Start-up consulting
The Social Innovation Lab's free pre-start-up advice service is the first port of call for people looking to set up a business. The aim is to take the necessary steps together to achieve social impact and a living wage.
Accelerator for social progress
An outstanding feature of Freiburg is the high number of companies, start-ups, initiatives and contact points in the social sector as well as a socially motivated corporate structure. This is hardly surprising, as Freiburg has been practising diversity and social responsibility in the private sector and at municipal level for years.
Numerous charitable organisations help shape the city's social focus with their thought-provoking ideas. Freiburg is the headquarters of the German Caritas Association (DCV), which is strongly committed to a society based on solidarity and develops its own concepts and models for more justice and cohesion in society. The globally active emergency and disaster relief organisation Caritas International supports and coordinates the protection of the poorest from the consequences of climate and natural disasters with partner organisations in over 82 countries from its base in Freiburg.
Another important hub for newcomers, start-ups and simply anyone who wants to make a difference in the social sector is the Social Innovation Lab in the Lokhalle creative park. Here you can exchange ideas in a strong network and benefit from extensive counselling services.
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FEMALE FOUNDERS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL INNOVATION
Social Innovation Lab - where the togetherness of tomorrow is created
The Social Innovation Lab (SIL) Freiburg sees itself as a creative place for social innovation in the region. The lab supports social start-ups and social entrepreneurs in solving societal and social challenges with modern approaches and entrepreneurial means. SIL is an experienced innovation partner and process driver that supports social movers and shakers as well as established organizations with innovation programmes lasting several months. In addition, workshops and consulting services, coworking scholarships and events take place on site. Another benefit of the SIL in the Kreativpark Lokhalle: a strong network in the immediate vicinity is available on site.
Coworking scholarship
Social start-ups and social initiatives can apply to SIL for a coworking grant in the Lokhalle creative park, where they can benefit from expertise, contacts and a well-equipped and productive working environment.
"We considered Hamburg, Berlin and Munich for a long time. But in these places, we always felt some hesitation. In Freiburg, there wasn't so much "huh?", but much more "how?"
Veronika Sharonova + Matthias Fehske
Founding Silberzebra GmbH
Freiburg success stories with a corporate culture geared towards the common good and social innovation.
Three innovation programs for social innovators
Social starter
If you have an innovative social idea and are looking for support in implementing it, you can apply to the Social Innovation Lab's Sozialstarter program. Industry experts provide support in sharpening ideas, developing financial and impact models and communicating the offer to target groups. Individuals and start-ups in the (pre-)founding phase can apply.
Socionauts
The program is aimed at social organizations that have an idea of how they can solve a social challenge in their field of work in an innovative way. In the Sozionauten program, they learn how to turn this idea into a practical, real and, above all, successful reality. Individuals or teams of two who would like to implement an innovative social idea in the context of their organization can apply.
D-Care Lab
The innovation program for the care sector. An innovative social business model for the care sector is developed in a process lasting several months for teams from care services, local authorities, service providers, civically committed people in the care sector and companies.
"People often refer to our success story. They always say: 'From Freiburg, of course. Where else would it come from?"
Alma Spribille
Co-founder of WEtell
