© Богдан Маліцький – stock.adobe.com
© jackfrog – stock.adobe.com
© contrastwerkstatt – stock.adobe.com
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Our latest events for you
How we support you
Information dissemination
We’ll support you as you take your first steps towards self-employment with a roadmap and essential resources. These include brochures, fact sheets, digital tools and platforms, as well as information on relevant events.
Personalised advice
We’ll assess your business idea, offer advice on drawing up your business plan, and advise you on business structures, financing, and funding schemes and grants. We’ll also evaluate the viability of your concept, discuss your financing plan, and prepare you for your meeting with the bank.
Coaching
Even after you’ve started your own business, we’ll be happy to support you with a number of follow-up consultations to help your business grow.
Mentoring
As a mentee, you can benefit from the personal and professional experience of mentors in your local area. Get in touch with us at the STARTERCENTER NRW to find out how we can help you make the right connections.
Networking
Take advantage of the many start-up events, both large and small, and expand your network at tailored networking events. Find out about the various event and networking formats in your area!
Find your STARTERCENTER NRW
Your STARTERCENTER NRW
Here you'll find the contact information for the STARTERCENTER NRW locations near you
1/74 Startercenters
© MWIKE NRW
To your colleagues, you are a technical geek.
To us, you are developing the technology that will drive the future.
Our network
#GründenNRW
You can find everything you need to start your own business all in one place on the website www.gründen.nrw. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is committed to providing entrepreneurs with the best possible conditions for starting their own business. That is why the State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy has launched #GründenNRW.
© NDABCREATIVITY – stock.adobe.com
Gründungsstipendium.NRW
The Gründungsstipendium.NRW grant from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE) gives you the opportunity to focus entirely on your start-up project and to enter the start-up scene in your region with your innovative business idea.
© Halfpoint – stock.adobe.com
NRW Hubs
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has launched the NRW Hubs initiative for technology and digital start-ups in their growth phase that also have international ambitions: six hubs, acting as central points of contact for the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia, cater to these specific needs and connect you with local large and medium-sized enterprises.
Campus Start-ups
The Campus-Start-ups website provides an overview of the start-up ecosystem at universities. Here you will find all the information on the funding schemes „Start-up Center.NRW“, „Start-up Fokuszentren.NRW“, „Start-up Transfer.NRW“, „Female Academic Entrepreneurship.NRW“ and „Exzellenz Start-up Center.NRW". The universities’ own start-up networks in North Rhine-Westphalia offer a wide range of services and exciting events at universities and universities of applied sciences.
©Start-up Center.NRW
Success stories
©NullAlkohol
Düsseldorf
|Nutrition & Food
Non-alcoholic is sexy: How NullAlkohol is rethinking the beverage market
NullAlkohol brings together non-alcoholic beverages from a wide variety of producers and makes them easily accessible through an online store. At the same time, the startup develops its own drinks that embody a modern, conscious lifestyle. Inspired by Scandinavian pioneers, founder Desiree Lex is bringing a breath of fresh air to the German market. The clear message: “Non-alcoholic is sexy.”
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© KiddyTrip
Wuppertal
|Digitalisation, Social Affairs & Education
Discovering the world through play: How KiddyTrip came about from everyday family life
With the KiddyTrip digital platform, families can rediscover their local area in a fun way – through interactive treasure hunts that get children moving, teach them new things and encourage shared experiences.
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© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Hattingen
|Nutrition & Food
From chocolate to self-employment: how a duo from Düsseldorf is embracing the sweet side of entrepreneurship
At their “Confiserie Harmonie”, master confectioners Ariane Hensch and Sven Walton use the finest seasonal ingredients to create exquisite little tarts, modern cupcakes and sophisticated small cakes. Each product, lovingly handcrafted, speaks for itself: a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
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© MWIKE NRW/Christopher Koch
Aachen
|Craftsmanship & Business Succession
Old instruments, new approach: How two young violin makers set up their own business
Judith Huppertz and Christoph Verstraeten, both qualified violin makers, set up a violin-making workshop in the centre of Aachen in November 2015. Aged 28 and 29 at the time, they are among the youngest violin makers to have already established their own workshop.
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© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Münster
|Nutrition & Food, Sustainability & Environment
From Waste to Vision: How Janis Matheja Turned Saved Food Into a Business Model
With her shop “fairTEilBAR” in Münster, Janis Matheja has created a particularly sustainable space. That’s because fairTEilBAR sells only food that is still edible but would otherwise have ended up in the trash. Customers can purchase the food based on the “pay what you think it’s worth” principle.
more
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Bielefeld
|Fashion & Lifestyle, Sustainability & Environment
Naturally Beautiful: Launching Your Own Business with Sustainable Hair Design
Using vegan and sustainable products, master hairstylist and barber Ronja Neugebauer focuses on bringing out her clients’ natural beauty. Under the motto “Authenticity: The desire to be, not to appear,” both women and men find a place at the “AuthenticHairdesignBielefeld” salon where they can take a moment to focus solely on themselves in complete peace and quiet.
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© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Dortmund
|Fashion & Lifestyle
From Corporate Life to Creativity: How Andrea Rosemann Started Her Own Fashion Label
With her fashion label, Andrea Rosemann bridges the gap between ready-to-wear sizes and custom-made pieces. Her women’s clothing, available in a variety of styles, is suitable for all occasions—from casual to business — and is manufactured in Germany.
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© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Herne
|Craftsmanship & Business Succession, Sustainability & Environment
Upcycling at a Long-Established Business: Ullrich Carpentry Reinventing Furniture
Laura and Matthias Biere run the traditional Ullrich carpentry shop in Herne. Under the motto “Old values, with a new look,” they bring customers’ furniture dreams to life. What sets their business model apart is its circular economy approach: old or damaged furniture is refurbished and, at the customer’s request, combined with high-tech materials. Here, traditional craftsmanship meets sustainable practices.
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© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Dorsten
|Craftsmanship & Business Succession, Mobility & Logistics
From Hobby to Business: How Andreas Mayer Started His Classic Car Repair Shop
Classic cars are more than just a hobby: The team at HECC—High End Classic Cars in Dorsten—is dedicated to preserving cars as cultural heritage. Founder Andreas Mayer and his team passionately restore these vintage treasures. Their collection ranges from classic cars from the 1950s to modern classics.
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© MWIKE NRW/Christopher Koch
Meerbusch
|Nutrition & Food
From Dream to Michelin Star: The Journey to Anthony’s Kitchen
In April 2015, trained chef Anthony Sarpong opened his first restaurant, which includes a cooking school, in Meerbusch. In 2017, he was even awarded a Michelin star for his culinary skills.
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© MWIKE NRW/Christopher Koch
Borgholzhausen
|Mobility & Logistics, Technology & digitalisation
Magnic Innovations: Bicycle Lights Powered by Induction
Inspired by their passion for cycling, brothers Dirk and Jörn Strothmann developed the Magnic Light System. It generates electricity through eddy current induction and illuminates the road in such a way that cyclists don’t feel any noticeable resistance while pedaling and don’t have to worry about batteries or installing lights.
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