Support services

Initial consultation

Do you have questions about your business idea? Would you like to get an overview and find out about support offers and funding opportunities? You want to hear our opinion about your idea? Would you like some guidance on how to structure the start-up process and which steps you should take next?

Please, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We will schedule a meeting and support you with your request.

From the idea to the sustainable business model

You have a business idea but are still working on a convincing business model: To whom should which product be offered? What does the market look like? And how can you sell it profitably? What do you need for production?

We work with you on a viable business model and thus create the central prerequisite for getting down to practical implementation.

Start-up knowledge and entrepreneurial qualification

The educational offerings of the K1-Startup Service provide practical knowledge on entrepreneurial topics and decision-making processes. The events benefit from the expertise of experienced speakers from the business world and economic advisory professions, offering valuable insights into real-world practice. The focus is on developing entrepreneurial skills that are essential for future leaders, company founders, and decision-makers in public administration with economic relevance. The program is aimed at anyone seeking a solid foundation for addressing economic challenges.

The following educational offerings can be found in FriedolinExternal link, where you can also register for the courses. The courses are taught in German.

• Entrepreneurship basics: Lecture on Economic Competence, Business Administration, Financial Planning for Business Plans using Professional Software
• Expert Knowledge on entrepreneurship: Lecture on Startup Management and Financial Planning, Lecture on Management of Business Development, Case Study Seminar on Financial Statement Preparation and Business Planning, Case Study Seminar on Company Formation
• Career-Oriented Courses (a selection): Legal and Entrepreneurial Fundamentals of Outpatient Medical Practice (Module 5 AoM), Career-Oriented Corporate Taxation

As part of the Thuringian university start-up network (Thüringer Hochschulgründungsnetzwerk) StarTH, we would like to draw your attention to the free monthly online StarTH-now workshop seriesExternal link.

Rooms and infrastructure

A business idea needs a space and a stimulating environment in which it can develop further. At K1-Startup Service you will find both:

• free, fully furnished office space with 2-3 workstations or individual coworking spaces
• uncomplicated use of the conference room for team meetings, workshops or meetings with external partners
• exchange with other founders
• intensive support by the start-up consultants in the immediate vicinity

Applications for a room or workspace and inclusion in our support package are possible at any time. Send us your idea in the form of a three-page concept outline.

Funding

Preparing a startup takes time and money. Often, a viable business model and a marketable product have yet to be developed. How can the livelihood be secured and the (product) development financed during this phase?

There are a number of government funding programs for this purpose. Particularly for very innovative start-up ideas and those that arise from research activities and require longer development times, the federal government offers extensive funding opportunities, e.g. EXIST, VIP+, GO-Bio, GO-Bio initial.

We support you in finding suitable financing options and in the application process. For innovative business ideas that are still in their early stages, the university's internal support program Next Step offers concrete financial assistance and access to additional resources. The EFIE program Empowering Females for Innovation and Entrepreneurship also supports aspiring female founders from universities and research institutions during the initial phases of implementing their entrepreneurial ventures.

Networking

Without the right connections, it won’t work. You will build and continuously expand your personal network. Benefit from our network. In a series of events, you will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other founders and meet other startup supporters, consultants, coaches, and potential investors. Alternatively, we can try to connect you directly with suitable contacts.

We support you in every phase of your entrepreneurial journey: