Why start a business with WESt?

Starting a business means turning dreams into reality.
Whether you have a brilliant idea or simply want to be your own boss.

We support you from the very beginning: with personal advice, valuable networks, and the necessary expertise.

The advantages at a glance

  • Personal, practical, and free start-up consulting
  • Support with business plans and strategy
  • Access to subsidies and financing options
  • Networks of experts, mentors, and other founders
  • Assistance with all formalities—from A for application to Z for target planning

We don't offer a standard solution—instead, we provide individual support tailored to your idea.


Contact us

Drei Personen sitzen an einem Besprechungstisch und hören einer vierten Person zu, die an einem großen Bildschirm steht und spricht.

We provide support and advice

We are at your side and will guide you on your path to founding a company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal and free start-up advice

You have an idea—we'll help you turn it into a viable concept. No red tape, no fees, and tailored to your needs. Simply book an appointment online for a one-on-one consultation.

Book an appointment
Support programs for those interested in starting a business

We can tell you everything you need to know about funding opportunities for start-ups. We know our way around the funding jungle and can advise you on what is right for you.

support programs
Networking with like-minded people

As a founder with a great idea, you’re not on your own in the Steinfurt district: network with other founders from the region at the regular “Gründungsstammtisch” in Rheine, or get to know sustainable startups from the Münsterland region through the “Grünes Gründen” project. 

Networking opportunities

This is how starting a business with us works

A clear roadmap for you!

Conduct initial interview
Discuss ideas & define goals
Develop a business plan
Market, financing, strategy
Secure financing
Subsidies, loans, equity capital
Implementing the foundation
Choose legal form, register, start
Follow-up support
Network access, further development, coaching

Our offer for founders

We accompany you step by step on your way to self-employment.

 

Startup Consulting

We'll analyze your idea, assess its feasibility, and outline the next steps for you.

Business Plan Development

Together, we’ll develop the concept—including market analysis, financial planning, and strategy.

Grants & Funding

We provide information on relevant grant programs and help you secure sustainable funding for your project.

Workshops & Seminars

Learn everything you need to know about taxes, accounting, marketing, business structures, and more.

Registration procedures

From business registration to tax filing—we'll help you navigate the paperwork.

Networking & Mentoring

Take advantage of our extensive network of founders, consultants, and industry experts.

Useful materials for founders and those interested in starting a business

Be well prepared when starting a business—no problem with our templates, checklists, and guides.

Start-up guide Start-up checklist Financial section of the business plan

How would you like to start your business?

The path to self-employment does not have to be a leap into the unknown.
We offer targeted support—no matter how you start your business—quickly, easily, and practically. From the initial idea to successful implementation, we accompany you with our experience, expertise, and a network that opens doors. 

I want to start a business right away

There are many things to consider and prepare when starting a business directly. We provide support and assistance with all the important points you need to consider when starting a business.

  1. Start-up consulting
    • Business plan creation: Support in developing a viable business model
    • Choice of legal form: Advice on choosing the appropriate legal form (e.g., LLC, UG, sole proprietorship)

    • Formalities & approvals: Help with dealing with authorities, commercial register, business registration, etc.

       

  2. Financing & subsidies
    • Subsidy consulting: Identification and application for subsidy programs (e.g., start-up grants)
    • Financing advice: Preparation for bank meetings, support with loan applications and investor contacts

    • Liquidity planning: Development of realistic financial plans

       

  3. Business development & market entry
    • Marketing and sales strategies: Support with positioning, target group analysis, and the development of sales channels
    • Network access: Access to regional business networks, partners, or potential customers

    • Workshops and seminars: Training on topics such as accounting, social media, or legal issues

       

  4. Coaching and support
    • Start-up coaching: Personal support from experienced consultants or entrepreneurs
    • Mentoring programs: Access to mentors from the industry
    • Crisis counseling: Support in case of difficulties in the initial phase

 

If you would like to start a business, you can:

  • Arrange a free initial consultation: We offer an initial orientation meeting.
  • Outline your business idea: The clearer you can formulate your idea, the better we can help you.

Book an appointment now

 

Starting a business as a sideline

Dreaming of starting your own business? Want to become self-employed but keep your main job? Starting a side business is the ideal solution!

The springboard to self-employment—we'll show you how!

Get in touch

 

Reasons for unemployment

Get off to a secure start in self-employment—with subsidies to cover your living expenses!

The path to self-employment does not have to be financially uncertain. As a start-up entrepreneur receiving unemployment benefits, you have the opportunity to receive valuable subsidies for living expenses during the start-up phase with the start-up subsidy from the Employment Agency. 

Find out now about the funding opportunities!

Apply for a start-up grant

 

Starting a business by acquiring a company

Take over instead of starting from scratch: find a ready-made business!

You don't have to start from scratch! Take the direct route to self-employment by taking over an established business. Maybe you'll find the right one in the business exchange?

Browse now and benefit from an immediate head start!

Business exchange nexxt-change

 

I have a forward-looking, innovative business idea.

Do you have a particularly forward-looking, sustainable, or innovative business idea in mind? Great! Then our region is the right place for you. You can turn to the DigitalHub münsterland, the REACH-EUREGIO Start-up Center, or TAFH Münster for technical expertise. We particularly promote sustainable business ideas in the münsterland-wide project "Grünes Gründen" (Green Start-ups). 

The following support programs also specifically promote innovative start-up projects:

NRW Start-up Grant Go-to-Market Voucher     

 

Business registration

Ready to get started? Here's how to register your business efficiently!

With the NRW form server, you can bundle your business registration and submit all documents easily and centrally to the relevant authorities.

Take the final step—digitally, quickly, and easily!

Registering a business—everything at a glance and nothing forgotten!

Filling out a multitude of forms for the trade office, tax office, professional association, etc. can be complicated.

The Federal Ministry of Economics has compiled all the necessary information and documents for start-ups in a clear and concise manner.

BMWI GUIDE TO PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
Turbo start in North Rhine-Westphalia: Automated form filling!

Thanks to this service, you can prepare all the necessary forms for all the relevant authorities at the same time. Best of all, the contact details for the authorities are already stored.

Take advantage of this free service—the benefit of being a founder through STARTERCENTER NRW! 

STARTER CENTER NRW

Our success stories

Every idea has a beginning. And some really take off. Here, founders tell how they turned their visions into real companies with the support of WESt. Personal. Courageous. Successful. Be inspired—maybe your story will begin here too.

Eine Frau steht in einem Laden, schreibt etwas in ein Buch und lächelt in die Kamera.
LOPPI UG
Rheine
"With the start-up grant, which we applied for through WESt, we were able to put our idea into practice. We received a warm welcome and always found WESt to be a reliable partner—whether for organizational questions, funding opportunities, or networking issues. The support was always constructive, cordial, and on equal terms—for which we are very grateful." Ricarda Weber
Eine Frau steht in einem Büro und lächelt in die Kamera.
Daily socks
Wettringen
"In a rather conservative environment with almost exclusively male entrepreneurs and executives around me, I was very pleased with WESt's proactive offer to support me. On the one hand, through the opportunity to participate in regular, valuable, and very "warm" women's network meetings, and on the other hand, through a wealth of expertise in the area of funding opportunities. There should be more public offerings that are so committed to thinking outside the box." Anna Kemper
Ein Mann schaut nach oben in die Kamera
Martin Großmann - Visual Communication & Photography
Steinfurt
"WESt provided me with advice and support when I started my own business in the field of visual communication and photography. I was impressed by the constructive, focused exchange and the clear structure of the consultation throughout the entire process. WESt has competent and suitable contacts for a wide range of business topics. I am very grateful for the professional support and excellent cooperation." Martin Großmann

Contact persons

Alina Overfeld
Gründungs- und Nachfolgeberatung
Mechthild Leiwering-Hillers
Gründungs- und Nachfolgeberatung