Start-up qualification/business model development

Establishing a business requires a viable business model. Another key factor when it comes to ensuring the success of a start-up project is the founder or the founding team. The regional pilot services and the start-up services of the universities in the federal state of Brandenburg as well as the BPW (Berlin-Brandenburg Business Plan Competition) and deGUT (German Founders' and Entrepreneurs' Days) initiatives organised by ILB and other partners offer general guidance for people wishing to start up their own business, for start-up qualification efforts and for developing business models.

Berlin-Brandenburg Business Plan Competition (BPW)

The Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW) is Germany’s largest regional start-up initiative. Its wide range of free services includes seminars, coaching and networking formats, supporting entrepreneurs on their journey from initial idea to a viable business concept. Participation is possible at any time. The best business concepts are awarded a total of more than €50,000 in prize money.

The Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg (BPW) is organized by Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) and Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB). The competition is supported by universities in Berlin and Brandenburg.

The BPW is largely financed through contributions from premium partners, partners and the organizers’ own funds. It is jointly supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Action and Europe of the State of Brandenburg, and is co-financed by the European Union.

Deutsche Gründer- und Unternehmertage (deGUT) – German Founders' and Entrepreneurs' Days

deGUT is Germany's largest trade show dedicated to starting up in business and entrepreneurship. It is held each year in October in Berlin and over a two-day period offers in-depth expertise and consultancy services regarding self-employed activity as well as intensive contacts with peers, sponsors and mentors.

deGUT is organised by Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) and Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB). The trade show is sponsored by the Senate Administration for Economics, Technology and Research of the federal state of Berlin as well as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Action and Europe of the federal state of Brandenburg through funds from the federal states and is co-financed by the European Union.