Aalen. There is a tense silence in the conference room at Kreissparkasse Ostalb in Aalen as the first student team starts its presentation. Shortly afterwards, there is passionate discussion, defense and entrepreneurial thinking. The presentation event in the sixth semester of the Business Administration for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (BWL für KMU) course at Aalen University of Applied Sciences has long been more than just a classic exam: it is a practical endurance test for prospective managers and potential founders.
Prof. Dr. Holger Held's course "Business Model and Business Plan" focuses on the application of theory to real-life challenges. "An idea often sounds good - but can it also solve problems or satisfy customer needs? That's exactly what the teams have to answer," explains Held. Customer benefit, differentiation, scalability and a viable financing concept are decisive factors.
Diverse business ideas
The students presented a wide range of business ideas. One team developed Studento GbR, an app that connects students with each other in an uncomplicated way. The platform offers tutoring, a talent exchange and social networking - responding to the desire for more community in everyday student life.
The VibeActive GmbH concept offers a physical counterpart to digital university life. The planned community house is intended to be a retreat, meeting place, fitness room and networking platform all in one - a place for exchange, relaxation and new contacts.
Cosmetic tools and soccer boots
Lovella GmbH is positioning itself with a clear focus on sustainability. The company develops environmentally friendly try-on caps for make-up and thus addresses ecological and hygienic issues in the cosmetics trade - a niche product with social relevance.
VereinsMatch GmbH, on the other hand, takes on the structured acquisition of sponsors for clubs. From the analysis of potential partners to professional sponsorship management, the aim is to create a range of services that will make clubs more financially stable and strategically stronger.
FlexiKick GmbH aroused particular interest: a multifunctional soccer boot with three interchangeable Velcro soles that can be used on different surfaces. The concept by Linus Thum, Manuel Michel and Louis Taglieber impressed the jury with its clear target group orientation and recognizable market potential. The combination of cost savings and high suitability for everyday use was rated as promising despite various implementation problems.
Critical questions and intensive discussions
The tried and tested panel of experts consisting of representatives from practice and university members examined the concepts in detail. In addition to Prof. Held, the jury consisted of Michael Kohn from VR-Bank Ostalb eG, Marc Deppner from Kreissparkasse Ostalb and Christian Kling from the Start-up campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences. In addition to the degree of innovation and market opportunities, the focus was on profitability calculations, risk assessments and strategic positioning.
For the students, this meant: arguing, defending, sharpening. "It is precisely this intensive debate and the presentation outside the University of Applied Sciences in front of a jury of experts that makes the project so valuable. Entrepreneurial thinking does not emerge in a vacuum," emphasizes Deppner. "It arises where ideas are questioned and developed further," adds Kohn. The event impressively demonstrates how concrete entrepreneurial perspectives can grow from business know-how.
Article in the Schwäbische Post.
