Our free services
Idea generation
Start-up idea check, Idea competitions
Consulting
Individual consulting
Workshops
Toolworkshops, Method workshops...
Prototyping
Financial support
Network
Founders’ table, Collegial exchange
Intensive courses
Start-up-Bootcamp, Accelerator
Our most popular offers
Start-up idea check
Do you have an idea that could also be a start-up idea?
Or are you not sure whether your particular idea is feasible?
In an individual consulting session, we will have a first confidential discussion about your idea and give you an outlook on which next steps are suitable on the way to a start-up.
Kickstart Funds
You have an idea and want to build your first prototype, but you lack the resources or the financial means to acquire them?
Then our KickStart funds are just right for you. We can apply for up to 7,500 euros for you and your prototype.
Offers from external partners
Offers especially tailored for women*
More women in the start-up scene! That's the mission of the WES team, who are dedicated to creating a motivating environment for you to connect with female founders and women interested in entrepreneurship, and to foster a shared drive for action.
The female entrepreneurs in the Ruhr region offer comprehensive services to female founders, including a business directory, cooperation exchange, and event notifications.
Regional contact points:
WORLDFACTORY is one of the central transfer and entrepreneurship projects at Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB). Researchers and students alike receive expert advice, facilities, and infrastructure for practical experimentation, as well as networking opportunities. If you have a great idea and wish to develop it further, you will find various forms of support with us. These services are also open to all students of UniverCity.
The Bochum Economic Development Authority offers free consultation, competitions, office spaces, and much more for entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those who wish to become one.
The STARTERCENTER, jointly supported by the Bochum Economic Development Authority and the Bochum Chamber of Commerce (IHK Bochum), is the first point of contact for anyone looking to establish and lead a successful business.
The Rationalization and Innovation Center of the German Economy (RKW) is active as a nationwide network both regionally and nationally. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Do you want to gain practical experience in a start-up during your internship? Or do you have an exciting business idea that you want to develop further? Then apply now for the Start-Up Internship or your entrepreneurship-related thesis at ruhrvalley!
Magazines and Newspaper
"deutsche-startups.de" provides daily updates on news from the domestic internet start-up scene. Interviews, profiles of individual start-ups, founders, and market overviews of interesting segments complement the daily news flow. Background information on investors and business angels, as well as guest contributions from well-known founders and other internet personalities, complete the comprehensive information offering on German startups.
"Gründungsszene" is the magazine for founders and those interested in entrepreneurship. It regularly publishes industry-relevant news and information about the German web economy, as well as providing guidance for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. First-hand experience reports and expert articles are intended to inspire founders and assist them in realizing their vision. Current news and trends from the internet start-up scene aim to keep the readership informed and encourage the launch of new projects. "Gründungsszene" expressly aims to promote enthusiasm and respect for entrepreneurship and community spirit among young founders.
"social-startups.de" independently publishes articles on topics related to social entrepreneurship, social startups, conferences, funding opportunities, and support for business startups.
Financing partners and public funding programmes
Gründungsstipendium NRW
With the Start-up Scholarship.NRW, entrepreneurs have been able to receive monthly support of 1000 euros gross for up to 12 months since July 1, 2018."
The EXIST Start-up Grant, provided by the BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy), supports founders from universities and non-university research institutions who want to transform their start-up idea into a business plan with financial assistance for up to 12 months.
The BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) supports outstanding research-based start-up projects that involve complex and high-risk development work through the EXIST Research Transfer program. EXIST Research Transfer consists of two funding phases. In the first funding phase, research results with the potential to form the basis of a business startup are further developed to ensure the fundamental technical feasibility of the product idea and enable the establishment of the company. The second funding phase focuses on commencing business operations and securing external follow-up financing for the company.
Knowledge and technology transfer are of particular importance for science and the economy in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is essential to systematically tap into the transfer potential available at universities. Against this backdrop, the goal of the state government is to motivate more young university graduates and scientists to take the step towards entrepreneurial independence. Through the "START-UP University Spin-Offs" program, it supports aspiring entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalian universities in further developing research results or know-how with significant market potential and a compelling business concept and economically implementing them by establishing their own company as a university spin-off.
The funding program aims to advance the development of services, processes, or products toward market readiness by harnessing research and development resources and further refining the business plan submitted as a prerequisite for subsequent start-up and growth phases
The KfW Mittelstandsbank is a leading specialized financial institution for the government's support of business startups, business takeovers, and business sustainability. It offers very informative, clear, and helpful web pages with information on programs such as KfW Start-Up Capital and the subsidy program Gründercoaching Deutschland (Founder Coaching Germany).
Whether it's the establishment of a traditional craft or service business, the succession planning in a long-standing family enterprise, or a modern high-tech start-up, NRW.BANK provides consultation for your needs and develops tailored funding solutions. You can find information about funding programs for founders and young companies here:
The Bürgschaftsbank NRW (Guarantee Bank North Rhine-Westphalia) offers its services, among others, to medium-sized entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Startnext is the largest crowdfunding platform for ideas, projects, and startups in the German-speaking region.
Start-up competitions within the region
The Business Start-Up Competition of the Dortmund Economic Development Agency with technological focuses in the fields of information technology and new technology.
With the 'Start-up Competition - Digital Innovations,' the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy seeks the most innovative female and male founders twice a year. In addition to cash prizes of up to 32,000 euros, winners can also access a broad network of experts and numerous support offerings.
The German Founder Award is the most prestigious accolade for outstanding entrepreneurs in Germany. The initiative aims to promote a positive entrepreneurial climate in Germany and encourage entrepreneurship.
