The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme is a fully funded 6-month-long program for outstanding young entrepreneurs from emerging and developing countries. The program aims to connect young founders worldwide with each other and with the Berlin startup scene. Also, it provides support them in further developing their entrepreneurial skills and their international network.

The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme Autumn 2019 will start with the Young Founders Conference from 22^nd to 26^th of October, 2019 in Berlin. During this time, the 25 participants have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with successful entrepreneurs, investors, and political decision-makers. Throughout the program, the Young Founders will have the chance to develop their businesses and discuss challenges with a personal mentor as well as with fellow Young Founders in a peer mentoring group. Moreover, Young Founders will receive further support through regular expert webinars that cater to their needs.

Fully Funded Westerwelle Young Founders Program

The successful candidates will receive a fully funded opportunity to attend Westerwelle Young Founders Conference, a week-long conference in Berlin. Moreover, the conference will provide the opportunity to get to know fellow Young Founders, the German startup scene, and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills by attending workshops and meetings. Moreover, Westerwelle Foundation will cover the travel and accommodation of the Young Founders.

Besides, the candidates will also receive:

• A personal mentorship session
• Monthly peer mentoring calls with the other successful Young Founders
• Expert sessions on relevant topics (e.g. OKRs, investor KPIs, marketing & sales);
• Become a part of the Young Founders Network
• Exposure to the Berlin startup scene and the public for you and your startup
• Assistance beyond the program as we remain a contact person for the Young Founders

Who is eligible for the Westerwelle Young Founders Program?

• Candidates must have recently started a for-profit company with a scalable business model. Further, the business should have achieved Product-Market Fit and has ideally secured the first external funding
• your company is based in a developing or emerging country or has a strong business focus on developing and emerging economies;
• Further, the participating candidate should possess a good working knowledge of English;
• Also, they should be available to attend the Young Founders Conference in Berlin. They should also make time to participate in monthly mentoring and peer mentoring calls for the 6-month program.

How to apply for the Young Founders Program?

The application procedure for the Westerwelle Young Founders Program includes the candidates to submit an online application. Along with the application, the candidates will also require to submit the required documentation. After completing the application, the jury will shortlist candidates for a Skype interview.

Deadline

The deadline to submit the application for the fully funded Westerwelle Young Founders Program is on 31 July 2019.