WESt is the business development company for the district of Steinfurt. The district of Steinfurt is located in the north-west of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and has a population of 460,000. In the district of Steinfurt, companies find the best conditions for their economic success. A healthy mix of industries, excellently trained specialists and a favourable transport infrastructure characterise the district. One important sector is the food industry.
WESt sees itself as a partner to the economy. Companies will always find a suitable contact person with us: whether they are looking for co-operation partnerships or the right funding or information on setting up a business – we provide advice and support!
Start-up counselling:
WESt is the first port of call for questions relating to business start-ups in the Steinfurt district. We provide support in developing the business model and drawing up a business plan. We provide advice and information on public funding programmes and offer various workshops and seminars on the subject of self-employment.
Corporate service:
We support companies in all matters relating to business development. We advise on funding opportunities and provide support with applications. We also organise various events and participate in networks. In order to provide companies with the best possible advice on topics such as digitalisation and sustainability, we participate in various funding projects.
TRAIN:
With ‘TRAIN – Transfer and Innovation in the Steinfurt District’, a joint initiative with Münster University of Applied Sciences, we identify experts at the university who are a perfect fit. In this way, we promote the profitable exchange between science and business. This enables companies to implement innovation and digitalisation projects together with Münster University of Applied Sciences – including funding.
Commercial space and commercial property exchange:
In our commercial property exchange, companies can find offers for vacant commercial space, land, commercial halls, office space and shops throughout the Steinfurt district.
ZDI Centre Steinfurt District:
We bring companies and schools together and promote STEM professions (MINT = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Companies come into direct contact with potential trainees at schools through a wide range of programmes. Pupils learn about STEM professions and programmes at companies and universities of applied sciences.
Broadband and mobile communications:
We will ensure that 95% of all addresses in the Steinfurt district are connected to the fibre optic network by the end of 2025. This makes us one of the districts with the best fibre-optic coverage in the whole of Germany. We identify and analyse gaps in mobile communications coverage in the district and develop possible solutions.
GRIPS – Steinfurt start-up and innovation park:
At GRIPS, we offer office and laboratory space and meeting rooms at favourable rental conditions. Tenants benefit from the direct proximity to Münster University of Applied Sciences and access to young professionals.
The WESt representatives working on the DIGIFABS project are Christian Holterhues, CEO and Sonja Raiber – Deputy Managing Director.
