EXIST Women

Women often hesitate to turn their ideas and dreams into reality - we want to change that! With EXIST Women, the HNU FOUNDERS SPACE and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) offer a 12-month support program that accompanies and strengthens you on your way to starting a company.

Do you already have an idea and are looking for support to realize your dream, or are you still looking for a suitable business idea? Then, become part of EXIST Women and experience an inspiring community of women pursuing the same goal and wanting to move forward together.

Info session on December 13, 2024 at 14:00-14:45

On December 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm, there will be a Zoom info session where you can clarify all questions about the program:
Zoom link to the info event (opens in a new window)

• Who is EXIST-Women aimed at? Female graduates (graduation can be more than 5 years ago), female academics, female students (Bachelor's degree or ≥ half of the coursework completed) and women with vocational training and a connection to the university who are interested in the topic of start-ups and want to take part in a 12-month qualification program. Participation is also possible while studying or working. A concrete start-up idea can, but does not have to exist. Funding is also available for ideas that are not based on knowledge or research, but are geared towards later commercial activity. Women who have previously received start-up funding from the federal or state governments are not eligible for funding.
• What does EXIST-Women offer me?  
  • Participation in a 12-month qualification program for business start-ups
  • Individual coaching from the university's start-up network
  • entrepreneurial support from a mentor (chosen by yourself or from our network)
  • Nationwide network of female founders
  • One-off funding of € 2,000 (e.g. for coaching, travel expenses or validation of your start-up idea)
  • Optional 3-month scholarship if you have no income or work max. 20 h/week 1,000 - 3,000 €/month (depending on qualifications) + child allowance
• What are my obligations as a participant? You participate in seminars as a founder, regularly attend the relevant events of the start-up network on site, and take appointments for individual consultation through the start-up network as well as for exchange with your mentor. If possible, you should also attend the centrally offered founder forums and networking events. EXIST Women is a measure for start-up sensitization and qualification. There is no obligation to start a company. At the end of the funding, you present your business idea and the results you have worked on in a one-pager concisely and succinctly. If you found a company during the 12-month qualification phase or during subsequent start-up funding - great. But if you want to take more time with the foundation, that's okay too, because entrepreneurial spirit is needed everywhere!
• Where will I be at the end of the 12-month qualification programme? Through the offers of your university on site and the centrally offered events, you know what is important in starting a business and how to do it. And you have met other female founders who share their experiences around founding with you. You were able to develop a new, viable business idea or further develop your existing idea and validate the business model. You know the next steps for your own foundation and may have even found co-founders or raised follow-up financing.
• Where does the programme take place? The supervising university qualifies you online or on-site, perhaps also in cooperation with other universities in the region. In addition, you participate in up to four centrally offered EXIST Women events and meet aspiring female founders from all over Germany.
• Who selects the participants? This is done by the participating universities. Whether EXIST Women is right for you, you will find out in a personal consultation at the start-up network of a university in your area. Female students and graduates from other universities can also apply.
• Where can I find more information about EXIST-Women? On this website, we have answered frequently asked questions about EXIST-Women in detail in the FAQs. You will also find all the important documents for the application process as well as topics and dates relating to EXIST-Women.

Application and deadlines

• Application deadline: Until January 06, 2025
• Application in two phases:
  • Phase 1: Complete the application form by January 6.
  • Phase 2: After the first phase, you will receive further information and an appointment where you can present your motivation in person.

Do you have any questions?
Please get in touch with us at: exist-women@hnu.de
We will be happy to support you with your application and look forward to your participation!

Good luck with your application!
Take the chance to realize your dream - we are here for you and will accompany you on your way to becoming a successful founder!