FoundHERs Academy @ Viadrina

FoundHERs Academy @ Viadrina

FoundHersAcademy

The FoundHERs Academy is an innovative support programme as part of EXIST Women, which was specially developed for women interested in starting a business in the pre-start-up phase. The aim is to provide participants with intensive support from brainstorming to the development of a viable business model.

Individual mentoring & practical workshops

The focus is on personal mentoring by experienced female founders as well as practice-oriented workshops and coaching on relevant topics such as artificial intelligence, personal branding and female leadership. Participants also benefit from a strong network of experts, entrepreneurs and funding organisations.

Financial support

Each participant receives one-off funds in kind totalling 2,000 euros. It is also possible to apply for a three-month scholarship - the amount depends on the educational qualification.

Empowerment & networking

The FoundHERs Academy strengthens women in their entrepreneurial role through empowerment, knowledge transfer and networking. In a protected space, ideas can grow and entrepreneurial self-confidence can be built up in a targeted manner.

Kickoff FoundHers Academy

Organisational matters

Who is the programme suitable for?
  • Students: of all disciplines who have completed at least half of their studies.
  • Graduates: with a university degree or professional qualification.
  • Women scientists: who would like to use their expertise in an entrepreneurial context.
  • Professional women: with an innovative business idea or the desire to develop one.

Your location or year of graduation doesn't matter - what matters is your motivation!

  • No income or a maximum of 20 hours of work per week during the scholarship period
  • A simultaneous combination of the EXIST Women's Scholarship with another funding programme or payments to finance living expenses such as BAföG, unemployment benefit, citizens' allowance from the Federal Employment Agency or parental allowance is not possible.

Good to know: Participation in the programme is also possible without the scholarship.

How to apply

1. prepare your application documents

  • Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
  • Short presentation (either as PDF or video, max. 5 minutes)

2. submit your application

Submit your documents by 10 February 2025 via our online portal.

3. selection procedure

  • Pre-review of the documents by our team
  • Invitation to a personal interview and pitch presentation

4. announcement

The selected participants will be notified by the beginning of March 2025.

Apply now!

Are you interested? Then apply here! (Application deadline: 10 February 2025)

You can find detailed step-by-step instructions and further information on the application criteria in our "How to apply" documents.

If you have any questions, we recommend the FAQ's from EXIST Women.

The programme is divided into several phases

Preparatory phase (Jan-Feb 2025)

  • Application and selection of participants
  • Matching with mentors

Kick-off and orientation (March 2025)

  • Start of the programme with a Lego Serious Play workshop
  • Networking events and introduction to the content

Skill building (April-August 2025)

  • Workshops and webinars on topics such as "Networking like a woman" and "AI made easy"
  • Individual coaching and feedback

Business development (Sept-Nov 2025)

  • Work in fixed groups (Women Circles) on business ideas
  • Intensive coaching and preparation of the final presentation

Final phase (Nov-Dec 2025)

  • Presentation of the results and individual feedback
  • Networking dinner and connection to alumni networks

  • Participation in all Skill Building Seminars
  • Participation in the kick-off event and the closing event
  • Active participation in individual counselling and exchange with a mentor
  • Development and presentation of your own start-up idea and the results achieved in a concise one-pager at the end of the programme
  • No obligation to found a company; the company can be founded during the 12-month qualification phase, a subsequent funding programme or at a later date

FoundHers Academy

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