Female Founders: Raising the profile of and empowering female founders
More female founders*, more visibility, more courage: we’re clearing away obstacles and creating space for female founders. We empower women* who are starting businesses, leading them, and bringing their entrepreneurial vision to life with all their might. Together, we’re building a network that not only supports, but also inspires and motivates.
The same applies here: you don’t need to have a fully formed business model. What matters is that you’re keen to develop your ideas further, discover new perspectives and take your next step.
Why female founders matter
Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives. And this is precisely where there is still much to be done: it is time for women in the start-up world, in leadership roles and in innovative start-ups to be the rule rather than the exception.
Schwarzwälder Gründergeist aims to tackle this head-on. We support women interested in starting a business in developing their ideas, building self-confidence, utilising networks and forging their own paths in start-ups, self-employment or leadership.
It’s all about visibility, courage and exchange.
Our programmes for female founders
Our programmes for female founders are aimed at women who are interested in starting a business, becoming self-employed or developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
You can take part if you:
- don’t yet have a specific idea,
- want to develop an initial idea further,
- are self-employed or want to become self-employed,
- want to take on leadership responsibilities,
- are founding or co-founding a start-up,
- want to exchange ideas with other women,
- are looking for role models and new perspectives.
For women interested in starting a business, self-employed women, and women in leadership roles
The “Bridge the Gap” event series is aimed at women interested in starting a business, self-employed women, and women in leadership roles – and anyone who aspires to be one.
The format provides a space for exchange, personal development, entrepreneurial thinking and mutual support. It’s not just about ready-made business models, but also about courage, clarity and taking the next step.
Bridge the Gap helps you strengthen your role as a founder, self-employed professional or leader, and connect with other women* from academia, business and the start-up ecosystem.
View Bridge the Gap
Role models, exchange and networking
You cannot be what you don’t see – that’s why we create platforms where female founders, self-employed women, female researchers, female entrepreneurs and female leaders can share their experiences.
It’s all about real insights:
- How does a business idea come about?
- How do I deal with uncertainty?
- How do I build my network?
- How do I talk about my idea?
- How do I build self-confidence as a female founder or leader?
Exchanging ideas with others can help you see your own path more clearly and move forward with greater courage. After all, most female founders face similar challenges to yours. Realising this can help you continue on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
Discover networking events
exist-Women – your path to entrepreneurial freedom
EXIST-Women is a support programme run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) that provides targeted guidance on your journey to self-employment and offers space for your vision and growth.
Participants* are supported through comprehensive training, individual coaching and mentoring. Here you will find not only professional support, but also an exclusive network of like-minded people.
To help you get started, financial support is available every year. The 2026 funding rounds are being offered at the University of Freiburg and Offenburg University of Applied Sciences.
Are you interested and would like to take part in 2027? Then please contact Dr. Frauke Lorenzen directly in Freiburg and Julia Reichwein in Offenburg; they coordinate the funding programmes there respectively.
Do I already have to be a founder?
No. You can take part if you’re just starting out, want to test an idea, or are simply interested in entrepreneurship. Female Founder initiatives are deliberately designed to be accessible and open to people in all stages of their journey.
You’re welcome to join us if you have questions, want to get your bearings, or are looking for a safe space to develop your idea further.
Your next step as a female founder
Would you like to exchange ideas, attend a workshop or develop your idea further? Then get in touch with us. We’ll help you find the right opportunity and connect you with the right people.
Become a part of the community
FAQ
Why are there separate formats for female founders?
Quite simply: because we know that the start-up world is still a male-dominated sphere and women often have to battle against invisible barriers. We create a ‘safe space’ where you can exchange ideas without prejudice, ask bold questions and push each other forward. In our experience, women reach their full potential much more quickly in a safe environment and find the courage to pursue their own ideas. This is the space to grow, experiment and become stronger together
What support is available for women interested in starting a business?
Workshops, networking events, mentoring, talks with role models, advice and special discussion forums. These initiatives help participants to build confidence, ask questions openly, meet role models and plan concrete next steps for starting their own business.
Do I have to be a founder to take part?
No. Initiatives aimed at female founders can also be of interest to women who are simply exploring their options, testing an idea or looking to exchange ideas with others. The aim is not only to support existing start-ups, but also to encourage women to consider entrepreneurship as a potential career or academic path.
What exactly do you offer?
Female Founders at Schwarzwälder Gründergeist supports women, female founders, the self-employed and female leaders in south-west Baden-Württemberg who are interested in starting a business. We offer networking opportunities, workshops, role models, networking events and advice for women who want to develop their ideas further, start a business or take on entrepreneurial responsibilities.