For entrepreneurs, establishing their own business is a dream. But the dream quickly turns into everyday reality, and for both new and established businesses, a crisis can strike when least expected.
However, a crisis does not always have to result in either bankruptcy or the dissolution of the company.
Especially not if you reach out in time to programmes like ’Early Warning’. Here, businesses can receive free and competent advice that can turn adversity into success.

That is explained by Ebbe Mølsted-Møller, senior business developer at Erhvervshus Hovedstaden:

”Early Warning is a service for businesses experiencing adversity. The help is free of charge, and the advisers, all of whom are volunteers, have a broad, relevant and varied background with many years of experience running their own businesses. These are dedicated advisers who are passionate about the business sector and come to the table with a wealth of experience, he says.

Early Warning was originally launched by the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs and the Danish Business Authority. Studies showed that owners of small and medium-sized enterprises often feel alone when the crisis bites.

”Our starting point is always to help the company back on track. It is not our focus to close the company down. It is clear that there may be cases where there are no other solutions, but even here we can contribute by speaking with the parties involved. This can be the Danish tax authority (SKAT) and various creditors, where a sensible solution is found. But as a starting point, the goal is to get the company back on the right track.” Specifically for Bornholm, he explains:

”We don't have many cases on Bornholm, but that's probably mainly because Early Warning isn't widely known yet. However, that can turn around quickly and then we will be in high demand; we are facing a winter where we know many businesses will have a hard time due to rising electricity and energy prices. If you are one of those businesses, you shouldn't hold back. We are ready for a dialogue and free help.”
Ebbe Mølsted-Møller emphasises that Early Warning should be regarded as a helpful navigational pilot.

”We review budgets and other relevant matters with the company, and look at opportunities to reduce expenses that are not needed, for example, or establish a dialogue with the landlord of the retail premises or a creditor to find a constructive arrangement for the benefit of both parties in a difficult time, says Ebbe Mølsted-Møller.
Times of crisis are the heaviest of times. Therefore, discretion is central to the process.