News

StartGlocal Project Transition:
Continuing Support for Entrepreneurship at Rhine-Waal University

Since April 2020, StartGlocal has been dedicated to fostering a startup culture at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. As a project within the Centre for Research, Innovation, and Transfer (ZFIT), StartGlocal has successfully supported students and staff in pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions, while creating visibility and impact across the Lower Rhine region.

With funding from the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (EXIST-Potentiale program), we have built essential resources—such as workshops, entrepreneurial guidance, and support processes—a solid foundation for startup support at the university. As the project approaches its scheduled end on 31st December 2024, we want to share what the future holds for StartGlocal.

StartGlocal: A Brand and Resource That Will Stay

One of our key achievements has been the successful establishment of StartGlocal as a recognized brand at Rhine-Waal University. We’ve built processes, know-how, and resources that will continue to support entrepreneurship long-term. StartGlocal’s mission is far from over—while the project funding is ending, StartGlocal remains a core part of the ZFIT team and will continue offering startup support with a refined focus.

We’re excited to share that Adriana Boldisova, the former project coordinator of StartGlocal, will continue her work as the Contact Person for Entrepreneurship & Transfer at ZFIT. She will work closely with the broader ZFIT team to ensure that the startup support services you’ve come to rely on are still available.

What’s Evolving?

As StartGlocal transitions, we are focusing on specializing our offerings, building on the successes of the past four years. By leveraging the processes and resources we’ve established, we can now provide more focused, high-quality support:

Streamlined services: StartGlocal will concentrate on first-level startup support, providing guidance on funding programs, startup grants, and entrepreneurial coaching.
Collaboration within ZFIT: The combined expertise of StartGlocal and the ZFIT team will continue to provide comprehensive startup support across the university.

This evolution is an opportunity to further enhance the impact of our services by ensuring they are tailored to the most pressing needs of our entrepreneurial community.

What Stays the Same?

Despite these changes, the essential support that has helped many startups thrive will continue:

First-level entrepreneurship coaching and guidance: We will remain available for personalized advice and first-level support, helping students and staff navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.
Workshops and events: We will still host a select number of impactful workshops and events designed to inspire and guide future entrepreneurs.
Funding support: Our focus on helping startups access funding programs and startup grants remains unchanged, providing essential resources for early-stage entrepreneurs.

By concentrating on these core areas, we can deliver more impactful, high-quality support and ensure that entrepreneurship continues to thrive at Rhine-Waal University. 

Looking Ahead: Focus on Partnerships and Growth

As we move forward, we are also developing partnerships for second-level support, with a focus on creating impactful, sustainable startup ecosystems. Our goal is to foster innovation that not only succeeds but also contributes meaningfully to society and the environment.

While the StartGlocal project in its current form is concluding, we are actively exploring new opportunities and funding possibilities that could allow us to further expand our services in the future. We will keep our community informed as these possibilities develop.

Gratitude and Recognition

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported StartGlocal over the past four years—our partners, students, staff, and the wider community. Your contributions and engagement have been vital in building a strong, vibrant startup culture at the university, and we are proud of all that we have achieved together.

Special recognition goes to the many startups that have benefited from our coaching and support. We celebrate your successes and look forward to continued collaboration as you grow and make an impact.

Continuing the Journey Together

As we enter this new phase, we encourage everyone to stay connected with StartGlocal. The brand remains, the mission continues, and the support you’ve come to rely on will still be here—enhanced by our deeper integration with the ZFIT team. Follow us for updates on workshops, resources, and future opportunities, as we continue to support your entrepreneurial journeys.

Together, we will build on the successes of StartGlocal, focusing on impact, sustainability, and innovation for the future.

StartGlocal | 14.11.2024

KEY EVENTS

Tax Advice for Future Founders (18.11.2024 | Kleve)
Tax advisor Marie-Christin Remy will cover legal structures and tax obligations, helping participants navigate the financial aspects of starting a business. An open Q&A session will follow.

AI for Entrepreneurs Workshop (19.11.2024 | Kleve)
Led by Elvis Melia, this full-day workshop will explore how AI can support start-ups, with hands-on experience in AI tools and strategies for business growth.

Building Sustainable Business Models (20.11.2024 | Online)
Dr.-Ing. Erik Steinhöfel, co-founder of Aiōn Sustainability Solutions, will provide practical and theoretical insights into creating sustainable, impact-driven business models.

Student Start-up Showcase (21.11.2024 | Kamp-Lintfort)
Students from the International Business Administration program will present their business ideas, receiving feedback from an expert panel. Attendees can network with the teams and experts.