GUIDE - Coaching
Does your research hold the potential for an innovative product?
Would you like to start your own business while studying?
Do you have an idea and want to see if it is ready for launch?
GUIDE offers targeted coaching and training at every stage of the start-up process to anyone interested in founding a business at the University of Duisburg-Essen and Essen University Hospital environment. This also includes support in applying for funding (e.g., EXIST start-up grant and EXIST research transfer*). It doesn't matter whether you come to us as an individual or a team, whether you are still looking for partners or would like to evaluate your idea first.
Getting started with the coaching process
An informative, confidential initial consultation is possible at any time and provides the best basis for clarifying your specific needs and offering you optimal support on this basis.
A start-up coach will then take over as your contact person and accompany you through the start-up process, acting as a sparring partner and working with you to determine which GUIDE services will best support your project.
Create a start-up roadmap
We consider each start-up path individually. There is no fixed roadmap, but of course there are a number of stops that are usually made during the course of a start-up. Perhaps you have already made some of them on your own, while others are still to come or are not relevant to you. If you would like a roadmap, we will be happy to create one in consultation with you. It is a helpful tool that supports you in your start-up project, can be dynamically adapted, and does not represent a rigid structure.
Simply make an appointment for an initial consultation and get your project off the ground!
Our FAQs also answer initial questions about GUIDE's services.
Depending on individual needs, we refer to experienced partners from our network
Formalities for setting up a business
Advice on start-up formalities such as business management aspects and the legal forms available is provided by the contact persons at the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in the UDE locations of Duisburg and Essen. The GUIDE start-up coaches are happy to assist with the preparation of the necessary documents.
Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr, and Oberhausen
IHK Essen
Am Waldthausenpark 2
45127 Essen
Lower Rhine Chamber of Industry and Commerce Duisburg-Wesel-Kleve in Duisburg
IHK Niederrhein
Mercatorstraße 22–24
47051 Duisburg
Established companies
GUIDE can only provide limited support to companies that have already been established. In such cases, we refer you to our colleagues at the economic development agencies in Duisburg and Essen.
Duisburg Business & Innovation
Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH
Calaisplatz 5
D-47051 Duisburg
https://www.duisburg-business.de
Essener Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbh
EWG – Essener Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH
Kennedyplatz 5
45127 Essen
Artists and Creative Professionals
For students and professionals in many creative industries such as architecture, publishing, art, design, film, music, media, software/games, and advertising, the opportunity to become self-employed or start their own business is a good career option. In addition to the GUIDE coaches, the team at our partner KURTI is a good point of contact to help you prepare for this step.
KURTI
What is KURTI?
- Team KURTI works at the central advice center for artists and creative professionals on behalf of Essen City Council.
- KURTI offers a platform for anyone who works or wants to work in the cultural and creative industries.
- KURTI supports you with advice, tailor-made training opportunities, and exciting events to help you realize your potential.
What does KURTI offer?
- The team provides free individual consultations on all aspects of starting a business and self-employment.
- Whether your project is still in its infancy or you already have concrete plans, the KURTI team will listen to you, identify your needs, and help you take the right steps.
- KURTI helps you find the right funding and support opportunities within its network of more than 20 partners from the worlds of business, culture, education, and urban development.
- This covers topics such as brainstorming or fleshing out your start-up idea, creating business plans, financing, choosing the right legal form, cost-effective marketing, and customer acquisition.
- KURTI accompanies you every step of the way through the start-up and growth process.
- The team establishes contacts with potential clients.
- It helps you network with other cultural and creative professionals and learn from their experiences.
- KURTI regularly organizes free events, such as the annual networking event KURTI Vol., for exchange, inspiration, and networking.
- There are also collaborative events for professional development, such as the Start-up Workshop, Creative Founders Day, and Start Art Days Essen, which provide valuable knowledge and practical tips. These formats are also free of charge.
- At https://kurti-essen.de/profile/, you can create your own profile free of charge to network with other creative minds, present a project, and find cooperation partners.
Team KURTI
Mail: kontakt@kurti-essen.de
Tel.: 0201-8888-442
Pferdemarkt 6
45127 Essen
* We inform alumni of the University of Duisburg-Essen or the medical faculty at Essen University Hospital, regardless of their current status, about the funding programs in a non-binding initial appointment and support them with selected offers for the duration of this funding if they are approved for funding.