalization projects (Digiscouts®), and qualification counseling for international professionals (IQ Netzwerk). Most services are delivered free of charge to eligible SMEs through ESF Plus, BMAS, BMWK, and EU funding, with a few paid certification offerings.

Product overview

RKW Bremen GmbH is a knowledge transfer platform connecting business, science, and administration for SMEs in Bremen and Bremerhaven since 1921. The organization offers an integrated portfolio of advisory services, training programs, and certification offerings. Core services include INQA-Coaching for digital transformation, the Digiscouts® apprentice digitalization program, Kreislaufcaptains circular economy qualification, and Enterprise Europe Network sustainability consulting. Quality seals include RKW-Gütesiegel Arbeitgeberattraktivität (employer attractiveness) and Ausgezeichnet Familienfreundlich (family-friendly workplaces). Digital offerings include the Digitales RKW Magazin (interactive cross-media publication) and online coaching for international professionals. The Servicestelle digital am Arbeitsplatz provides free digital transformation advisory, while LABEW+ coordinates professional education and transformation initiatives across Bremen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RKW-Gütesiegel Arbeitgeberattraktivität: Quality seal for employer attractiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises
• LABEW+ (Landesagentur für berufliche Weiterbildung und Transformation)
• Digiscouts®
• INQA-Coaching
• Kreislaufcaptains
• Ausgezeichnet Familienfreundlich
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Bremen

Products and services

• INQA-Coaching KMU advisory program supporting small and medium enterprises with agile methods to develop customized solutions for HR policy and work organization changes related to digital transformation; up to 80% of consulting costs subsidized (max EUR 11,520), delivered in Bremen and Bremerhaven via the INQA-Beratungsstelle hosted at RKW Bremen.
• Digiscouts® Apprentice digitalization program in which trainees identify and implement digitalization projects in their training companies over six months; participation is free for SMEs and cohorts run with 5–10 companies each sending 2–5 apprentices; funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and hosted jointly with Handelskammer Bremen.
• RKW-Gütesiegel Arbeitgeberattraktivität Paid nationwide quality seal for SMEs based on anonymous online employee surveys covering 7 topic areas; companies must reach 66% participation and 66% positive ratings, the seal is valid for two years, and the participation fee of EUR 1,000–1,800 net includes pre-meeting, survey, evaluation with recommendations, two-year seal usage, and communication materials (10% RKW member discount applies).
• Ausgezeichnet Familienfreundlich Regional quality seal awarded to companies and institutions in Bremen and Bremerhaven that demonstrate systematic commitment to family-friendly HR policies, work-life balance, and flexible working arrangements; approximately 100 companies have been certified since the seal's introduction in 2005 (35 in 2024 alone).
• Kreislaufcaptains - Zirkuläres Wirtschaften Two-year ESF-funded qualification program that trains SME employees as circular economy specialists (primarily for metal and electrical industry companies), culminating in a 'Fachkraft für zirkuläres Wirtschaften' certification; follows a 4-step Ready-Steady-Go-Kreislaufliga process with eight places per cohort.
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Bremen EU-funded advisory network for SMEs in Bremen and Bremerhaven offering free sustainability consulting, digitalization support, internationalization advice, innovation support, and access to funding including EENergy Grants of over EUR 10,000 for energy-efficiency measures; leverages 450+ EEN partner organizations in 40+ countries.
• Online-Coaching für internationale Fachkräfte Free multi-module online coaching series for international professionals (an 8-module program covering AI tools, professional recognition, qualification planning, and German language skills) delivered via Microsoft Teams with a certificate upon completion; open to international skilled workers in Bremen, Bremerhaven, and Lower Saxony.
• Servicestelle digital am Arbeitsplatz Publicly co-funded advisory service helping SMEs in Bremen and Bremerhaven with digital transformation by providing process support, identifying training providers, and developing innovative learning formats; tailored examples include process accompaniment for growth-stage SMEs such as cambio Bremen.
• Individuelle Qualifizierungsbegleitung (IQ Netzwerk) Federal IQ-Netzwerk advisory service supporting international professionals with foreign qualifications to obtain professional recognition in Germany; offers free weekly online consultation hours plus individual counseling sessions and is funded by BMAS, ESF Plus, BAMF, BMFSFJ, and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
• LABEW+ (Landesagentur für berufliche Weiterbildung und Transformation) State agency for vocational training and transformation serving as a catalyst for companies, employees, and job seekers in Bremen; coordinates the Servicestelle Beruf und Familie and INQA-Coaching programs and has been co-located at RKW Bremen since July 2024.
• Digitales RKW Magazin Interactive cross-media digital publication for SMEs covering skilled worker recruitment, business strategies, digitalization, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship; available by subscription on mobile, tablet, and computer.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% subsidy for INQA-Coaching (max. EUR 11,520) enabling digital transformation for eligible SMEs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RKW Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH (Verbundkoordination – Kreislaufcaptains)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRKW Sachsen-Anhalt coordinates the nationwide 'Kreislaufcaptains' (Circular Economy Captains) project involving six RKW state organizations (Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Bremen, Nord, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt). The program qualifies SME employees as circular economy specialists over two years, funded by the ESF program 'Nachhaltig im Beruf'. RKW Bremen delivers the program to Bremen-based SMEs.
• LABEW+ (Landesagentur für berufliche Weiterbildung und Transformation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLABEW+ (State Agency for Vocational Training and Transformation) moved its seat to RKW Bremen's premises as of July 1, 2024. The agency serves as a driver for companies, employees, and job seekers in Bremen. RKW Bremen and LABEW+ jointly deliver programs including INQA-Coaching, family-friendly workplace services, and qualification counseling. Senatorin Dr. Claudia Schilling inaugurated the joint premises.
• Handelskammer Bremen – IHK für Bremen und BremerhavencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce) cooperates with RKW Bremen on the Digiscouts program for apprentices, hosting joint kick-off workshops and a joint closing ceremony at the Handelskammer venue. Michael Zeimet (Handelskammer) officially opens events and supports project promotion.
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRKW Bremen serves as the regional hub for the Enterprise Europe Network in Bremen/Bremerhaven, providing free sustainability consulting, internationalization support, and EENergy Grants to SMEs. EEN is funded by the European Commission and has 450+ partner organizations in 40+ countries.
• IQ Netzwerk (Integration durch Qualifizierung)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRKW Bremen delivers 'Individuelle Qualifizierungsbegleitung' (Individual Qualification Counseling) as part of the federal IQ Netzwerk program, funded by BMAS, ESF Plus, BAMF, BMFSFJ, and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. The program supports international professionals with foreign qualifications in obtaining full professional recognition in Germany.
• Senatorin für Arbeit, Soziales, Jugend und Integration BremencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Senatorin (state ministry) provides co-financing for the IQ Netzwerk and the 'Ausgezeichnet familienfreundlich' quality seal program. Senatorin Dr. Claudia Schilling annually hosts a Senate reception at Bremen City Hall to honor companies receiving the family-friendly workplace certification.
• INQA (Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRKW Bremen hosts the INQA-Beratungsstelle (INQA Advisory Office) for Bremen and Bremerhaven. It delivers INQA-Coaching, a KMU consulting program funded by BMAS and ESF Plus (up to 80% subsidy, max. EUR 11,520). The INQA office conducts free initial consultation sessions.
• Senatorin für Wirtschaft, Häfen und Transformation BremencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Senatorin für Wirtschaft co-funds the RKW-Servicestelle digital am Arbeitsplatz (Digital Transformation Advisory Service), which provides free consulting to SMEs in Bremen/Bremerhaven on digital transformation processes, training identification, and innovative learning formats.
• Bremische Evangelische KircheminorOthersThe Bremische Evangelische Kirche participated in the 'Ausgezeichnet familienfreundlich' re-certification program in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to family-friendly HR policies as an institutional employer.
• RKW KompetenzzentrumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe RKW Kompetenzzentrum (RKW National Competence Center) is the national umbrella organization that coordinates nationwide programs including Digiscouts, the RKW Magazin, the RKW-Gütesiegel Arbeitgeberattraktivität, and RKW Impulse events. It is funded by the BMWK and coordinates the RKW network's knowledge output.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• RKW Baden-Württemberg GmbH: Regional RKW organization delivering the same SME knowledge-transfer programs (INQA, Digiscouts, Kreislaufcaptains) in Baden-Württemberg. Same parent (RKW Rationalisierungszentrum), same funding model, same service portfolio - highly comparable.
• RKW Nord GmbH: RKW regional organization covering northern Germany, delivering SME consulting, training, and EU-funded programs in a similar geographic and regulatory context to RKW Bremen.
• RKW Bayern: Regional RKW organization serving SMEs in Bavaria with the same federal/EU-funded consulting portfolio. Sister organization under the RKW network with directly comparable offerings and customer segments.
• RKW Sachsen GmbH: RKW state organization in Sachsen delivering SME transformation consulting, INQA, and Kreislaufcaptains. Same federal/EU funding model and Mittelstand target segment.
• RKW Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH: Sister RKW state organization that coordinates the nationwide Kreislaufcaptains program. Operates the same SME consulting, publicly-funded, knowledge-transfer model as RKW Bremen in a different region (Sachsen-Anhalt), making it the closest structural and operational peer.

Broad incumbents

• DIHK Service GmbH: Service arm of the German Chamber of Commerce network (DIHK), offering nationwide SME consulting, training, and certification programs. Comparable as a larger, federally-coordinated SME support organization, though focused on IHK member companies.
• Bremer Aufbau-Bank GmbH (BAB): Bremen's development bank, administering public subsidies and EU funding programs. Overlaps on subsidy administration (e.g., similar to EENergy Grants) and SME financing advisory for Bremen companies.
• Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH (WFB): Bremen's economic development agency, providing investment promotion, location marketing, and SME support. Overlaps on sustainability, digitalization, and internationalization support for Bremen-based SMEs.
• Handelskammer Bremen – IHK für Bremen und Bremerhaven: Bremen/Bremerhaven Chamber of Commerce, a co-funding and referral partner for Digiscouts. As the regional IHK, it operates a much broader mandatory-membership services portfolio but overlaps on SME training and qualification support.

Emerging players

• IQ Netzwerk (Förderprogramm 'Integration durch Qualifizierung'): Federal program network of which RKW Bremen is one of ~300 regional IQ counseling partners. Other regional IQ partner organizations deliver similar qualification counseling to international professionals, making them direct comparables for that service line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/showcase/kreislaufcaptains

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RKW Bremen