HHL FEMALE FOUNDERS INITIATIVE

Supporters

HHL Female Founders Initiative is funded by means of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) and from tax revenue on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament. Our EXIST-Women project “MUTIG” is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy and co-financed by the European Union. 

 

Knowhow, mentoring and coaching from women for women on their way to their own business

You are a woman with a great business idea, but don’t trust yourself to implement it (yet)? You don’t have a concrete idea but you can imagine being an entrepreneur? Then you’ve come to the right place. In workshops and seminars with experts, you can (further) develop your business ideas, discuss entrepreneurial issues from a women’s perspective, define your female leadership personality and expand your entrepreneurial network. Together with the staff of the initiative, experts and a mentor, you will work on your business pitch and get to know other female founders and their exciting ideas.

Target group

  • women with an interest in starting a business and
  • academic background (student, research assistant, doctoral candidate or alumna of a university)
  • Intention to start a business in the State of Saxony
  • without a final business plan

Costs

  • free of charge

Program schedule

  • Two rounds per year (April-September and October-March)

The three pillars of the program

  • Know-how
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring
Two women at the HHL The Future is Female Talks Event

EXIST-Women

As part of our MUTIG project (Motivation. Entrepreneurship. Training. Inspiration. Community.), which is funded by the “EXIST-Women” program of BMWE, we also offer some of our participants financial support.

Program

We master challenges together

Know-how: The focus of our seminars is on “female” challenges during the startup process. Do women solve problems in a different way? How can women convince their audience during a company presentation or successfully negotiate with customers and suppliers? How is it possible to reconcile family, company and leisure?

Coaching: Together we analyze your current status in the start-up process as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur and develop your individual action plan on the path to your start-up. During the course of the program, you will receive continuous feedback on your business concept, which you will then present in a pitch at the final event.

Mentoring: Besides entrepreneurial competence and knowledge about business management, market know-how and closeness to your customers are important success factors. Therefore, each participant will be supported by a mentor from the practical side who can provide you with important tips and tricks when starting an own company.

Our workshops in the summer semester 2026 (subject to change)

WorkshopDatumSeminarort
Kick-off and dinner together15.04.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Founding with Confidence: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Harnessing Your Strengths20.04.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Ideas Workshop27.04.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Matchmaking - mentor meets mentee04.05.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Networking with female founders from Leipzig’s startup ecosystem and mentors13.05.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Business Modelling Workshop I18.05.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Communication in my new role as an entrepreneur27.05.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Sales - the heart of your company08.06.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Go-to-Market mit strategy, marketing & PR15.06.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Finances, taxes and legal forms for start-ups22.06.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Business Modelling Workshop II29.06.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Think Big – Strategic Vision for Female Founders17.08.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Pitch deck training31.08.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Self-Management for the Start of Your Entrepreneurial Journey07.09.2026HHL Campus Leipzig
Closing evening14.09.2026HHL Campus Leipzig

    Events

    There will be around 15 workshops each semester, ranging from awareness raising and personal development to exploring various marketing opportunities and developing your business model as well as your pitch deck.

    Our events usually take place all day on weekdays in presence. Digital participation in individual dates is possible on request. Attendance of at least 80% of the events is required to become part of the next class and to receive a certificate of completion. Corresponding information will be sent to you after the application.

    Apply now

    Apply via e-mail and join the HHL Female Founders Initiative!

    You have a business idea, but haven’t taken the risk to turn it into reality until now? You do not have an idea yet, but you can imagine starting your own business? Then don’t miss your chance to get one step closer to your own startup. Apply now for one of the maximum of 15 places. Please send an e-mail to gruenderinnen@hhl.de.

    Please let us know some details about your professional and academic background and what kind of idea you have, if you already have one. We are looking forward to meeting you!

    The picture portrait shows one of more than 20 mentors of the HHL Female Founders Initiative.
    Anna Pietzka
    Psychologist, founder | lebenahoi and participant in the 11th class of female founders

    I had high expectations of the HHL Female Entrepreneurship Initiative. After all, as soon as the idea of self-employment comes up, it feels like ten new questions arise every day. When I applied, I was hoping above all for ‘tools of the trade’ and know-how. And that’s exactly what I got! Thanks to my mentor and the lecturers, I also received valuable feedback, a huge boost to my self-confidence as a founder, and access to an incredibly supportive network within Leipzig and beyond.

    Juliane Superka, Founder of jucreation, participant of the 13th class of the HHL Female Founders Initiative
    Juliane Superka
    Founder | jucreation and participant in the 13th class of female founders

    How do I turn my start-up idea into a real business model? And how do I build a brand that really works? I started the start-up initiative with these questions – and took away much more than I had expected. The program was not just a guide through topics such as marketing, business modeling and taxes – it was above all a place where I was able to clearly work out my WHY and sharpen my positioning. The mentoring in particular was a real game changer for me. Someone who looks, gives honest feedback and supports me in going my own way as a founder. I came out of the program with even more clarity and self-confidence – and with a strong network behind me.

    Franziska Seidel und Heide Hütter, Founders of extrazwei, participants of the 7th class of the HHL Female Founders Initiative
    Franziska Seidel und Heide Hütter
    Founders | extrazwei and participants in the 7th class of female founders

    The Female Founders Initiative was the ideal introduction to the world of start-ups for us. The protected environment among women gave us the courage to pursue our idea – without the fear of the start-up world, which is often perceived as competitive. We had a vision, but little experience. Through the practical workshops, regular discussions with our mentor and the exchange within the network, we built up the necessary knowledge and self-confidence to start up. Today – four years later – we can proudly say that we have arrived on the market and have built a company from scratch with a new topic, digital stress. Thank you for this great start and the valuable support along the way!”

    Our Mentors

    Portrait Jenny Ullmann
    Jenny Ullmann
    Founder and Designer | RÅVARE

    Founding a business means getting to know yourself better, gradually expanding your comfort zone and growing throughout the entire process. For me, it is one of the most important and fundamental experiences I have had so far and continue to have.

    Portrait Romy Wuttke
    Romy Wuttke
    Strategic Communications Consultant x HR x Marketing | get a MINT

    At the beginning of my own entrepreneurial journey ten years ago, I would have wished for an experienced female entrepreneur by my side — someone who would share her know-how, ask me the right questions, and sometimes simply listen and encourage me.
    Being able to take on this role for aspiring female founders today means a lot to me and is, to me, female empowerment in action.

    Portrait Skadi Berger
    Skadi Berger
    CEO and Shareholder | Wiewald GmbH

    I believe there are few professions in which you can realize and unfold your full potential as much as you can as an entrepreneur.

    Colored portait of Vivien Hartmann, Mentor at the Female Founders Initative at HHL
    Vivien Hartmann
    Founder | dialogue

    The warmth of the heart can save lives — and it starts with you. Have the courage to follow your heart, share your ideas, and use your energy. That way, you can bring about change — both big and small.

    The picture portrait shows one of more than 20 mentors of the HHL Female Founders Initiative.
    Sandra Falkenhain
    Managing Partner | Falkenhain Invest GmbH

    If you really want to achieve a goal, believe in it firmly. Be courageous and creative, fight with determination and don’t be discouraged when obstacles arise. Follow your own path, be patient and work hard – success will follow.

    Portrait of Cornelia Ketscher, Mentor at HHL Female Founders Initiative
    Cornelia Ketscher
    Psychological counsellor, founder | Cornelia Ketscher Coaching

    Women still lack the confidence to actively seek out partners who can help them achieve their goals.

    The picture portrait shows one of more than 20 mentors of the HHL Female Founders Initiative.
    Karoline Konrad
    Separation and Couples Counseling | Cultural Management | in Balance

    My motto for self-employment is: “Just do it” and “Keep going”. Because it’s about taking the first step, trusting yourself despite all external influences and staying focused. I’m here to support you, not only with my entrepreneurial perspective, but also to work with you to make sure you’re fully committed to getting started.

    Portrait Dr. Annett Montag
    Dr. Annett Montag
    Founder | Trainer for Communication, De-escalation, Resilience & Leadership Skills

    The secret of freedom is courage. With passion and my experience as a founder, physician, and top-level manager, I support women in turning their visions into reality. I live female empowerment, because strong women empower women.
    It is truly close to my heart to inspire and encourage others, and to share my knowledge, so that we can follow our hearts, make our dreams come true and together make the world a better place.

    Portrait Bianca Stäglich
    Bianca Stäglich
    Owner | STILFRAGE | Personal Styling – Academy – Corporate Seminars

    Supporting women on their journey and encouraging them to believe in themselves and their visions is very important to me. Time and again, I see how many talented women make themselves smaller than they are. Not because they lack the skills, but because doubt and insecurity hold them back from becoming visible. That is exactly why I want to encourage you to take your place, express your personality, and follow your own path with greater confidence.
    Because I truly believe: only those who are visible can be seen.

    Image of Janet Schaer
    Janet Schaer
    Motivational Speaker | HERZERWÄRMER!®

    Less Pressure. More Ease!

    Portrait Birgit Kokk
    Birgitt Kok
    Founder & Owner | MehrWERTE-AKADEMIE

    What is your WHY? To find the answer to this question, you need to take a deeper look at your most important values. They are the essence of your motivation, giving you direction, stability, and support on your entrepreneurial journey; they carry you — even in moments of doubt. Always be aware of this powerful force within you. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old, too young, or too inexperienced. Follow your own path.

    Portrait Michaela Löser
    Michaela Löser
    Professional organizing, Feng Shui Consulting

    From vision to reality. Together, we plan the path to your own business, because I know from personal experience how important support is when taking the step into self-employment.

    Portrait Janett Dudda
    Janett Dudda
    Psychologist, Founder | VOM FREUND ZUM CHEF

    Only those who show up can be seen – be brave!

    Become a Mentor

    Your experience and your know-how make the difference

    You already established a company or you are a successful manager? You like to share your knowledge? You are always looking for new contacts and exciting ideas? Then we like to get to know you and to welcome you as a new voluntary mentor for our program. Please contact gruenderinnen@hhl.de for more information. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

    Team

    I think it’s great that the HHL Female Founders Initiative provides a space where different perspectives of aspiring female entrepreneurs come together and new ideas are created.

    Prof. Dr. Claudia Lehmann
    Project Manager | HHL Female Founders Initiative
    HHL Gründerinnen-Initiative

    Accompanying our participants’ development over a period of six months and seeing how they and their business ideas flourish – that’s what inspires me about my work for the HHL Female Founders Initiative.

    Dr. Caroline Große
    Project Coordinator | HHL Female Founders Initiative

    I work for the HHL Female Founders Initiative because I firmly believe that supporting women in business leads to a community that deeply values and actively promotes the values of networking, relationships and sustainability.

    Eric Dwilling
    Project assistant | HHL Female Founders Initiative
    Eleonore Roderfeld, Project Associate, HHL Female Founders Inititative

    I think it’s wonderful to pass on my own start-up experience to our participants and encourage them to go their own way.

    Eleonore Roderfeld
    Project assistant | HHL Female Founders Initiative