Startup boom in Osnabrück: Foreigners and women are driving growth!

Startup boom in Osnabrück: Foreigners and women are driving growth!

In the economic region of Osnabrück-Emsland-County of Bentheim, the year 2024 brought unexpected momentum to the start-up scene. How Economy Current reported that 7,003 new companies were founded in this region, which corresponds to an increase of 1.9 percent compared to the previous year. This is well above the state and national average, where start-up growth was only 0.2 percent.

Even though the number of complete business closures rose to 5,410, the balance remains positive. This means that despite the closures, more companies have been founded than ever before. The region's attractiveness for start-ups has obviously grown, which is not least due to a start-up-friendly climate and targeted support offers.

Foreign founders and women in focus

Another encouraging sign is the increasing diversity among founders. 22.6 percent of newly founded commercial sole proprietorships in 2024 were the work of foreign nationals. A total of 1,239 individual companies were founded by foreign founders, which corresponds to an increase of 9.7 percent year-on-year. For comparison: Nationwide, growth in foreign start-ups was only 3.0 percent.

The proportion of women in the region is also considerable and amounts to 38.1 percent of all new businesses. Particularly noteworthy is the proportion of women in the county of Bentheim with 41.2 percent and in Emsland with 40.5 percent. These figures demonstrate a varied and dynamic start-up landscape that appeals to both men and women.

Trendy throughout Germany

But there is an upward trend not only regionally. After Statista There were almost 258,500 commercial start-ups in Germany last year. A remarkably high number that shows how important start-ups are for the economy. They not only secure jobs, but also promote innovation and the competitiveness of the national economy.

It is also worth noting that one in five commercial start-ups took place in the new federal states. The service sector is particularly well represented with around 65 percent of new start-ups. The main motives of founders are often independence and the realization of their own business ideas

Outlook into the future

Another aspect that should not go unnoticed is the demographic development among the founders. According to current surveys by IfM Bonn, the average age of founders is around 25 to 34 years, with the majority having previously worked in dependent employment. Regional update emphasizes that the positive development will be further promoted through targeted advisory services and the promotion of an entrepreneurial spirit in society.

Overall, it can be said that the future of start-ups in the region and nationwide looks bright. The new figures prove that creative minds and the right environment are crucial for success. This is the best prerequisite for dynamic economic development and diverse business ideas.