Start-up Support: Turn your idea into a business

Start-up spirit across our campuses

Entrepreneurship is gaining momentum in Germany, and more and more students are showing interest in launching their own ventures. Whether you want to start your own business or join a start-up, solid business knowledge is key. CBS promotes an entrepreneurial mindset through subjects like Creative Thinking & Innovation and the Digital Start-up Lab embedded in its curriculum.

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In addition, we offer dedicated support for aspiring founders through our Start-up Service, numerous events via the Gateway university network, and funding opportunities such as the EXIST start-up grant. If you’re thinking about founding a company, you’re in the right place – at the heart of the CBS community!

CBS As a gateway university cologne

It all starts with an idea. But when it comes to turning that idea into reality, many questions arise: How does it become a viable business model? What skills are essential for founding a company? And how can business partners, investors, and potential customers be convinced of this idea?

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As part of the Gateway Gründungsnetz e.V., CBS provides support for students in the Cologne region who are interested in entrepreneurship. Since 2023, we have been the first private university to officially become a Gateway University in Cologne. Together with the University of Cologne, TH Köln, German Sport University Cologne, and Rheinische Hochschule Köln, we offer students and alumni free support and guidance in building their own start-ups

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Various partners, including the Cologne Chamber of Commerce (IHK), Sparkasse KölnBonn, NRW.Bank, Kreissparkasse, and Köln.Business Economic Development, have joined forces with the start-up services of these five Gateway Universities in Cologne to provide founders with the best possible start for their entrepreneurial journey.

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