Support for female founders
Ready to change the game? EXIST-Women, the funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), is your answer to the path to self-employment! In a world in which the proportion of women in start-ups is still too low, we are sending a strong signal for female entrepreneurship. We not only offer financial support, but also targeted methods and government support to increase the proportion of women in the start-up sector and make entrepreneurship more accessible to women. Unfold your potential, become part of a network of inspiring female founders, and experience how EXIST-Women is helping to sustainably change the start-up landscape. The first step into the world of successful female entrepreneurship starts here!
Do I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? 🤔
✓ I am willing to invest enough time and energy into my idea
✓ I actively participate in networking events
✓ I speak openly and transparently about my idea
✓ I have a digital approach and a learning mindset
✓ I am curious and willing to constantly learn new things
✓ I value honest feedback and use it purposefully to improve
✓ I work in a structured manner and set clear goals
✓ I accept challenges and actively look for solutions
✓ I am open to cooperation and exchange with other founders
✓ I keep an eye on my finances and plan ahead
Successful Stories
Pauline came to EXIST-Women full of motivation, but her success was not for free. Between family and numerous appointments, she has achieved impressive milestones in just one year. These include the Thuringian start-up bonus, winning the North Thuringia start-up ideas competition and a full ticket for the TRIP Accelerator.
Pauline Kiessler, EXIST-Women 2024
How we support YOU in setting up a company
FINANCIAL
SUPPORT
At Exist-Women you will receive one-off material resources amounting to:€2,000 (e.g. for coaching, travel costs or the validation of your start-up idea).
Optionally, you can take advantage of a 3-month scholarship if you have no income or work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Here you get 1,000 – 3,000 €/month (depending on qualifications) + child allowance.
COACHING
For 12 months The hike team will support you in your start-up project. We accompany you and your idea and walk you through everything you need to start a business or qualify your idea, step by step.
The hike FEMME team is available to you as female contacts.
MENTORING
With access to the networks of hike and HARZ Start-ups have a large pool of experts, managers and scientists at your side who will support you with your idea as mentors. Mentors are valuable contacts when implementing your idea or even business strategy. They support you with their experience, expertise and network.
WORKSHOPS
From B for business plan to W for website. Starting a business involves a lot of tasks that often go beyond your personal profile.
No need to worry: we will expand your area of expertise! In our workshops and co-creation sessions, we teach you the most important basics based on your needs. You will see that the business plan sounds more daunting than it is and you don't need a degree in computer science or design for a website.
NATIONAL NETWORK
A strong network can be a powerful catalyst for ideas. A small spark of inspiration can rapidly evolve into a thriving business. We cultivate a diverse and robust network to empower female founders to achieve their full potential.
TOOLS AND METHODS
Good tools are the be-all and end-all for good work. Good News: Our toolbox is full to the brim with all sorts of useful things. This ranges from physical things such as classic tools or modern 3D printers, which you can find in our workshop in the hikeLab, to software for creating prototypes, renderings, marketing materials and much more.
Our well-tested methods from design thinking and Lean start-up support you in getting to know your target group better or in evaluating the market potential of your idea.
Who can take part in EXIST-Women?
The EXIST-Women programme is aimed specifically at women who are interested in starting their own business. In addition to the willingness to participate in our 12-month qualification program, you can find further criteria for participation in the programme here.
1 / Your profile
You are a graduate (even if you graduated more than 5 years ago), a scientist, a student (and have completed half of your degree) or you have a professional qualification.
2 / An idea for a Startup?
You can apply with or without a specific start-up idea. We can support you in developing a start-up idea.
Much more important for participation in EXIST-Women is your motivation, your creativity and your innovative strength.
EXIST-Women is open to all topics and technologies and is open to all women who are interested in the topic of start-ups - regardless of their professional background.
3 / You haven't founded with your idea
The formation of a corporation or the commencement of business activities must not have taken place before the start of participation in EXIST-Women.
4 / You have not yet received start-up funding
Women who have already received start-up funding from the federal or state governments are excluded from the programme.
Are you interested in EXIST-Women and the topic of founding companies? Then write to us. We will arrange an appointment with you for an initial introductory conversation. There we will discuss your idea, answer any questions you have about the programme and clarify the next steps.
If you have any questions about EXIST-Women It's best to write us an email.
The first step to self-employment
If you are motivated to reach your full potential
to develop, to accept challenges and build a successful future for you, we look forward to getting to know you!
FAQ
WHICH IDEAS ARE SUPPORTED BY EXIST-WOMEN? We welcome all ideas - regardless of the topic or focus of your idea. In an initial introductory meeting, we will listen to your idea and look together at how we can work together. We are open to everything that is new and innovative!
HOW LONG DOES THE EXIST-WOMEN PROGRAMME LAST? The support programme lasts a total of 12 months. During this time, we will provide you with advice and support to help you realise your dream of starting a business.
DO I HAVE ANY OBLIGATIONS DURING THE PROGRAMME? Yes, you must attend the "Female Founder" seminar and the biannual founder conferences. We also expect you to take part in the events and regular counselling sessions.
WIE LÄUFT DER BEWERBUNGSPROZESS bzw. AUSWAHLPROZESS? Nachdem du uns per Formular kontaktiert hast und uns den Motivationspager ausgefüllt geschickt hast, melden wir uns bei dir. Dann lernen wir uns persönlich kennen und entscheiden gemeinsam über den weiteren Fortgang.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMME CONTAIN? We will personalise your idea and goals. You will be given access to various workshops, specialist materials and methods to help you develop your product.
IS EXIST-WOMEN ALSO AIMED AT WOMEN WHO WORK FULL-TIME? Yes, we also support working women. The lump sum of €2000 is available to everyone. However, the 3-month scholarship is linked to certain conditions, including a maximum working time of 20 hours per week.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXIST-WOMEN START-UP GRANT? You can receive the 3-month start-up grant if you have no income or work a maximum of 20 hours per week. This means that you can realise your idea on a part-time basis. If you already receive a personal scholarship or a benefit to bridge your living expenses, please contact us. This is usually not a problem. If you are already receiving Exist funding or funding from Exist Research Transfer, we cannot fund you.
DO I HAVE TO PAY BACK THE GRANT IF I DON'T START A BUSINESS? No. With EXIST-Women, you are not obliged to found a company. Neither the grant nor the lump sum for material resources have to be paid back.
Contact persons
Dr. Kareen Schlangen
Nina Eberhard
