International Female Founders

Support finder

Find the offer that suits you.

Workshops, advice, training, funding and points of contact in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, sorted by founding stage.

112 offers across MV

Local offers in MV

  • Project partnerStages: Ideation · Business Development

    Digitales Innovationszentrum Greifswald

    WITENO GmbH · Greifswald

    For: Founders and businesses that want to put digital ideas into practice

    The Digital Innovation Centre offers advice, digital coaching, learning formats, coworking and exchange with business and research, at its site by the harbour. There are also weekly Digital.Praxis drop-in hours on Wednesdays.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Ideation · Business Development

    Digitales Innovationszentrum Neubrandenburg

    Digitales Innovationszentrum Neubrandenburg · Neubrandenburg

    For: Founders, start-ups and small businesses with digital questions

    The Digital Innovation Centre offers individual coaching, open drop-in hours, workshops and coworking, plus event spaces to rent. It is run by the university of applied sciences, the city and the municipal utility company (Stadtwerke), and funded by ESF Plus and the state of MV.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Ideation · Business Development

    Digitales Innovationszentrum Schwerin

    Digitales Innovationszentrum Schwerin · Schwerin

    For: Founders and businesses with digital ideas

    The Digital Innovation Centre offers support for starting a business, drop-in hours, workshops and events on digital business models, AI skills and new ways of working. It is run by the state capital, Schwerin.

    Also in English

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Ideation · Business Development · Finale

    inspired Greifswald ideas competition with Fit2Start

    WITENO GmbH und Universität Greifswald · Greifswald

    For: Students, researchers and alumni of the University of Greifswald, staff at local institutes and anyone living in Greifswald or the Vorpommern-Greifswald district. You must not have started your business yet.

    Every year in the summer semester you submit an outline of your idea, prepared in the optional Fit2Start workshop series, where you can also find co-founders. A jury awards cash prizes and special prizes in the form of services. Coaching is available throughout the competition and afterwards, for example on your business plan and funding applications.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding

    HGWomen networking meetings

    WITENO GmbH · Greifswald

    For: Founders, self-employed women and all women in and around Greifswald who want to connect and share

    A network for women in Greifswald with regular meetings, practical workshops and talks, for example on digital tools and time management. It is about contacts, knowledge and supporting each other. You can find dates and join the mailing list on the WITENO website.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Business Development · Market

    Inno-X start-up advice Greifswald

    WITENO GmbH · Greifswald

    For: Science-based and knowledge-based start-ups, social enterprises and sustainable ventures

    Individual start-up support over several months: the business plan takes shape in conversation, and you write it. Topics: legal forms, registrations and permits, business idea, market, competition, sales and financial planning, plus help with funding applications. In person, online and by e-mail. Not a course, no fixed curriculum. You must live or have your company based in MV.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Business Development · Market · Field

    Inno-X start-up advice Schwerin

    ATI Westmecklenburg · Schwerin

    For: Science-based, technology-oriented and impact-oriented start-ups

    Individual start-up support over several months: the business plan takes shape in conversation, and you write it. Topics: legal forms, registrations and permits, business idea, market, competition, sales and financial planning, plus help with funding applications. The scope depends on your project, with no fixed number of hours. Offices, workshops and labs in the building.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Business Development · Market · Finale

    Inno-X start-up advice Warnemünde

    Technologiezentrum Warnemünde · Rostock

    For: Science-based and technology-oriented start-ups, from the idea to expansion

    Individual start-up support over several months: the business plan takes shape in conversation, and you write it, from business idea, market, competition and sales to financial planning, funding and pitch deck. Plus workshops and one-to-one coaching with external experts. Funded by ESF Plus.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Project partnerStages: Field

    Office, laboratory and production space

    WITENO GmbH · Greifswald

    For: Founders who need laboratory or production space

    Office, laboratory and production space at four sites in Greifswald: BioTechnikum, Technologiezentrum Vorpommern, Z4-Zentrum für Life Science und Plasmatechnologie and the Digitales Innovationszentrum. Coworking as well. Prices on request.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Advice for migrant women (MY TURN)

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: Migrant women who want to move forward in their careers

    Confidential one-to-one advice on your strengths, career prospects and balancing family and work. In simple German or in your native language. Also in Güstrow and Ribnitz-Damgarten.

    Also in English · Русский · العربية · فارسی / دری

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    AnQua: Recognition advice Greifswald

    genres e.V. im IQ Netzwerk MV · Greifswald

    For: People of foreign origin, regardless of gender and residence status

    Your foreign qualifications are compared with German reference occupations. You get help with the application, documents and translations, support throughout the procedure and help planning any adaptation training.

    Also in English · العربية · Polski · Русский · Українська

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    AnQua: Recognition advice Neubrandenburg

    genres e.V. im IQ Netzwerk MV · Neubrandenburg

    For: People of foreign origin, regardless of gender and residence status

    The same advice as in Greifswald, here in Neubrandenburg: checking your qualifications, making the application, understanding official decisions (Bescheide) and planning further training.

    Also in English · العربية · Polski · Русский · Українська

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Childcare guidance service

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: Parents and pregnant women with a migration background

    Help finding a childcare place (Kita) and registering, with someone to go with you to appointments and help with translation if you wish. Without childcare there is no path to starting a business, which is why this is listed here.

    Also in English · Русский · العربية · فارسی / دری

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Ideation

    Empower You course

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: Women with a migration background who want to build self-confidence and get clear about their goals

    Recognise your own strengths, set a goal and reach it. Practical exercises in communication and problem solving, plus information about jobs in the region.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Ideation

    Free initial advice

    ATI Westmecklenburg · Schwerin

    For: People interested in starting a business, and women entrepreneurs, in western Mecklenburg

    A first advice session in person in Schwerin or online. You can book an appointment by phone or through the contact form. An easy first step towards further support from Inno-X.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Ideation

    Free initial advice on starting a business

    Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Universität Rostock · Rostock

    For: Students, graduates and staff of the University of Rostock

    A first meeting on viability, market potential, business model and funding programmes, online or in person, with appointments you can book yourself. Five advisers, women and men.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    IFDM: Integrationsfachdienst Migration

    genres e.V. · Neubrandenburg

    For: People with a migration background

    The Integrationsfachdienst Migration (specialist integration service) offers career advice and support: labour market information, recognition of foreign qualifications, advice on education, referral to language and integration courses and help with job applications. Also in Greifswald.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    IFDM: Integrationsfachdienst Migration

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: People with a migration background who want to make progress with their language skills and career

    The Integrationsfachdienst Migration (specialist integration service) is a hub for initial advice and referral: career orientation, referral to language and education programmes, and coaching. Mobile advice is also available in Teterow, Bad Doberan, Güstrow, Bergen, Stralsund and Ribnitz-Damgarten.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Integration course: basic and advanced modules

    Kreisvolkshochschule Vorpommern-Rügen · Stralsund

    For: People who are entitled or required to take an integration course

    Modules of 100 teaching hours each, Monday to Friday mornings, in an accessible room. Depending on your residence status, you may be exempt from fees. Registration in person only. Naturalisation tests are also offered.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Mentoring for women

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: Women with a migration background who are looking for a woman to support them personally

    A tandem with an experienced female mentor: speaking German together, meeting up and finding your way in everyday life and at work. Two tracks: social integration and the path into work.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Residence Status

    Migration advice for adult immigrants (MBE)

    Caritas Vorpommern · Greifswald

    For: New immigrants aged 27 and over in their first three years after arrival

    Advice on integration courses, recognition of qualifications, financial help and letters from public authorities. Open drop-in hours on Tuesdays from 9 am to 12 noon, no appointment needed.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Residence Status

    Migration advice for adult immigrants (MBE)

    Caritas im Norden · Rostock

    For: People aged 27 and over who are new to Germany

    One-to-one advice on learning German, work and training, recognition of qualifications, childcare, public authorities and forms, as well as residence and family reunification. By appointment only.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Residence Status

    Migration advice Schwerin

    Diakonisches Werk MV · Schwerin

    For: New immigrants, with a focus on the first three years in Germany

    Individual support using a case management approach, from crisis intervention to helping you manage things on your own. Open hours Monday to Thursday, mornings and afternoons.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Recognition and qualification advice Rostock

    migra e.V. im IQ Netzwerk MV · Rostock

    For: People with vocational or academic qualifications gained abroad

    Advice on the recognition of foreign qualifications and on further training that leads to full recognition. No proof of language skills needed, and open to holders of any residence permit.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Recognition and qualification advice Schwerin

    VSP gGmbH im IQ Netzwerk MV · Schwerin

    For: Adults with vocational qualifications gained abroad, including those without formal proof

    Advice on recognition, plus bridging courses and coaching to prepare for the job market. Explicitly aimed at teachers, engineers, architects and skilled workers in medicine and the crafts.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Welcome Center Mecklenburgische Seenplatte

    RWI Regionale Wirtschaftsinitiative Ost M-V e.V. · Neubrandenburg

    For: People who are new to the region, and their families

    A first point of contact for arriving and staying: job search, further training, language and integration courses, housing, childcare, school and leisure. Also keeps a directory of the coworking spaces in the region.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Women's café

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: Women with a migration background who want to practise German and meet other women

    An open discussion group over coffee and tea. No particular level of German needed. There are two stages: one for getting started and one for women who are about to start work. Ask for dates by phone.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    German integration course, A1 to B1

    migra e.V. · Rostock

    For: Migrants who are entitled or required to take an integration course

    A course by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) with 700 teaching hours: 600 hours of language based on everyday situations plus a 100-hour orientation course. Also available as an intensive course with 430 hours. You may be exempt from fees.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Integration course and German as a second language

    Kreisvolkshochschule Nordwestmecklenburg · Wismar

    For: Migrants in the Nordwestmecklenburg district

    The main course and individual modules of the integration course, plus German as a second language at A2 level. Registration only in person at the Wismar office and only by appointment.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Integration courses

    TollenseAkademie / genres e.V. · Neubrandenburg

    For: People who have moved to Germany and want to learn German and about the country

    Courses licensed by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) since 2005. German plus law, culture and history, with the aim of being able to manage everyday life independently. Also offered at the Greifswald site.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Intercultural meeting place for women

    Caritas im Norden · Schwerin

    For: Refugee and migrant women and girls

    An easy-to-access, safe place to meet. It reaches women who are not reached by formal advice services. Schwerin's counterpart to the women's café in Rostock.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    International Career Service

    International Office der Universität Greifswald, Projekt FIT · Greifswald

    For: International students at the University of Greifswald looking for a part-time job or their first job after graduating

    Advice on the German job market and starting your career, with topics based on your questions. Also workshops, a check of your application documents, job offers and contacts with companies. Open office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, no registration needed.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Business Development

    Job-related language courses: German for work

    TollenseAkademie / genres e.V. · Neubrandenburg

    For: People who have moved to Germany, have basic German and need German for their job

    Preparation for the language demands of the workplace. Closes the gap between the classroom and everyday working life, and is also useful for your first conversations with customers when you are self-employed.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    German as a foreign language, A1 to C1

    Volkshochschule Rostock · Rostock

    For: People who have moved to Germany and international employees living in Rostock or the surrounding area

    Course levels from A1.1 to C1, in the evenings and alongside a job. Example B1.1: 20 sessions, 60 teaching hours, €270. Online registration only if you live in Rostock or the surrounding area.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    Integration courses and exams

    Volkshochschule Rostock · Rostock

    For: People who have moved to Germany and are entitled or obliged to attend an integration course

    General integration courses, courses for people learning a second writing system, repeat courses and the orientation course Leben in Deutschland (Life in Germany), plus the DTZ and telc exams. Fee exemption possible. Registration in person.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status

    Asylum procedure advice

    Diakonisches Werk MV · Schwerin

    For: People without a residence permit who are in the asylum procedure

    Free legal advice, support and representation during the asylum procedure. Also available in Greifswald.

    Also in English · Français

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status

    Immigration office Vorpommern-Greifswald

    Landkreis Vorpommern-Greifswald · Greifswald

    For: People with questions about residence permits, work permits and extensions

    Residence permits and settlement permits (Niederlassungserlaubnis), work permits, integration course certificates and visa extensions. Since September 2025 by prior appointment only. You can also apply online through Aufenthalt Digital.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status

    Immigration office Vorpommern-Rügen

    Landkreis Vorpommern-Rügen · Stralsund

    For: People with residence matters in the district of Vorpommern-Rügen

    The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) responsible for residence permits in Stralsund and the surrounding area. It works by appointment only, which you book online. Forms and frequently asked questions are on its website.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status

    Migrationsamt Rostock

    Hanse- und Universitätsstadt Rostock · Rostock

    For: People with questions about residence permits, employment and naturalisation

    Rostock's immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), responsible for residence permits and the entry on gainful employment. The exact wording in your permit decides whether you are allowed to start a business at all. Visits by online appointment only.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status · Founding

    Statement on the residence permit for self-employment (§ 21 AufenthG)

    IHK zu Rostock · Rostock

    For: Third-country nationals applying for a residence permit to work as self-employed

    The immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) involves the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) in the application process, and the chamber gives an expert statement. There is a separate information sheet. For other parts of MV, ask the IHK responsible for your area.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development

    Co-Founder Match

    Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Universität Rostock · Rostock

    For: People interested in starting a business who are looking for a co-founder, female or male

    A matching format run by the start-up centre: people with an idea meet people with the right skills. It adds in-person events to the Mitgründer-Börse, an online co-founder exchange.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Field

    DeveLUP: Future centre Ludwigslust-Parchim

    Landkreis Ludwigslust-Parchim · Ludwigslust

    For: Founders and young companies in the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim

    Flexible work and event spaces, advice, further training and networking events, with discounted coworking places for founders. The only contact point of its kind in the rural south-west.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Finale

    EXIST-Women Rostock

    Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Universität Rostock · Rostock

    For: Women with a link to a university; you expressly do not need a finished business idea

    Nine months of training for ten participants, possible alongside a job. €2,000 for material costs for everyone, and for five of them an additional three-month stipend of €1,000 to €3,000 plus a child supplement of €150 per child.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Finale

    EXIST-Women Stralsund

    Gründungsservice der Hochschule Stralsund · Stralsund

    For: Students, graduates and women with vocational training who have a link to the university

    At least seven sprints on roadmapping, target groups, financing, legal forms and marketing, plus coaching and mentoring. €2,000 for material costs and an optional three-month stipend, possibly with a child supplement.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding

    Free initial advice on starting a business

    IHK Neubrandenburg · Neubrandenburg

    For: People interested in starting a business in eastern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    A personal advice meeting on all questions about starting a business, with a focus on a viable business concept. Also available at the Greifswald office.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Field

    Free start-up programmes at InnovationPort

    InnovationPort Wismar · Wismar

    For: Founders and start-ups with digital or innovative projects

    Incubator and accelerator programmes, individual coaching, workshops, networking evenings and founder meet-ups. Coworking from 25 euros a day, and eight rooms to rent for 1 to 80 people in the Kruse-Speicher warehouse at the harbour.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Market

    GreifenWomen: EXIST-Women Greifswald

    Zentrum für Forschungsförderung und Transfer, Universität Greifswald · Greifswald

    For: Students, graduates and women with vocational training who have a link to the university

    Workshops on personal development, finding ideas, validation and business models, plus a female mentor, one-to-one coaching and peer coaching. €2,000 for material costs and an optional three-month stipend. The 2026 round runs until December; a new round has not yet been announced.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Finale

    inspired ideas competition

    Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Universität Rostock · Rostock

    For: Anyone interested in starting a business, including women in the crafts and people with no link to a university

    Ideas competition across MV with coaching, workshops and prizes, open to all sectors, on your own or as a team. Since 2026 there is also an audience award.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Field

    MakerPort: coaching, FabLab and coworking

    MakerPort Stralsund · Stralsund

    For: Founders who want to build something, try things out or bring an idea to life digitally

    Start-up advice, coaching, workshops and events, plus coworking, a FabLab and a 3D printing workshop. Funded by ESF Plus and the ERDF (EFRE). Also home to the women's network VRauen.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Finale

    Seminar series on entrepreneurial thinking and acting

    Robert-Schmidt-Institut, Hochschule Wismar · Wismar

    For: Students, graduates up to five years after graduating, and anyone interested in starting a business

    Six compulsory modules ranging from finding ideas to project management and marketing, plus at least ten elective sessions and one-to-one coaching. Ends with a ten-minute pitch. Runs once per semester.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Founding

    SPiNOFF: Excellence MV

    Unisphere Innovation Campus Rostock · Rostock

    For: Researchers, graduates and aspiring founders who have not yet started their business

    Free support on the way from research idea to company: patents and intellectual property rights, fundraising, business model, shareholders' agreement, coaching and mentoring. Condition: you have not yet started your company.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding

    Start-up advice, including for a side business

    IHK zu Schwerin · Schwerin

    For: Founders in western Mecklenburg, including those starting a side business

    Advice on your personal requirements, legal and formal conditions, financing and social security cover. Starting a side business is offered as a separate strand.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding

    Start-up service at Hochschule Stralsund

    Hochschule Stralsund · Stralsund

    For: Students, doctoral candidates and graduates up to about five years after graduating

    Initial advice and idea development, one-to-one coaching, funding advice including help with the application, workshops, pitch training and business plan seminars. Also freely available self-study materials and a glossary of start-up terms.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Founding · Finale

    Start-up support from the economic development agency

    Wirtschaftsförderung Mecklenburgische Seenplatte · Neubrandenburg

    For: Founders and businesses in the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district

    Support from the first idea to putting it into practice: funding, financing, dealing with public authorities, networking and business succession, including before and after the funding application.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Field

    StartUpYard: open ideas workshop

    Robert-Schmidt-Institut, Hochschule Wismar · Wismar

    For: Anyone who wants to try things out: having an idea is explicitly not required

    A makerspace with 3D printers, a laser cutter, a cutting plotter, electronics workstations and sewing machines, open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Plus Thursday workshops, the CoCreativeClub and a RepairCafé.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Market

    VRauen: network for women in tech

    MakerPort Stralsund · Stralsund

    For: Women from business, public administration, education and civil society in the Vorpommern-Rügen district

    A network without hierarchies, with two in-person meetings a year at changing venues and input on personal branding, female leadership and AI. No membership fees, no application: just come along.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development

    Ideen für Unternehmen (IfU)

    Bildungswerk der Wirtschaft an der Hochschule Stralsund · Stralsund

    For: Students at Hochschule Stralsund and start-ups and companies from across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Students work in teams with start-ups and companies on real questions, for example on digital business models, artificial intelligence, marketing or HR. The project team brings both sides together and supports them. Free for students, by arrangement for start-ups and companies.

    Also in English

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding

    Start-up advice in the craft trades

    Handwerkskammer Ostmecklenburg-Vorpommern · Rostock

    For: Founders in the craft trades in eastern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Advice structured in seven modules: preparing to start with a checklist, starting a new business or taking over an existing one, business and financial plan, funding, marketing, authorities and insurance. Also available at the Neubrandenburg office.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding · Finale

    Start-up advice in the craft trades

    Handwerkskammer Schwerin · Schwerin

    For: Founders in the craft trades, from the first idea to the meeting with the bank

    Advice on the steps to starting a business, your concept, investment and financing plans, costing, legal form and insurance. In some cases they will go with you to the bank meeting. Advice days are also held in Güstrow, Wismar, Parchim and Ludwigslust.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development

    Start-up support at the Unisphere Innovation Campus

    Unisphere Innovation Campus Rostock · Rostock

    For: Founders, start-ups and talent in Rostock

    Start-up advice, mentoring, workshops and programmes, plus coworking, event spaces and a livestream studio. The successor organisation to the Digitales Innovationszentrum Rostock.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Finale

    Business plan competition SEGEL SETZEN! NORD OST

    stapellauf NORD OST · Stralsund

    For: Students and staff of the universities in Stralsund, Neubrandenburg and Greifswald

    Structured business model development with pitch training, ending in a final held as the Night of Innovation at the Pommersches Landesmuseum in Greifswald. Most recently €20,000 in prize money. Only open to people with a link to one of these universities.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Founding

    Mentoring programme start up and fly 1+1

    IHK Neubrandenburg · Neubrandenburg

    For: Members of the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) from all sectors and business stages, not limited to women

    One-year mentoring tandems covering management, financing, marketing, staff and digitalisation. Each tandem decides how often and in what form to meet, fully online if they like. Matching is based on a questionnaire and an introductory meeting.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Market

    Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Rostock

    Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Rostock · Rostock

    For: Small and medium-sized businesses making the move to digital ways of working

    Advice and hands-on projects, free of charge, on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, IT security, data protection and digital business processes. For the step from your offer to a product that is ready to sell.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Founding

    Basic course on starting a business and numbers workshop

    kontorsieben, Yvette Dinse · Rostock

    For: Founders, business successors and self-employed people, with an explicit focus on women

    Private start-up advice in Rostock with a basic course on starting a business, a numbers workshop, an online workshop on pricing and one-to-one coaching. Helps you apply for the Bildungsscheck MV (a training voucher).

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Founding

    Basic course for founders

    ATI Westmecklenburg · Schwerin

    For: Founders in western Mecklenburg who need the required basic knowledge

    A basic course over several days in Schwerin, subsidised by the state: you pay €109 yourself. It covers the same required knowledge as the chamber seminar and is a prerequisite for several funding routes.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Founding

    Basic seminar on starting a business

    Handwerkskammer Schwerin · Schwerin

    For: People whose main residence is in MV and who want to become self-employed

    48 teaching hours in six modules: basics of self-employment, entering the market, law, financing, bookkeeping and tax. €545, or €109 of your own money with the Bildungsscheck MV (education voucher). Recognised for microloans and meetings with banks.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development

    Compact Office course: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

    Volkshochschule Rostock · Rostock

    For: People with basic Windows skills who need Office for admin work and writing quotes

    Four sessions, 32 teaching hours, €220 plus course notes. The basics of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with practical exercises and exchanging data between the programs.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Market · Founding

    Specialist seminars on starting a business

    Handwerkskammer Schwerin · Schwerin

    For: Founders who want to go deeper into specific topics

    One-day modules on sales, company law, marketing, office organisation, bookkeeping, financial controlling, tax, insurance and employment law. €65 per seminar, or €13 with a Bildungsscheck (education voucher). Up to five can be funded.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Finale

    Start-up coaching

    Handwerkskammer Schwerin · Schwerin

    For: Founders with a concrete plan who need one-to-one support

    Individual coaching on your own project, building on what you learned in the seminars. €695 plus VAT, or €139 of your own money with a Bildungsscheck (education voucher). Twice the scope for technology-oriented start-ups.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Finale

    Advice on locations and financing

    Rostock Business · Rostock

    For: Founders and companies in Rostock who want to grow or invest

    Advice on funding, financing and premises, plus introductions to regional investors, banks and the business angel network. Worthwhile from the point where investment comes into play.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market

    Enterprise Europe Network MV

    IHK zu Rostock und Partner · Rostock

    For: Small businesses and start-ups that are thinking beyond MV

    A cooperation platform for finding business partners elsewhere in Europe, plus advice on foreign markets, EU funding and innovation management. Largely free of charge, because it is funded by the European Commission.

    Also in English

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Field

    Digital Health Hub MV

    Digital Health Hub MV · Greifswald

    For: Founders with digital solutions for healthcare

    Access to the healthcare market, connections with hospitals, medical practices and other healthcare players, support for pilot projects and advice on funding. The fastest route to your first customers in healthcare.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Field

    Food product development and analysis

    ZELT — Zentrum für Ernährung und Lebensmitteltechnologie MV · Neubrandenburg

    For: Founders with a product idea in food and drink

    Analysis, sensory testing and product development in a 2,200 square metre pilot plant. The place in MV where a recipe idea becomes a product that can be legally sold and properly labelled.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Finale

    Health industry network and sector conference

    BioCon Valley GmbH · Rostock

    For: Founders with a link to the health industry, life sciences and medical technology

    The state's industry network, offering knowledge transfer, information on funding and support with internationalisation. Also the annual Nationale Branchenkonferenz Gesundheitswirtschaft (national health industry conference) in Rostock, with an evening for founders and investors and a start-up award.

    Also in English

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Finale

    MVpreneur Day

    Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Universität Rostock · Rostock

    For: Founders who want to present themselves and make new contacts

    MV's largest start-up festival, with around 600 participants on the University of Rostock campus. International panels, four themed stages, workshops and a pitch session with a jury prize and an audience award.

    Also in English

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Field

    Ocean Technology Maritime Incubator

    Forschungsverbund MV · Rostock

    For: Founders with a maritime focus, from the idea to market entry

    Coaching, prototyping, coworking and financing contacts, plus access to partners in marine technology and the maritime industry. Explicitly supports developing and testing an MVP (minimum viable product).

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Field · Finale

    Coworking, workshop spaces and conference rooms

    Technologiecampus Warnemünde · Rostock

    For: Founders who need a desk, a workshop or a venue for events

    Coworking in the Startrampe 7.0, workshops and laboratories, plus eight rooms for 10 to 220 people that can be combined. There is a nursery on campus, which for many participants is what makes taking part possible at all.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Field

    Office, laboratory and production space with incentives for founders

    Technologie- und Gewerbezentrum e.V. Schwerin/Wismar · Schwerin

    For: Founders looking for affordable first business premises

    Offices, laboratory and production space at the Schwerin, Wismar and Malchow sites, plus free business advice, secretarial services and starter packages such as furniture vouchers. Running for 36 years, with around 110 companies on site.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Field

    Office, laboratory and workshop space

    Rostocker Innovations- und Gründerzentrum · Rostock

    For: Founders and young companies looking for affordable space

    3,700 square metres of office, laboratory, workshop and storage space in Rostock's Südstadt district, flexible and affordable, with meeting rooms and good transport links. Since 1991.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding · Finale

    Consultation days on insurance, financing and business succession

    IHK zu Rostock · Rostock

    For: Founders with one specific question

    Free one-to-one meetings on a fixed schedule: insurance on the first Tuesday, financing on the second and business succession on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Book through the events calendar.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding

    Registration in the Register of Crafts (Handwerksrolle)

    Handwerkskammer Ostmecklenburg-Vorpommern · Rostock

    For: Founders in one of the 145 craft trades

    A formal registration step before your business starts operating. In the first four years you pay reduced contributions if your trade profit stays below €25,000. If your qualifications are from a non-EU country, clarify the recognition of your qualifications first.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Finale

    Female Founders Contest: MV semi-final

    Business Angels Club Berlin-Brandenburg · Schwerin

    For: Start-ups with at least one female founder in the team, in any sector

    By its own account, Germany's largest pitch competition for female founders. There are twelve regional semi-finals, with the MV semi-final at the IHK zu Schwerin (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), and the final is in Potsdam. Prizes in kind and cash prizes, plus an audience award through an open pitch microphone.

    Also in English

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Finale

    Female founders' competition start up and fly

    IHK Neubrandenburg · Neubrandenburg

    For: Women entrepreneurs in eastern MV who started or took over a business between 2021 and 2025

    Up to €3,000 in prize money to use as you wish, a certificate and publicity through the IHK's channels. Prizes are presented at the annual business reception. You must hold at least 50 per cent of the shares and be managing director.

    Also in Polski

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Finale

    Pitch training for investor presentations

    Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Universität Rostock · Rostock

    For: Founders who will be speaking to investors

    Training for your investor presentation: structure, storytelling and handling questions. The only pitch training at a university in MV that is explicitly offered as such.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Finale

    Baltic Incubate: Business angel network MV

    Baltic Incubate · Rostock

    For: Founding teams from MV and northern Germany who are looking for capital

    Access to business angels, early-stage investment, personal mentoring and pitch events. The most direct route to private equity capital in MV.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

Across MV and online, available everywhere

  • Project partnerStages: Assessment · Residence Status

    IQ Connect: support through qualification

    Flüchtlingsrat MV e.V. · Across MV

    For: People from third countries with vocational training, a degree or work experience from abroad

    One-to-one advice and a skills assessment, with support during training and your job search. Open to every residence status. Mobile advice anywhere in MV once there are three requests in one place, and also by phone, WhatsApp and Telegram.

    Also in English · Українська · Русский · العربية · فارسی / دری · Türkçe · Français

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Business Development

    Advice on further training

    WIB e.V. · Across MV

    For: Individuals who want to know which further training suits them and who pays for it

    Independent, confidential advice by phone and chat, free of charge, plus a funding guide (Förderkompass) with around 28 programmes, including Bildungsschecks (education vouchers), KOMPASS for solo self-employed people and job-related language courses.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Business Development

    Further training database for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    WIB e.V. im Auftrag des Landes · Online

    For: Anyone looking for a suitable course and a way to fund it

    Independent database with over 10,000 courses from 322 providers in MV, which you can filter by place and radius, topic, type of funding and learning format. Under Wirtschaft (business) there is a separate topic area for Existenzgründung (starting a business).

    Also in English · Français · Русский · العربية

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    IQ QualiKompass: support through qualification

    migra e.V. · Across MV

    For: Migrants with partial recognition, a rejected application or informal work experience

    Putting together training modules, clarifying financing, mentoring and career coaching. Covers regulated professions, academic degrees, the crafts and skills gained informally.

    Also in Українська

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment

    QMONE: qualification for the mobility transition and renewables

    genres e.V. · Online

    For: International skilled workers and other workers with a technical or trade background

    Guidance on job profiles and training paths in the mobility transition, renewable energy, environmental technology and sustainable crafts. Mostly online, with in-person workshops.

    Also in Русский · Українська

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Assessment · Residence Status

    Willkommen in MV guide

    Ministerium für Inneres, Bau und Digitalisierung MV · Online

    For: People who have moved to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and are looking for the right place to turn to

    A directory across MV with a map view: social welfare offices, language courses, careers advice, migration advice, immigration offices (Ausländerbehörden), language mediation, and medical and psychosocial help.

    Also in English · العربية · Français · Українська · Русский · فارسی / دری

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status · Founding

    Einheitlicher Ansprechpartner MV

    IHKs und Handwerkskammern in MV · Across MV

    For: Founders and foreign service companies that want to do business in MV

    The Point of Single Contact, a one-stop service for dealing with the authorities: it brings together all requirements, procedures and formalities for becoming self-employed and, if you wish, handles them electronically. With a tool for finding the responsible authority and a database of activities.

    Also in English · Polski

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status · Ideation

    Fact sheet on self-employment in a craft trade: in five languages

    Handwerkskammer Schwerin · Online

    For: People who have moved to Germany and are considering self-employment in a craft trade

    Information sheet on the requirements for self-employment in a craft trade, available to download in German, English, Arabic, Farsi and Tigrinya. The only multilingual start-up material from a chamber in MV.

    Also in English · العربية · فارسی / دری · ትግርኛ

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Residence Status · Founding

    Faire Integration: Advice on employment law

    Flüchtlingsrat MV e.V. · Across MV

    For: People from non-EU countries who work or want to work in Germany

    Free advice on employment rights and social benefits. They check contracts, help enforce your claims and go with you to meetings with employers or authorities. Interpreting is available on request.

    Also in English · فارسی / دری

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Finale

    bundesweite gründerinnenagentur with the Kite app

    bundesweite gründerinnenagentur · Online

    For: Female founders and women entrepreneurs at every stage

    The national agency for women founders offers a database of advisers and networks, an events calendar with workshops on financing and pitching, and the free AI app Kite for practising difficult conversations.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development

    Mitgründer-Börse MV

    Technologiezentrum Warnemünde · Online

    For: Founders who have an idea but no team yet

    A matching service for co-founders, women and men, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. For women who are new to the state and do not yet have a professional network, it is often the crucial missing piece.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Founding

    Nachfolgeportal MV: matching for business takeovers

    Nachfolgezentrale MV · Online

    For: Women who would rather take over an existing business than start a new one

    This business succession portal uses matching software to link search profiles by sector, region, size and time frame. Free of charge for people interested in a takeover throughout the process: only the selling side pays, and only if the deal succeeds.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Founding

    Start-up roadmap (Gründerfahrplan)

    IHK zu Rostock · Online

    For: Founders who need the process explained step by step

    An interactive guide that breaks starting a business down into stages and tells you which office is responsible for each step. A good way to get your bearings before your first advice meeting.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development · Founding

    Unternehmenswerkstatt Deutschland

    IHK-Organisation · Online

    For: Founders who want to work without an appointment, around the clock

    Online portal with business plan templates and explainer videos, preconfigured financial plans for liquidity and profitability, sample contracts and checklists. Free of charge, registration required.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Ideation · Business Development

    Self-employment alongside a job

    Kreisvolkshochschule Nordwestmecklenburg · Online

    For: Anyone who wants to start a business alongside a job instead of going full-time straight away

    Three-hour evening course for 88.06 euros: developing and assessing business ideas, market and target group, legal basics, costing, tax, finding customers and managing yourself when juggling a double workload.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Founding

    Bildungsscheck MV for starting a business

    GSA Gesellschaft für Struktur- und Arbeitsmarktentwicklung · Across MV

    For: People whose main residence is in MV and who have not yet started their business

    The Bildungsscheck (education voucher) is an 80% subsidy: up to €436 for the 48-hour qualification course and up to €556 per day of advice. You apply through the IHK or HWK during an advice session. Important: only possible BEFORE the course or advice begins and before you start your business.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Finale

    Business plan: structure and templates

    IHK zu Rostock · Online

    For: Founders preparing for a meeting with a bank or a funding body

    The structure and required parts of a business plan, with templates to download. The chamber checks the content with you in its initial advice and on its financing consultation day.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Business Development · Founding

    Xpert Business: financial accounting

    Volkshochschule Rostock · Online

    For: Beginners with no previous knowledge of business administration

    24 sessions, 48 teaching hours, €329. Double-entry bookkeeping, VAT and how a balance sheet is built. The live web seminars are recorded, so the course also works if you are looking after children. Optional certificate.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market

    Grant for trade fairs and exhibitions

    Landesförderinstitut MV · Across MV

    For: Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with a product

    A grant towards taking part in trade fairs and exhibitions. For founders with a physical product, this is the most realistic way into MV state funding, as the other programmes require large investments.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Market · Finale

    Power rhetoric for women who want to be persuasive

    Kreisvolkshochschule Nordwestmecklenburg · Online

    For: Women who want to come across confidently in work situations

    Three-hour evening course for 88.06 euros: dealing with nerves, body language, voice and making your case under pressure. Direct preparation for a pitch, a bank meeting or a negotiation.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding

    Business valuation calculator

    Bürgschaftsbank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern · Online

    For: Women who want to take over a business and need to know what it is worth

    Free online tool for a first estimate of a company's value when buying a business or taking one over. It does not replace a proper valuation, but it guards against inflated asking prices in the first meeting.

    free of chargeGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding · Finale

    BMV Direkt: Guarantee without prior bank approval

    Bürgschaftsbank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern · Across MV

    For: Founders without collateral whose bank turns them down for that reason

    A guarantee of up to €2 million that you can expressly apply for without prior approval from your main bank (Hausbank). You get the guarantee commitment first and then present it to the bank, which reverses the usual order.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding · Finale

    Gründungsstipendium MV

    GSA Gesellschaft für Struktur- und Arbeitsmarktentwicklung · Across MV

    For: Founders with an innovative idea who need funding to get started

    A state stipend (Stipendium) for start-up projects with an innovative approach. Applications and conditions through the GSA funding service.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding · Finale

    Master craftsperson bonus (Meisterprämie)

    Landesförderinstitut MV · Across MV

    For: People starting a full-time business in the crafts for the first time

    A grant for starting a business in the crafts for the first time, whether you set up a new business, take one over or become an active partner. The only MV state programme aimed explicitly at individuals starting their first business.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding · Finale

    Microloans in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    GSA Gesellschaft für Struktur- und Arbeitsmarktentwicklung · Across MV

    For: Founders running their business full time, with their residence and business premises in MV

    Up to €25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 4 per cent, terms of up to six years, no interest or repayments in the first year. No collateral needed and you do not have to go through your own bank, but you need a business plan and a supporting vote from the chamber. Not for side businesses.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Founding

    Xpert Business: cash-basis accounting

    Volkshochschule Rostock · Online

    For: Small business owners and solo self-employed people who want to understand their tax return

    Online course on the Einnahmen-Überschuss-Rechnung (EÜR), the cash-basis way of calculating profit that applies to most founders. Part of the Xpert Business series, with an optional certificate exam.

    fee-basedGo to the offer →

  • Stages: Finale

    BMV Express: Fast security for loans

    Bürgschaftsbank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern · Across MV

    For: Founders with a main bank (Hausbank) who need security for a loan

    A guarantee for loans of up to €625,000, covering 70% of the loan, with a faster procedure. You apply through your main bank.

    costs on requestGo to the offer →

Last checked: 26.10.2026. All 112 offers come from the provider's own website and link back to it. If you notice a broken link or something has changed, let us know.

Do you offer something yourself?

If your offer helps founders move forward, we will gladly include it. You do not need to build anything new, because we sort in what already exists, and for you this means more reach among a target group that does not find you today.

Kofinanziert von der Europäischen Union (co-funded by the European Union)
State brand of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: MV tut gut.

The project International Female Founders MV is funded by the European Social Fund Plus of the European Union as part of the ESF Plus Programme 2021 to 2027 of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

With funds from the Ministry for Economy, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labour of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

About the funding