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Autumn School for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Our vision: a network of sustainable entrepreneurs who think and learn globally

The Autumn School for Sustainable Entrepreneurship is a programme for young change-makers from African countries and Germany, organised by Engagement Global with its ASA Programme within the framework of the African German Youth Initiative (AGYI). The format was launched successfully in 2016 and takes place once a year, alternately in Germany and in an African country. It combines peer-to-peer sessions, expert inputs and business development workshops, and aims at creating a network of sustainable entrepreneurs who think and learn globally.

The Autumn School is driven by the vision of a transition towards a more sustainable economy. As a learning platform it enables the participants to extend their knowledge about different aspects of sustainable entrepreneurship, increase their social impact, share their locally acquired best practices and creative approaches with each other, and become part of an international network of young people sharing the same spirit of sustainability.

Menschen stehen für das Gruppenfoto zusammen.
Participants, Alumni and Partners of the Autumn School for Sustainable Entrepreneurship 2018 in Stuttgart, Germany. Copyright: Markus Karl

Sustainable Entrepreneurship addresses social or ecological problems through entrepreneurial efforts. Many of these problems are of a highly complex and global nature. They require integrated responses, based on resources and know-how from different regional actors. By creating a common understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship in the global context the Autumn School wants to facilitate a dialogue and the implementation of sustainability projects across continents.

The Autumn School is aimed at up to 25 sustainable entrepreneurs addressing social and environmental issues either in Germany or on the African continent, and who are interested in improving their business models and in increasing their impact. The overarching theme varies from year to year. The format is particularly suited for entrepreneurs who are in the early implementation phase of their project.

Participants of the Autumn School will…

  • get to know more about the life and work of other young changemakers from African countries and Germany;
  • acquire useful tools to further develop their business;
  • exchange resources and experiences and set the base for long-term virtual or regional exchange;
  • gain support and motivation to act as drivers of change for sustainable entrepreneurship in their own region;
  • be part of ASA’s extended alumni and partner network.

Past Editions

The Autumn School 2018 took place in Stuttgart, Germany from 21 to 26 October and was organised in cooperation with the Baden Württemberg Foundation for Development Cooperation and Social Impact Lab Stuttgart under the overarching theme of Digitalisation.

More information

The format was launched in Germany’s leading start-up hub Berlin in 2016. The Autumn School 2017 edition took place at Buni Hub in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in partnership with Ashoka East Africa on the topic of Climate Change.

Menschen stehen für das Gruppenfoto zusammen. Im Hintergund sind die gedeckt farbigen Vorhänge, eine Pinnwand und Fenster rechts des Raumes zu sehen.
Participants of the Autumn School 2017. Copyright: Manuel Dingemann

Contents of the Autumn School

  • Virtual preparatory phase where participants are supported by Autumn School alumni to find solutions to their main business challenges;
  • Inspiring expert inputs and discussions on sustainable business and sustainability issues;
  • Peer-to-peer sessions where participants convene and learn from each other and from invited international guests;
  • Meetings with Strategic Partners where participants can critically discuss their business plans;
  • Field visits to selected regional projects
  • Attendance of the ASA Kaleidoskop – the ASA Programme’s annual multi-stakeholder networking event on sustainable business featuring workshops, pitches, market place...

Organisation and Application

The participation in the Autumn School is free of charge. The ASA Programme covers the expenses for travel and accommodation (for six nights) for all selected participants. Participants are furthermore be assisted with the organisation of their travels, accommodation and with their visa application.