Frequently Asked Questions

The "Schwarzwälder Gründergeist" is a cross-university initiative aimed at promoting startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship in southwestern Baden-Württemberg. The initiative involves the University of Freiburg, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, and Furtwangen University. Together, they support students, researchers, staff, alumni, and those interested in starting a business every step of the way, from the initial idea to its implementation.

The Schwarzwälder Gründergeist is aimed at anyone interested in starting a business: students, doctoral candidates, researchers, employees, alumni, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage startup teams. Even those without a specific business idea are welcome to participate if they’re looking for inspiration, want to build their knowledge, or are ready to take their first steps toward entrepreneurship.

The Black Forest Startup Spirit is a cross-university startup and innovation hub in southwestern Baden-Württemberg. The initiative brings together the University of Freiburg, Furtwangen University, and Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, and supports students, researchers, staff, alumni, and those interested in starting a business by providing advice, events, programs, and access to networks.

The initiative was launched to strengthen the startup culture at universities, better coordinate existing support services, and raise awareness of the region’s startup potential. The goal is to further develop Freiburg, Offenburg, Furtwangen, and the southwestern Black Forest into a vibrant hub for startups and innovation.

Yes. The programs can cover various stages: from initial inspiration, through the development and testing of an idea, to the creation of a business model, guidance on funding opportunities, or preparation for pitches and competitions. This means that both newcomers and more experienced teams can find the support they need.

No. You can still participate even if you don’t have a fully developed business idea yet. Many programs help you identify your initial interests, recognize challenges, develop ideas, and determine whether entrepreneurship is right for you. If you already have an idea or a team, you’ll find further support for validation, business model development, funding, and implementation.

During a startup consultation, we’ll work together to assess where you currently stand, what idea or problem you want to tackle, and what the next logical steps should be. Typical topics include target audience, value proposition, market potential, business model, team, financing, grant programs, and relevant events or networking opportunities.

During a startup consultation, we’ll work together to assess where you currently stand, what idea or problem you’d like to tackle, and what the next logical steps should be. Typical topics include target audience, value proposition, market potential, business model, team, financing, grant programs, and relevant events or networking opportunities.

Yes. This consultation is also suitable for people who don't yet have any experience with starting a business. You don't need to bring a business plan, a presentation, or a fully developed concept. All you need is an interest in starting a business or a basic idea you'd like to discuss.

Yes. Consulting can help you better understand the available funding programs and assess what steps to take next. These may include, for example, exist programs, regional funding opportunities, competitions, or other support services. The specific funding that is right for you depends on the project’s stage, the team, the level of innovation, and the university’s involvement.

The startup advisory service is designed to be an accessible support option for those interested in starting a business. The website should clearly indicate which advisory sessions, workshops, or programs are free of charge and whether there are any special programs with different eligibility requirements.

The Schwarzwälder Gründergeist offers events focused on startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These include workshops, lectures, networking events, pitch events, competitions, programs for female founders, and thematic sessions on business models, financing, leadership, and market entry.

The Black Forest Startup Spirit offers guidance, consulting, workshops, events, competitions, networking opportunities, and programs to help develop business ideas. These include offerings related to ideation, business model development, financing, grant programs, pitching, team building, and market entry. Some of these offerings are organized across universities, while others take place at the participating locations.

During a startup consultation, we’ll work together to assess where you currently stand, what idea or problem you want to tackle, and what the next logical steps should be. Typical topics include target audience, value proposition, market potential, business model, team, financing, grant programs, and relevant events or networking opportunities.

During a startup consultation, we’ll work together to assess where you currently stand, what idea or problem you’d like to tackle, and what the next logical steps should be. Typical topics include target audience, value proposition, market potential, business model, team, financing, grant programs, and relevant events or networking opportunities.

Yes. This consultation is also suitable for people who don’t yet have any experience with starting a business. You don’t need to bring a business plan, a presentation, or a fully developed concept. All you need is an interest in starting a business or a basic idea you’d like to discuss.

Yes. Consulting can help you better understand the available funding programs and assess what steps to take next. These may include, for example, exist programs, regional funding opportunities, competitions, or other support services. The specific funding that is right for you depends on the project’s stage, the team, the level of innovation, and the university’s involvement.