Schoolgirls win with innovative business idea
25 project teams entered the "Unternehmen Plus" competition organised by the Forchheim Junior Chamber of Commerce with great commitment. The winning team, consisting of Emelie Schneider, Annika Stubmann and Theresa Müller from year 10 at Ehrenbürg-Gymnasium, won 1,500 euros for their innovative business idea.
Together with Ehrenbürg-Gymnasium, the Forchheim Junior Chamber of Commerce has launched the "Unternehmen Plus" start-up competition. This project aims to promote the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship of young people in order to support long-term, broad-based and sustainable economic growth.
Present business ideas in record time
Nine of the 25 teams made it to the final and were allowed to present their ground-breaking business ideas. Each team has just three minutes to convince the jury and audience. The jury then has two minutes to ask questions.
Emelie Schneider, Annika Stubmann and Theresa Müller can look forward to receiving €1,500 to set up their business. With their business idea, they have created a revolutionary pair of jeans that are practical, sustainable and appeal to the younger generation. "We can't reveal any more, because the students want to hit the ground running with their business idea," explains project manager and initiator Jehona Ahmeti from the Forchheim Junior Chamber of Commerce. The direct feedback from entrepreneurs was very positive for the three winners as to whether the ideas are really realisable and what needs to be taken into account. The three best teams each won a Forchheim city voucher worth 200 euros.
Markus Feihl, project teacher at Ehrenbürg-Gymnasium and co-initiator of the project, emphasises the importance of the practical experience that the pupils were able to gain through the competition: "They learn to work in a team, take responsibility and present their ideas convincingly."
Dardan Morina as an inspiring patron
"We are particularly pleased that Dardan Morina has taken on the patronage of the project," says Ahmeti, visibly proud. As a 22-time world champion in Thai and kickboxing as well as a successful entrepreneur and investor in eight companies, he brings with him a unique combination of discipline, success and business acumen. Ahmeti: "His support was additional motivation and inspiration for the young participants."
Morina herself is very enthusiastic about the project and the exciting ideas of the project participants. "It's important to believe in your own ideas," Morina emphasises.
Project manager Ahmeti was also delighted with the participants' achievements: "This project is one of my most valuable experiences with the Junior Chamber."
Shaping the future with innovative ideas
Ahmeti emphasises the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in Germany: "We need more young people in Germany to set up businesses and drive innovation."
As part of the competition, 87 pupils developed their own business ideas in teams of three and four, drew up business plans and perfected their presentation techniques with the support of the Forchheim Junior Chamber of Commerce. The project started on 6 June 2024 with the presentation of the ideas. The business plans were submitted by 28 June and the best nine projects were selected for the final.
Ideas as a driving force for innovation and progress
The project is generously supported by Sparkasse Forchheim and the Medical Valley Centre Forchheim. The Forchheim Education Office is also supporting this project with a grant from the "Innovation Fund" to help shape education together and turn ideas into concrete projects.
Harald Reinsch, Chairman of Sparkasse Forchheim, emphasises the importance of innovative spirit and entrepreneurship: "Innovations and new ideas are the driving forces behind progress and prosperity." Viktor Naumann, Economic Development Manager of the City of Forchheim and Managing Director of the Medical Valley Center Forchheim, adds: "I am impressed by the creativity with which everyday problems have been recognised and innovative solutions developed." Dr Julia Schilling, Head of the Education Office at the District Office, regrets that economic and financial education is unfortunately often neglected in school lessons: Dr Schilling: "This makes a project like 'Unternehmen Plus' by the Wirtschaftsjunioren all the more important for practising entrepreneurial thinking. Carolin Hochmuth, jury member and regional chairwoman of the Bavarian Junior Chamber of Commerce, emphasises: "Entrepreneurship must already have a positive connotation in the minds of young people."
Jury
Dardan Morina (patron and entrepreneur)
Tino Reichardt (Partner Valuniq AG),
Martin Vierling (VIERLING Production GmbH)
Florian Kraus (Omnibus Kraus GmbH & Co. KG)
Viktor Naumann (Head of Economic Development Department City of Forchheim / Managing Director Medical Valley Centre Forchheim)
Florian Hartlieb (Corporate Customer Management Sparkasse Forchheim)
Carolin Hochmuth (Chairwoman WJ Bayern)
Marcus Müller (Owner Landgasthof Lahner & Chairman WJ Forchheim)
Marco Böhm (Managing Director Bluebranch GmbH)
