Global Entrepreneurship Week Germany: Uniting the National Ecosystem

Group of students viewing a demonstrating during Global Entrepreneurship Week in Germany

Situation

In Europe, Germany hosts one of the most impressive Global Entrepreneurship Week campaigns year-over-year, with 1,600 events supported by 1,200 partners across the country. The national campaign, locally known as Gründungswoche Deutschland, is led by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the RKW Competence Center.

The campaign includes a wide range of programming: more than 600 events focused on supporting female founders, 450 aimed at youth, and others tackling business succession planning—encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to consider injecting their ideas into existing businesses.

Approach

Government leadership and a strong network of partners are at the heart of GEW Germany’s success.

“Starting a business requires courage, perseverance, and is fraught with uncertainty,” said Michael Kellner, Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. “Our mission is to provide founders with the best possible support, as we do during the Global Entrepreneurship Week Germany, with advisory services and networking opportunities.”

Stephanie Kropf, head of GEW Germany, highlighted that government backing lends credibility, boosts partner involvement, and signals recognition to the entrepreneurship sector.

One partner, Initiative Selbständiger Immigrantinnen, found GEW invaluable for building connections.

“When I think of Global Entrepreneurship Week Germany, I think of networking and the opportunity for us to be part of this large network,” said Cristina Cipolletta, project manager. “For us, [GEW] is an important platform for exchange, learning, and advancement.”

To deepen collaboration, the RKW Competence Center and Ministry launched GEW Germany World Cafés—a series giving partners space to exchange challenges, opportunities, and experiences.    

Impact

The campaign has become a catalyst for regional cooperation.

“Many partners told us that before joining the campaign, they didn’t know about other support organizations in their areas,” said Kropf. “They found out about them from our partner list, connected during the World Cafés, and now many regions are creating events together.”

With thousands of participants and one of the largest partner networks in Europe, GEW Germany continues to inspire and empower founders while strengthening the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

This program snapshot was published in GEN's 2025 Impact Report.