EXIST Women Scholarship Program – Support opportunity for women with entrepreneurial intention!

Are you passionate about entrepreneurship or already have an innovative business idea? EXIST Women Scholarship is your opportunity to lay the foundation for your future! You will get various support that can help you take the steps to realize your business, such as participation in different workshops, individual coaching, monetary support, connection with mentors and a vast network of fellow entrepreneurs!

What is EXIST Women?

EXIST Women is an initiative by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, BMWK) that encourages women to embark on the path to entrepreneurial self-employment. With the support of the University of Mannheim, participants are guided on their journey to founding a business.

Who can apply?

EXIST Women is designed to support women from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including:

Graduates
Researchers
Students who have completed at least half of their coursework
Women with vocational qualifications

Applications are welcome – regardless of whether you have already developed a concrete business idea or not. What matters most are your motivation, creativity, and innovative spirit – the key qualifications for entrepreneurial success. No prior knowledge is required. The funding is open to all topics and technologies.

What is offered?

EXIST Women offers a support program lasting up to 12 months to help you develop the skills necessary for a successful startup. The support offered is as follows:

Workshops and Events: Participants will have access to workshops on essential entrepreneurial skills such as business model development, financing, and pitch training, as well as various events designed to support their growth.
Networks: Participants gain access to valuable networks from both the University of Mannheim and the EXIST Women community, providing support and opportunities to advance their entrepreneurial journey.
Mentoring: Participants will receive guidance from experts, and they will be matched with mentors whose expertise aligns with their specific needs.
Financial Support: A one-time €2,000 grant to cover essential project costs, such as travel, coaching, or event participation, as well as financial support for a maximum of three months ranging from 1,000 € to 3,000 € per month to cover living expenses.

How can I apply?

Interested? If you are interested in participating in the EXIST Women program, please contact us via email (info@mcei.de) by February 28, 2025. We will then inform you about the next steps regarding the application.

You can find more about the program here: https://www.exist.de/EXIST/Navigation/EN/Start-upFunding/EXIST-WOMEN/exist-women.html