Start-up advice for your idea
Do you have an idea and want to find out if it has potential? We’ll support you every step of the way – from your initial thoughts to a fully developed business model.
Our start-up consultancy offers guidance, honest feedback and concrete next steps for your project. You don’t need to bring a finished business plan. An initial thought, a question or a problem you’d like to solve is enough.
How we can support you
Our start-up consultancy offers personalised support tailored to your project. Together, we’ll examine your idea, refine your business model and help you plan the next steps clearly.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting started or are already working on putting your plan into action.
We can help you with, amongst other things:
- further developing your business idea
- spinning off from academia
- developing a viable business model
- drawing up a business plan
- questions regarding funding and grant opportunities
- applying for funding schemes such as exist
- market and target group analyses
- preparing for self-employment
- building a network of experts, mentors and fellow founders
Personal. Practical. Straightforward.
That’s exactly how we support you. With honest feedback, fresh ideas and the support you need to turn your initial idea into a viable business venture.
Whether you’re starting a business on your own or as part of a team, we’ll guide you every step of the way and help you find the right path for your start-up.
Who is the start-up advisory service suitable for?
Whether you’re just getting started or already making more concrete plans, our advisory service supports you at various stages of your start-up journey. You can make use of the service as a student, researcher, staff member, alumnus, founder or early-stage start-up team.
This consultation is suitable for you if you:
- want to discuss an initial idea,
- want to assess whether your idea has potential,
- want to develop a business model,
- want to put research findings into practice,
- are looking for funding opportunities,
- need help with a business plan,
- want to expand your team or network,
- are preparing for self-employment, a pitch or a competition.
Support for every stage of setting up a business
Every business starts from a different point. That’s why we support you exactly where you are right now – from the initial planning stage right through to implementation.
Getting started
Want to find out if starting a business is right for you? Initial consultations, inspirational events and an introduction to the basics of starting a business will help you get started.
Developing your idea
Do you have an initial idea? Workshops, feedback sessions and advice will help you clarify your problem, target audience and solution.
Validation
Want to check whether your idea is viable? Then we’ll look at the market, target audience, value proposition, business model and initial testing.
Implementation
Ready to take the next steps? Then we’ll support you with your business plan, funding programmes, pitch, networking and practical implementation steps.
How the initial consultation works
The first meeting is all about getting to know you and your plans. We’ll discuss where you’re at right now, what questions you have, and what the next steps should be. After the meeting, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to proceed and what kind of support would be most helpful for you.
Typical topics covered in the initial consultation are:
- What is your idea?
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- Who is your solution intended for?
- What do you need next?
- What services, contacts or funding opportunities might be suitable?
Your next step
Would you like to develop your idea further, or do you have specific questions? If so, why not have a look at our team of advisersto see who might be the right person to contact?
The team at your location
Would you like to speak directly to the right contact person at your university? Our team in Freiburg, Furtwangen and Offenburg is here to help and guide you through the next steps.
FAQs
What kinds of issues can I discuss during a start-up consultation?
During a start-up 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 are. Typical topics include your target audience, value proposition, market potential, business model, team, funding, grant schemes, and relevant events or networking contacts.
Can I book a consultation even if I don’t have any prior knowledge?
Yes. The consultation is also suitable for people who have no prior knowledge of starting a business. You don’t need to bring a business plan, a presentation or a fully developed concept. It’s enough if you’re interested in starting a business or would like to discuss an initial idea.
Does the advisory service also provide support with funding schemes?
Yes. The consultation can help you better understand the relevant funding schemes and assess what the next steps should be. These may include, for example, exist programmes, regional funding opportunities, competitions or other support schemes. Which funding option is most suitable depends on the project’s stage, the team, the level of innovation and the link to higher education.
Is the start-up advice free of charge?
Yes, absolutely! We know that starting out as a self-employed person comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why we’ll support you through your start-up phase free of charge. We’re happy to invest in your entrepreneurial spirit and your ideas!