One focus of the Bonn Economic Development Agency is to provide personal, competent and free advice for start-ups. Those interested in setting up a business first receive information on how to draw up a business plan and templates for financial plans. In personal meetings, advice is then given on topics such as market analysis, pricing, start-up formalities, funding opportunities and insurance. In 2023, a total of 132 start-up projects received individual support. In addition, “statements on economic viability” were issued for submission to the employment agency or job center. Over 1,000 people interested in starting a business were reached at events, workshops and cooperation projects.
BonnProfits Start Up Services
BonnProfits is a start-up initiative of the Bonn Economic Development Agency and Sparkasse KölnBonn. Since 2009, BonnProfits has been supporting talented people on their path to self-employment, particularly in the knowledge-intensive areas of IT, communication and technology in Bonn. The service is aimed at the self-employed, freelancers, tradespeople and innovative start-ups.
BonnProfits offers comprehensive information, advice and events tailored to the needs of start-ups. The offers include:
- Workshops, lectures and training events
- Office space in the Innovation and Start-up Center (IGZ)
- Individual start-up and financing advice
The aim of BonnProfits is to activate the start-up potential in Bonn, promote knowledge-intensive services and increase the self-employment rate of women
In 2021, there were the following activities of BonnProfits Start Up Services:
Innovation and Start-up Centre (IGZ)
Since its opening in January 2011, the BonnProfits innovation and start-up center at Godesberger Allee 139 in Bonn has become an important address for start-ups with know-how. The high-quality and affordable office space in a central location has so far offered 80 companies the best conditions for a successful start. A healthy mix of sectors from the field of knowledge-intensive services as well as a comprehensive range of consulting services and events continue to make the IGZ highly attractive for start-ups.
Workshop series "Expanding competencies"
With six half-day workshops, the fully booked workshop series is aimed specifically at female founders and entrepreneurs. With topics such as defining the individual company profile and target groups, as well as optimizing the personal and corporate image, participants who are at the beginning of their self-employment or entrepreneurs who are realigning themselves are addressed. The workshops also serve as a networking opportunity for female entrepreneurs.
Regional cooperation
The Economic Development Agency is a member of the BonnRhein-Sieg start-up network, which was founded to implement the NRW Gründerstipendium.NRW funding program. A representative of the start-up team took part in the five meetings held in 2021 as a jury member with voting rights.
Cooperation with the University of Bonn
The cooperation with the university will be continued on an ongoing basis. Brief advice on self-employment as part of the Careers Day, the lecture “From university to self-employment - The little 1 x 1 of freelancing” and the BonnProfits talk “Start up your business in Bonn” took place as part of the Dies Academicus. The Bonn Economic Development Agency continued to be involved in the jury for the study module “Business start-ups in agricultural and nutritional science”.
BonnProfits Presentation Workshop
In these one-day workshops, entrepreneurs work on their convincing short presentations under the guidance of coaches and in a small group. Three times in 2021, the Economic Development Agency, together with Sparkasse KölnBonn, and the University of Bonn provided a coach and worked with eight start-up personalities for a day on their appearance and company presentation.
Offers for female founders
To increase the proportion of women among the self-employed, the range of services is being expanded to include additional formats.
Exchange of experience for female founders
Women in the start-up and development phase use the monthly exchange of experiences as a platform for presenting their business ideas and exchanging information on topics relevant to start-ups. Between 15 and 25 women in the start-up and development phase of their business take advantage of this offer.
Consultant Network/Founders' Days
The aim of the Bonn/Rhine-Sieg Women's Advisory Network, which has been in existence for more than 20 years, is to increase the proportion of women involved in start-ups (currently 40%). As an association of experts from institutions and self-employed female consultants, it supports women in setting up and developing their businesses and draws the attention of the public to female entrepreneurs. As in previous years, the network organized two (hybrid) events with specialist lectures, a panel discussion and short topic-related consultations.
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