Promoting entrepreneurship: Witten/Herdecke University strengthens female founders

The Faculty of Management, Economics and Society at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) is setting new accents in the promotion of entrepreneurship: it is participating in the EXIST Women scholarship programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and is thus specifically promoting young women who want to solve social challenges with entrepreneurial thinking.

When visions become companies

Five female students interested in starting their own business not only receive financial support for three months through the scholarship - they also become part of an inspiring start-up community. From the initial business idea to the finalised business plan, experienced mentors from business and academia support the budding entrepreneurs - a mentoring concept that is a role model throughout Germany. They also have access to workshops, coaching sessions and networking events.

"Female start-up projects still lag far behind the national average," emphasises Prof. Dr Thomas Clauß, project manager and vice dean for research at the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society. "With EXIST Women, we are creating a springboard for women who want to realise their entrepreneurial ideas. Entrepreneurship starts in our seminar room. With the opportunities offered by this programme, it leads directly from there to practical application."

Linking science and practice

The female founders are still at the very beginning, making contacts, sharing visions and gathering initial ideas that will bring them a step closer to self-employment. Over the next few months, they will concretise their ideas. "In Witten, we learn to think like entrepreneurs - not just from the textbook, but also through real experience," says Charlotte Peter, scholarship holder and student at UW/H. "EXIST Women complements this perfectly. "EXIST Women complements this perfectly: with role models who encourage me and a network that accompanies me on my way."

The UW/H integrates the project into an ideal context for promoting entrepreneurship. Small seminar groups with a maximum of 25 participants enable interactive teaching formats and intensive learning communities. The personal exchange between lecturers and students characterises everyday life. Practical content relating to innovation, responsibility and leadership combines entrepreneurial thinking with a desire to shape society - which is why numerous graduates and graduates find their way into self-employment after completing their studies in Witten.