On 1 September 2022, the new Social-Startup-Hub Bayern (SSHB) began operation. The SSHB is the core of the interdisciplinary concept adopted by the Bavarian state government for the promotion of social entrepreneurship.
Consulting and networking
Social enterprises contribute to solving societal challenges by using entrepreneurial methods to pursue new, innovative solutions in all areas of society – from inclusion and ecology to climate change and integration and to education and care. The focus of the new Bavarian Social-Startup-Hub is on advising and networking prospective social enterprises with existing structures. The free advisory and networking services are meant for founders starting from the early startup phase. The focus is not on whether there’s already a fully-developed idea or an active project, but rather on impact orientation being the focal point and that the project is supported by a business model that will be viable over the long term.
“Unique in Germany”
Social Affairs Minister Ulrike Scharf emphasized at the launch of the SSHB:
“It is only when united that Bavaria is strong. Social entrepreneurship creates new opportunities for our economy, and also for society, that we urgently need to take advantage of! Our Bavarian Social-Startup-Hub is unique in Germany and is meant specifically for aspiring social entrepreneurs. The Social-Startup-Hub is a central point of contact and provides targeted support. Anyone who wants to implement an innovative idea can now contact the SSHB.”
The aim of the SSHB is to pool interdisciplinary expertise and to act as a cross-thematic and cross-sectoral platform. For example, it aims to build bridges to existing startup support and advisory services or to established service points, such as inclusion agencies. The hub is sponsored by the Social Entrepreneurship Akademie (SEA) in Munich. The Bavarian Ministry of Social Affairs supports the SSHB by means of pilot project programs.