Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and SME Management (CENTIM)
SoNaR: Social start-ups, sustainable impact
SoNaR pursues the goal of increasing the performance and competitiveness of companies that are oriented towards the common good and specifically promoting social and ecological sustainability. To this end, the programme offers needs-based support to those interested in setting up a business and to companies already active in the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg region. This is made possible by funding from the BMWK from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) with a project duration of 24 months (December 2024 to December 2026).
A strong network for sustainable innovation
The project is being implemented by three universities from the Bonn area and surrounding region: Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, the University of Bonn and Alanus University are combining their expertise to provide founders:inside and existing companies with targeted support to maximise their social and ecological impact. This interdisciplinary collaboration creates a strong network that promotes sustainable business models and drives the socio-ecological transformation in the region and beyond.
The project is aimed at:
- Students, employees and alumni of the universities with an interest in community-oriented start-ups
- Existing public benefit-oriented companies in their start-up or growth phase
- Existing companies that are open to further developing their business models or individual business areas for the common good
- The general public with the aim of creating awareness for the common good and sustainable forms of business
Supporting start-ups that focus on the common good and sustainable business models
SoNaR not only provides targeted support for start-ups that focus on the common good, but also raises awareness of socially and ecologically sustainable business practices. The project offers practical formats that support prospective founders and existing companies in various phases:
Individual consultation & qualification
Customised consulting services for those interested in founding a company and existing non-profit companies, for example on sustainable business models, financing and impact measurement.
Our portfolio
Brief consultation: First steps towards social impact and sustainability
Our free brief consultation is aimed at students and founders who would like to find out more about business for the common good and social innovation. Together, we look at what lies behind these approaches and how they can be integrated into start-up ideas - regardless of whether you already have a concrete idea or are simply curious. The brief consultation raises awareness of key values such as social justice, ecological responsibility and co-determination and shows initial ways of thinking about impact. We also provide information on networks, funding opportunities and events to help you move forward.
Transformation consultation: Impact and sustainability in the business model
Our transformation consultation supports start-ups and existing companies in developing their business model in a targeted manner. It's not about fundamentally changing everything; even small changes can make a big difference. Together, we identify potential and levers to strengthen social impact, sustainability and a focus on the common good. The free consultation also includes a look at suitable legal forms, funding opportunities and networks. The aim is to find out together how your company can develop more impact step by step - in a practical way and tailored to your needs.
Advice on legal issues for start-ups for the common good
Anyone who founds a company quickly faces legal issues - from choosing the right legal form to requirements regarding articles of association, non-profit status or eligibility for funding. The legal structure is an important step on the way to implementation, especially for start-ups that are geared towards the common good. We are now offering founders the opportunity to take advantage of a free initial legal consultation.
Impact clusters & networking events
Establishment of a regional network that specifically strengthens the exchange between people interested in founding a company, impact start-ups, established companies, investors and funding institutions. Regular dialogue formats, pitch events and matching events bring players together.
Inspiration & awareness programs
Information events, hackathons and topic-specific workshops make the opportunities of entrepreneurship for the common good visible and offer space for innovation.
Transfer & scaling
Development of good practice approaches and guidelines that can be applied beyond the region.
The three universities are working together closely and synergistically across all phases. In addition to general support, the University of Bonn also contributes its own thematic expertise in the cross-cutting topics of games and accessibility. Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg and Alanus University of Applied Sciences advise the target groups individually on setting up or transforming into companies for the common good. Their expertise complements each other perfectly: H-BRS has extensive experience in business start-up consulting, while Alanus University of Applied Sciences focuses on sustainability. This holistic approach enables SoNaR to effectively promote innovative solutions for sustainable business models.
Joint implementation with strong partners
SoNaR is implemented in close cooperation with various stakeholders from business, science and civil society. These include start-ups with business models geared towards the common good, investors such as NRW.BANK and organisations such as the Bonn Sustainability Hub.
Shaping the future: SoNaR as a driving force
With SoNaR, we are strengthening the region's start-up culture that is geared towards the common good, opening up new opportunities in social and sustainable business and promoting a future-proof, climate-friendly business landscape.
Contact persons at the universities
University of Bonn / Transfer Centre enaCom
Contact: Sandra Speer (Head of Department)
Alanus University
Contact: Lukas Kiefer & Paul Zieger (Project Manager SoNaR)
Contact points
Kontakt zum CENTIM
Campus
Rheinbach
Room
Gebäude H, 3. Etage
Opening hours
Termine nach Vereinbarung: Bitte kontaktieren Sie das CENTIM Team
Start-up-Manufaktur - Kontakt
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
F413 (Campus Sankt Augustin), H306 (Campus Rheinbach)
Opening hours
nach Vereinbarung