exist Women for Female Founders at HSO

A program that supports women in starting their own businesses is being offered for the first time at Hochschule Offenburg; the Startup Office is coordinating the program.

21.01.2026 · News

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© exist by BMWE

Starting in March 2026, fifteen women from Hochschule Offenburg will be able to participate in exist Women, a support program run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). They will benefit from comprehensive training, individual coaching, mentoring, and an exclusive network. Up to ten women will also receive a lump-sum grant of up to 2,000 euros. Five participants are eligible for a three-month scholarship of up to 9,000 euros.

Key facts at a glance:

  • The application period is currently open. The application deadline is March 1, 2026.

  • The project begins on March 15, 2026 (the scholarship payment period is determined on an individual basis and may also take place later in the year).

  • Eligible applicants include female graduates, female researchers, female students (who have completed at least half of their bachelor's degree coursework), and women with a vocational degree who have a connection to Hochschule Offenburg.

  • You can submit an application even if you don’t yet have a specific startup idea. When awarding the grants, we focus primarily on your motivation, creativity, personality, and innovative spirit.

  • exist Women supports ideas from all divisions and industries—from high-tech and services to social innovations.

  • It is important that you have not yet established a corporation or commenced business operations before the start of the program.

Your Benefits

Twelve-Month Support Program

Starting in March 2026, you’ll begin a diverse core program featuring several mandatory and optional thematic modules. In workshops such as “Entrepreneurial Empowerment” and “Unconscious Bias,” you’ll build your self-confidence, reflect on your resources, and learn to overcome structural barriers. Supplementary crash courses will help you specialize in key areas such as financing, pitch techniques, and negotiation training.

In addition, startup support programs will provide you with practical knowledge on key startup topics. Optionally, you can also participate in programs offered by the University of Freiburg, such as the “Bridge-the-Gap” series, which covers additional important (women-specific) topics. We also offer networking events where you can specialize in your connections with other female founders.

Optional Financial Support

You can apply for a three-month scholarship:

  • 1,000 euros/month for female students in the second half of their degree program

  • 2,000 euros per month for women with a vocational degree

  • 2,500 euros/month for graduates

  • 3,000 euros per month for female researchers with a Ph.D.

You cannot receive any other funding concurrently during the three-month scholarship period. However, subsequent funding—such as through the EXIST startup grant—is possible if the eligibility requirements are met. To qualify for the scholarship, you must either have no income or work no more than 20 hours per week.

Grant for Material Expenses
In addition to the fellowship, you may receive up to 2,000 euros from exist Women to cover project-related expenses—such as travel costs, event participation, or coaching sessions.

Mentoring and Networking
You’ll be supported by experienced female experts and benefit from their knowledge. At the same time, you’ll become part of an exclusive network where you can exchange ideas with other participants, learn from one another, and develop new perspectives.

You can submit your application for exist Women through March 1, 2026 (inclusive).

The pitching event for applicants will take place in mid-March.

For more information about exist Women, visit exist Women - exist

Questions can be directed to julia.reichwein@hs-offenburg.de