About the EXIST-Women

APPLY HERE

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Support for women founders in Berlin before incorporation

EXIST-Women is a federal programme designed to support women in the pre-founding phase through coaching, mentoring, qualification formats, and a non-dilutive stipend. At ESCP Blue Factory Berlin, we run a local track that helps you sharpen your venture, validate key assumptions, and build founder readiness.

‍Apply year-round (rolling intake, subject to capacity).

What you get at ESCP Blue Factory Berlin

• Non-dilutive funding: optional 3-month stipend (amount depends on your status: student, graduate, PhD, etc.)
  
• Business expenses budget: up to €2,000 for venture-related expenses, subject to clear eligibility rules and documentation requirements
  
• 12 months of coworking access
  
• Blue Factory programme access during your stipend period (workshops, founder formats, mentoring opportunities, community)
  
• Individual coaching aligned to your needs and stage
  
• Mentoring with experienced women founders and industry experts
  
• Network access to entrepreneurs, partners, and investors
  

Eligibility criteria

You can apply if you meet the following:

1. Woman founder: this programme supports an individual entrepreneur.
   
2. Pre-incorporation: your venture must not be incorporated at the start of the funding.
   
3. Germany-based: you are based in Germany for the full support period. 
4. Attendance in Berlin: participation requires regular engagement (10 in-person sessions, 10 online sessions across the year).
5. Eligible status category (stipend level depends on your category)
   
   • Student
     
   • University graduate
     
   • PhD holder
     
   • Completed vocational training
     

Funding amounts (3-month stipend)

• Students: €1,000 / month
  
• Vocational training: €2,000 / month
  
• University graduates: €2,500 / month
  
• PhD holders: €3,000 / month
  

Which ventures are a fit

We primarily look for founders who match the maturity level of Blue Factory Seed, since the programme is most powerful when you can use the stipend period to make fast validation progress.

That said, we also welcome applicants whose projects fit other Blue Factory stages, including Start and Launch. If your stage is unclear, we will assess it together in the interview.

Application process

1. Submit the application form HERE
   
2. Selected candidates are be invited for a eligibility interview (15 minutes). We confirm eligibility, understand your venture and needs, and assess initial fit.
   
3. Optional second interview. We may invite you for a follow-up conversation if we need more detail to make a decision.
   
4. Decision and onboarding. If selected, you’ll ask to provide documents that prove your eligibility and will then receive onboarding details and next steps.
   

Questions

Email bluefactoryberlin@escp.eu.‍