These are not easy times for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They have to manage the balancing act between day-to-day business, the additional burdens caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the future viability of their companies, which is being challenged by structural change in Lusatia.

However, SMEs are not facing these challenges alone. As Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, we can offer a wide range of support options. Some of these were presented and discussed at the online event "Treffpunkt Wirtschaft" on May 18, 2021. Together with the Chamber of Crafts, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the city of Weißwasser and the HSZG, interested local companies were given a compact overview of current projects that have specific offers for companies. In addition, Wirtschaftsregion Lausitz GmbH presented funding opportunities and LEAG presented strategic projects.

We presented three offers from the HSZG for companies and regional players. From joint research into natural fiber-reinforced plastics and energy systems to 3D printing of metals , there are a wide range of possible starting points for cooperation:

• Cooperation with the LaNDER³ network(Henriette Uhlig)
• Apply for a project with Lausitz - Life & Technology (Leonie Liemich)
• Use of the CELSIUZ laboratory for workshops, co-working and networking (Martin Kunack)

All participants at this event are united by the fact that they want to further develop and advance Lusatia. The key to this is knowing what other players in the region are doing and where there are opportunities for cooperation and support. Streamed live from the TELUX in Weißwasser, the event provided the opportunity to do just that.

The event took place for the second time and will be offered regularly in the future.

The event was organized by Christine Zeidler (HWK), Thorsten Rennhak (Weißwasser), Filip Sawicki (IHK) and Martin Kunack (HSZG/Saxony5).