SoNaR: Social entrepreneurship, sustainable impact
The Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Bonn, and Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences are launching a new program to support public welfare-oriented start-ups with the project SoNaR – Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Impact: Impact Cluster Region Bonn-Rhein-Sieg as part of the funding guideline “Sustainable Impact – Promotion of Public Welfare-Oriented Companies” of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).
SoNaR aims to increase the performance and competitiveness of public welfare-oriented companies and to promote social and ecological sustainability in a targeted manner. It provides needs-based support to people interested in starting a business and to companies already operating in the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg region. This is made possible by funding from the BMWK from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) with a project duration of 24 months (December 2024 to December 2026).
A strong network for sustainable innovations
The project is being implemented by a cooperation of three universities in the Bonn area: Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Bonn, and Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences are combining their expertise to provide targeted support to founders and existing companies in maximizing their social and environmental impact. This interdisciplinary collaboration is creating a strong network that promotes sustainable business models and drives social and environmental transformation in the region and beyond.
Make an Impact!
Who is the project aimed at?
- students, employees, and alumni of the partner universities with an interest in public welfare-oriented start-ups
- existing public welfare-oriented companies in their start-up or growth phase
- companies that have already been founded and are open to further developing their business models or individual divisions in the interests of the common good
- the general public, in order to raise awareness of the common good and sustainable economic models
Be part of it!
Do you have a start-up idea with social impact, want to make your business more sustainable, or are you looking to exchange ideas with like-minded people? Then get in touch with us and become part of the network!
Support for public welfare-oriented start-ups and sustainable business models
SoNaR not only provides targeted support for start-ups focused on the common good, but also raises awareness of socially and environmentally sustainable business practices. The project offers practical formats that support prospective entrepreneurs and existing companies in various phases:
Personalized consulting services for prospective entrepreneurs and existing public benefit companies, including sustainable business models, financing, and impact measurement.
Establishment of a regional network that specifically strengthens exchange between those interested in starting a business, impact start-ups, established companies, investors, and funding institutions. Regular dialogue formats, pitch events, and matching events bring stakeholders together.
Public welfare days, hackathons, and topic-specific workshops highlight the opportunities offered by public welfare-oriented entrepreneurship and provide space for innovation.
Development of good practice approaches and guidelines that can be applied beyond the region.
Holistic approach
The three universities work closely together. The University of Bonn contributes thematic expertise in the cross-cutting topics of games and accessibility, among other things. Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences provide individual advice on the establishment of or transformation to public welfare-oriented companies: H-BRS has extensive experience in economic start-up consulting, while Alanus University focuses on sustainable business practices.
Joint implementation
SoNaR is being implemented in close cooperation with various stakeholders from business, science, and civil society. These include start-ups with public welfare-oriented business models, investors such as NRW.BANK, and organizations such as the Bonn Sustainability Hub.
Shaping the future
With SoNaR, we are strengthening the public welfare-oriented start-up culture in the region, opening up new opportunities for social and sustainable business, and promoting a sustainable, climate-friendly business landscape.
News and events
Press release: Universities establish impact start-up cluster
Together, the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Bonn, and Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences are founding an Impact Start-up Cluster that supports spin-offs and companies focused on the common good.
Kick-off: Future Founders – Networking for a better future
The Future Founders Event on May 22, 2025 brought together everyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future. There was a keynote speech by Jonathan Kümmerle (VEMO), interactive World Café sessions, networking, and community vibes.
SoNaR news
Stay up to date and find all the latest news about the project, upcoming events, and start-ups.
Contacts at the universities
University of Bonn
Contact: Sandra Speer
Head of section Transfer Center enaCom
enaCom@verwaltung.uni-bonn.de
Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
Contact: Karoline Noth
Project leader SoNaR
gruenden@h-brs.de
Alanus University
Contacts: Lukas Kiefer & Paul Ziegler Project manager SoNaR
lukas.kiefer@alanus.edu
paul.ziegler@alanus.edu
