FemStartup Mentoring Program

FemStartup Mentoring breaks down barriers, provides access to networks and capital, and supports the professional development of female-led startups.

Our new program is specifically designed for female startup founders in Lower Saxony who want to position their companies for growth and strategically explore financing options, particularly in the area of venture capital.

The program combines individual mentoring with practical expertise and unlocks opportunities to connect with relevant networks and investors. Experienced female entrepreneurs and financial experts guide the startup founders in overcoming structural hurdles, strengthening their investment readiness, and positioning their entrepreneurial vision for the long term.

This creates a space where not only knowledge is shared, but genuine entrepreneurial development becomes possible.

What does FemStartup Mentoring offer?

• Individual mentoring: Experienced female entrepreneurs and financial experts support female startup founders, share their expertise, and open up new perspectives.
• Practical workshops: Topics such as grants, venture capital, networking, and business development, as well as pitching and negotiating with investors, are taught in a practical, hands-on manner.
• Access to Capital: The program supports the exploration of financing options and the overcoming of structural barriers.
• Empowerment through role models: Inspiring mentors support female founders and contribute to a more diverse startup scene.

Program Goals

• Building long-term mentoring relationships for sustainable support.
• Maximizing the chances of success for female-led innovative startups.
• Strengthening the landscape of female financial experts and entrepreneurs in Lower Saxony.

Current Note on the 2025/2026 FemStartup Mentoring Cycle

• The FemStartup Mentoring Program launched on June 17, 2025, with a kick-off event.
  Applications to become a mentee are no longer being accepted for the current cycle.
• If you are interested in becoming a mentor, we would be delighted to hear from you.
• We are still happy to accept mentor profile forms. Simply send us an email at fsm@gruenderinnenconsult.de

Save the dates for 2026

• January 12 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Online
  Online Workshop: "Strategic Networking for Female Founders: From First Contact to Long-Term Success
  
  
• January 26 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM | In-person
  Peer-to-Peer Session at the Economic Development Center
  
  
• March 2 | 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Online
  Online Workshop: "Investments & Equity Participation: Legal Basics"
  
  
• April 20 & 27 | Afternoon (time to be announced) | In-person
  Two-part Workshop No. 5: "Power Pitch, Presentation, and Negotiation Training"
  
  
• May 11 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM | In-person
  Peer-to-Peer Session & Pitches
  
  
• Late September/October
  FemStartup Mentoring Closing Event

FemStartup Mentoring – Working together for a strong future for female founders!

The project is funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the State of Lower Saxony, program area: "More Developed Regions (SER)"; Funding period 2021–2027 under the RIKA guideline (Funding of Regional Initiatives and Cooperations for Women in the Labor Market – Model Projects) with funds from the State of Lower Saxony and hannoverimpuls GmbH.