The clock is ticking: Companies can still apply to become Founder Champions until August 1st. This year, KfW will once again honor 16 Founder Champions in the German states and one national winner. The banking group will also present a special award and an audience award. The awards carry a total of €35,000 in prize money.
All companies founded in 2012 or later can apply online for the award. The prizes will then be awarded on October 12, 2017, at the opening event of the German Founders and Entrepreneurs Days (deGUT) in Berlin. A jury consisting of representatives from KfW, politics, and business will select the winners from all submissions. Criteria include the degree of innovation, creativity, social responsibility, job creation, and environmental aspects. Companies from all sectors are welcome to apply.
Dr. Ingrid Hengster, Member of the Board of Management of KfW Banking Group, says:
"With the KfW Award for Founders Champions, we want to honor founders who have courageously turned an idea into a successful company for their personal commitment. At the same time, we want to highlight shining examples to motivate those who may still be hesitant about taking the step into self-employment."
Celonis was the Bavarian winner in 2016
All prizes are endowed with 35,000 euros. The winners in the sixteen federal states will each receive 1,000 euros in prize money. Last year the Bavarian Prize went to CelonisA national winner will then be chosen from the state winners, who will receive an additional €9,000. At the awards ceremony, the audience will decide who will receive an additional €5,000. The jury will also select the special prize winner, who will also receive €5,000.
Further information about the competition and registration are available here online ready.
