Through the program, the ten scholarship recipients gained the necessary know-how, workspaces, mentors, and networking opportunities to prepare for self-employment or starting their own business. Over a period of just under a year, the group was closely supported by start-up consultant Anna Villwock, who coordinates EXIST Women at the University of Bonn. “Women often start businesses differently than men. This results in different needs and challenges, which we address through special workshops, among other things,” she explains the concept of EXIST Women.
Innovative ideas from various fields
The women pursued different ideas and developed them further for marketing purposes. One of them already founded a company during the program, while others started their own businesses. Still others are still in the process of clarifying financing issues or developing a prototype. Their projects offer creative solutions to various challenges facing our society, such as a new tutoring concept, a modern mixed drink, models of the brain for better teaching, probiotics for newborns, coaching services for intercultural learning or for the mental health of teenagers, an app for bilingual families, a board game on the topic of health, and an app for a better understanding of radiological findings.
Learning an entrepreneurial mindset
During the program, the women also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with other founders at various start-up fairs and networking events. “That was very helpful for me and also changed my mindset and strengthened my entrepreneurial thinking,” reports one scholarship recipient. She explains how feedback from others helped her to persevere after a setback and continue developing her product despite intense competitive pressure. During the evening, the aspiring founders talk about trial and error, frustration and setbacks, but also about new paths and motivation through community. “The exchange we have with each other is very valuable,” reports one participant. With their newly gained network, they will continue to support each other.
The Transfer Center enaCom will also continue to support them on their path to founding a company and will be available to provide advice, as the participants should also benefit from EXIST Women in the long term.