Start-up consulting
You have a business idea and would like to get feedback on it? Or you are currently founding a start-up, a social business or are planning to become self-employed? You are looking for support? Perfect! You have come to the right place.
Start-up consulting with professionals
Our coaches are start-up experts. Working together with you, we find the best way to push your business idea forward. Our coaches will also support you in writing grant applications and much more.
Access to a vibrant start-up network
Thanks to the Gateway ESC's long history and close ties with the University of Cologne, we've established a large network of national and international business contacts in the start-up world. Our start-up service will provide you with access to these contacts.
Co-Working Spaces
You can use the co-working spaces at Gateway ESC for free as part of the accelerator and incubator programs! You will work alongside other young start-ups in the Innodom, a modern building close to campus.
Who is eligible for our consulting services?
We offer support to students, scientists, alumni (up to 5 years) and employees of the University of Cologne.
We consult students, scientists, alumni (up to 5 years) and employees of the University of Cologne. We also advise students and members of the Cologne universities of the Gateway network (Cologne University of Applied Sciences, German Sport University Cologne, Rheinische Fachhochschule).
Please understand that you can only use our services if at least one of your team members meets this criterion.
Are there any specific times during which I can book an appointment?
No. We are happy to offer you our services at any time - regardless of i.e. what current period in the semester it is.
How long is a consulting session?
It depends. As a rule, the primary consulting session lasts about 60 minutes. We will arrange the following appointments together with you, depending on your needs and availability.
Where and how do the consulting session/s take place?
We can meet online, by phone or on site, at the Innodom very close to the University of Cologne campus.
How much does the start-up consulting cost?
Nothing. It's free of charge.
Can you provide consulting in other languages than German?
We can consult you:
- German
- English
- Dutch
- Spanish
- French
How to get started with us:
Fill out the consultation form
Fill out our consultation form so that we can get an idea of your project right from the start.
Make an appointment
Shortly after, one of our start-up coaches will contact you to schedule your first consulting session.
Get ready for the meeting
Our start-up coaches will prepare for the session based on the information you provide. You should also plan which question you would like to address during the session/s.
The consultation
During the session you will discuss your business idea with one of our start-up coaches and get valuable feedback.
After the consultation
Of course, we are always there for you after your session! Our coaches are on hand at all times to provide you with advice and support. Additionally, you can benefit from many other services offered by Gateway ESC, such as our co-working spaces and access to a large network of contacts. We also host workshops about start-up topics with experts from our start-up network.
What ist the initial consulting consist of?
At the initial consulting session, you'll talk to one of our start-up coaches about your idea, get feedback on it, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You will also get practical help for your next steps, for instance, how to work out the value proposition canvas and/or to get feedback on the idea from your planned target group.
How to get a consulting appointment?
Please fill out the consultation form at the bottom of our page. One of our start-up coaches will get in touch with you soon.
How well developed should my idea be?
We will first juts talk about your idea and be happy to show you how you can develop it further, e.g. using design thinking methods, without you having to create a business plan for it immediately.
What happens after the consulting session/s?
We will, of course, continue to support you and help you find your way into the start-up world! This includes all kinds of assistance. For instance, we can support you in writing grant applications. Or we can provide you with access to our large start-up network and a free spot in our co-working spaces.
We also host workshops for our start-ups on a regular basis with different start-up related topics, featuring experts from the field.
I would like to start-up, but I don't have an idea.
No worries, we have various events that allow you to either get in touch with others who already have an idea, or you can join idea-finding workshops, for instance. Take a look at our events!
Our coaches
Frederik Lindner, Dipl.-Geogr.
