Calling all female founders: Apply now for Darboven's "Ideas Prize"

3 March 2023

Coffee roaster fostering women’s sustainable business ideas - deadline for applications on July 31

Female entrepreneurs now have until the deadline of July 31, 2023 to apply online for the Darboven "Ideas Prize" which is endowed with EUR 65,000. The prize is the only national award of its kind for female entrepreneurs, who frequently lack the capital to start their own business despite plenty of good ideas. Men, on the other hand, launch almost 80 per cent of businesses in Germany. Women, who have been self-employed for less than five years are eligible to submit their applications.

Lack of support for women's entrepreneurial potential

"I am repeatedly inspired by women's great entrepreneurial potential, which does not receive sufficient support," said Albert Darboven. The prize encourages women to take the path to self-employment and promotes entrepreneurs who secure Germany's international competitiveness with sustainable business ideas in social, ecological and economic fields. The founders of the Hamburg-based start-up, Traceless, Dr Anne Lamp and Johanna Baare, won the Darboven Idea Prize 2021 for their compostable, sustainable alternative to plastic. The entrepreneurs show how innovation and sustainability go together in their business.

Award for viable, innovative and sustainable business ideas

Applicants must present a viable business concept and show personal commitment. All female entrepreneurs in the trade register, who have been self-employed for less than five years can apply. Start-ups based on a women's idea are also eligible. Five female applicants will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to a jury. The finalists will be determined in a public vote. The first-prize winner receives EUR 50,000 while the runners-up receive EUR 10,000 for second place and EUR 5,000 EUR for third place.

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