Start-up service

Welcome to the site! Nice that you have found your way here.

We are the StarterWerk start-up service at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and part of the “Thuringian University Start-up Network”. Do you have an initial idea and want to take it further from a business model to a potential start-up? Then you've come to the right place!

We are at your side free of charge and offer support in the following areas

• Reviewing the business idea
• Support with the creation of a business plan
• Advice on a suitable legal form
• Funding opportunities
• Advice on the Exist start-up grant and Exist research transfer 
• Networks and contacts
• Competitions and much more

Whether students, alumni or employees of the university. In a team or individually. We pick you up exactly where you are with your project.

 

October 7, 2025 – Financial Planning for start-up entrepreneurs

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and Hike
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Format: Online
Speaker: Oliver Kahl
🔗 Registration Link and further information
Language: German

💡 About the session:
Good financial planning is the foundation for the success of any business idea. Learn how to realistically calculate your capital requirements, secure liquidity, and achieve economic goals. Practical approaches and clear strategies will help you to implement your ideas with confidence. Discover how exciting and important solid financial planning can be!

 

November 04, 2025 – Define your target audience and refine your message – practical buyer personas

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with dem K1 Gründerservice
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Format: Online
Speaker: Kristin Hesche and Ede Möser
🔗 Registration Link and further information
Language: German

💡 About the session:

Who is your customer really? In this online workshop, you will develop buyer personas as the foundation of your marketing strategy. You will learn why target group work is not just “nice to have,” but the first and most important step in the start-up process. The focus is on practical approaches: identifying needs, understanding problems, and linking these insights to your offering in a targeted manner - so you know which message will be most convincing on which channels. Look forward to clear methods, examples, and interactive exchange - for anyone who wants to set up a solid marketing strategy right from the start.

 

December 2, 2025 – Creative with AI, inspiration for idea development and innovation

Part of the series: StarTH now – in cooperation with der Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena
Time: 13:00–14:00 Uhr
Format: Online
Speaker: Karsten Jahn and Isabel Weiß (Modelfabrik Virtualisierung des Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Ilmenau)
🔗 Registration Link and further information
Language: German

💡 About the session:
In this practical online seminar, you will learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can support creative processes and provide new impetus for idea development. Using concrete examples and interactive exercises, you will learn how to use AI in a targeted manner to develop innovative solutions and enrich your creative work—even in the digital space.

 

More events in the StarTH now series coming soon and you can always find them here!
Stay tuned and don’t miss out on upcoming topics around entrepreneurship and self-employment.