Why set up a business with WESt?

Starting a business means turning dreams into reality.
Whether it’s a brilliant idea or the desire to finally be your own boss.

We’ll support you every step of the way: with personalised advice, valuable networks and the necessary know-how.

The benefits at a glance

  • Personalised, practical and free start-up advice
  • Support with business plans and strategy
  • Access to grants and funding opportunities
  • Networks of experts, mentors and other start-up founders
  • Support with all the formalities – from A for registration to Z for goal-setting

We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution – instead, we provide personalised support tailored to your idea.


 Get in touch

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’re here to support you and help you get started on your entrepreneurial journey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personalised and free start-up advice

You’ve got an idea – we’ll help you turn it into a viable business plan. No red tape, free of charge and tailored entirely to your needs. Simply book an appointment for a one-to-one consultation or find out about the basics in our online group session, “Start-up Basics”.

Due to the current high demand, there are extended waiting times for our start-up service. Appointments for initial consultations can currently be offered with up to three weeks’ notice. We thank you for your understanding.

Book an appointment
Support schemes 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 round the funding jungle and can advise you on what options are available to you.

Funding schemes
Networking with like-minded people

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

Networking opportunities

This is how setting up a business with us works

A clear roadmap for you!

Conduct an initial consultation
Discuss ideas & define objectives
Develop a business plan
Market, Financing, Strategy
Secure funding
Grants, loans, equity
Setting up a business
Choose a legal form, register, get started
Aftercare
Network access, professional development, coaching

Our services for start-ups

We’ll guide you step by step on your journey to self-employment.

 

Start-up advice

We’ll analyse the idea, assess its feasibility and outline the next steps for you.

Drawing up a business plan

Together, we’ll put the concept together – including market analysis, financial planning and strategy.

Grants & Funding

We provide information on suitable funding schemes and help to put in place a viable financing plan for the project.

Workshops & seminars

Find out everything you need to know about tax, accounting, marketing, business structures and more.

Registration formalities

From registering your business to registering for tax – we’ll guide you through the paperwork.

Networking & Mentoring

Benefit from our extensive network of start-up founders, consultants and industry experts.

Useful resources for start-up founders and those interested in starting a business

Start your business well prepared – it’s 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 set up your business?

The path to self-employment doesn’t have to be a leap into the unknown.
We offer tailored support – however you choose to set up your business – that’s quick, straightforward and practical. From the initial idea through to successful implementation, we’ll guide you with our experience, expertise and a network that opens doors. 

I’d like to set up a business straight away

When setting up a business directly, there are many things to bear in mind and prepare. We provide support and assistance with all the key points you need to consider when setting up a business.

  1. Start-up consultancy
    • Business plan development: Support in drawing up a viable business model
    • Choice of legal structure: Advice on selecting the appropriate legal structure (e.g. GmbH, UG, sole trader)

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

       

  2. Financing & Funding
    • Advice on grants: Identifying and applying for grant schemes (e.g. start-up grants)
    • Financing advice: Preparation for meetings with banks, support with loan applications and investor contacts

    • Cash flow planning: Development of realistic financial plans

       

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

    • Workshops and seminars: Training on topics such as bookkeeping, social media or legal matters

       

  4. Coaching & support
    • Start-up coaching: Personal support from experienced consultants or entrepreneurs
    • Mentoring programmes: Access to mentors from the industry
    • Crisis counselling: Support in the event of difficulties during the start-up phase

 

If you’d like to set up a business, you can:

  • Arrange a free initial consultation: We offer an initial exploratory meeting.
  • Outline your business idea in broad terms: The clearer you can articulate your idea, the better we can help.

Book an appointment now

 

Starting a business as a sideline

Do you dream of running your own business? Do you want to start your own business but keep your main job? That’s exactly why setting up a business on the side 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 living cost grants!

The path to self-employment doesn’t have to be financially uncertain. As a business founder receiving unemployment benefit, you’re eligible for valuable living expenses grants during the start-up phase through the Employment Agency’s start-up grant. 

Find out more about the funding opportunities now!

Apply for the start-up grant

 

Setting up a business by taking over a company

Take over rather than start from scratch: find an existing business!

You don’t have to start from scratch! Take the fast track to self-employment by taking over an established business. Perhaps you’ll find just what you’re looking for in the business directory?

Have a browse now and benefit from an immediate head start!

nexxt-change business exchange

 

I have a forward-looking, innovative business idea

Do you have a particularly forward-looking, sustainable or innovative business idea in mind? Fantastic! You’ve come to the right place in our region, and you can turn to organisations such as the DigitalHub münsterland, the REACH-EUREGIO Start-up Centre or TAFH Münster for specialist expertise. We place particular emphasis on promoting sustainable business ideas through the Münsterland-wide “Grünes Gründen” project. 

The following funding programmes also specifically support 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 consolidate your business registration and submit all documents easily and centrally to the relevant authorities.

Take the final step – digital, quick, done!

Registering a business – keep track of everything and don’t forget a thing!

Filling in a multitude of forms for the Trade Register, the tax office, the employers’ liability insurance association and so on can be complicated.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has clearly compiled all the necessary information and documents for start-ups.

BMWI GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
A flying start in North Rhine-Westphalia: Fill in forms automatically!

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

Take advantage of this free service – a benefit for start-up founders via the STARTERCENTER NRW! 

STARTERCENTER NRW

Our success stories

Every idea has a beginning. And some really take off. Here, founders share how they turned their visions into real businesses with the support of WESt. Personal. Courageous. Successful. Be inspired – perhaps 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
“Thanks to the start-up grant, which we applied for through WESt, we were able to turn our idea into reality. We were given a warm welcome and have always found WESt to be a reliable point of contact – whether on organisational matters, funding opportunities or networking issues. The support was always constructive, warm and on an equal footing – we are very grateful for that.” Ricarda Weber
Eine Frau steht in einem Büro und lächelt in die Kamera.
Dailysocks
Wettringen
“In a rather conservative environment, with almost exclusively male entrepreneurs and executives around me, I was delighted by WESt’s proactive offer to support me. On the one hand, through the opportunity to take part in regular, valuable and very ‘welcoming’ women’s networking meetings, and on the other hand, through a wealth of expertise regarding funding opportunities. There should be more public initiatives that look beyond the horizon with such commitment.” Anna Kemper
Ein Mann schaut nach oben in die Kamera
Martin Großmann – Visual Communication & Photography
Steinfurt
"WESt provided me with guidance and support as I embarked on my journey into self-employment in the field of visual communication and photography. I was impressed by the constructive, focused dialogue and the clear structure of the consultancy throughout the entire process. WESt has competent and well-suited contacts for the various business-related topics. I am very grateful for the professional support and the excellent collaboration.” Martin Großmann

Contact persons

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