BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FOR DESIGNERS #2

How can I, as a designer, establish a sustainable business? What are the pathways to responsible production? And where can I find suitable funding opportunities for my idea?
Young designers are invited to take part in a three-day programme at Folkwang University in Essen, featuring workshops and insights from businesses operating at the intersection of design and sustainability. 

Participation is free of charge. Registration required via email: sbyd@folkwang-uni.de

The event will be held in German.

WEDNESDAY, 08/10/2025, 14:00 – 18:00
-> Learning from Others
Anne-Sophie Müller (Trash Galore)
Sven Urselmann (Urselmann Interior)

Short talks from emerging businesses working at the intersection of design and sustainability. Learn how sustainable business goals are translated into practice and how design and production processes can be shaped within a sustainable context. What successes and challenges arise when founding a business with a focus on sustainability? What conflicts emerge between ecological responsibility and economic success? How does a sustainable approach influence business management?
Afterwards: informal networking, snacks and drinks.

THURSDAY, 09/10/2025, 09:30 – 18:00
-> Workshop 1: Funding Opportunities – Where and How to Access Financial Support
Nick Esser (Start Art Week)
-> Workshop 2: Sustainable Production – Who Makes My Product and from What?
Agnes Wagter (Seads)

Workshop 1 provides an overview of funding opportunities for realising a business idea. Which programmes, foundations or institutions support ventures at the intersection of design and sustainability? How can I identify suitable offers? How do I write compelling funding applications?

Workshop 2 explores sustainable production methods. Which materials are suitable for my product? How can I find eco-friendly manufacturing processes and reliable partners? Together, we’ll develop approaches to implementing resource-efficient production within your project.

Friday, 10/10/2025, 09:30 – 18:00
-> Deepening Workshops 1 + 2
-> Talks: Sustainable Business Models x Narratives
 (Wuppertal Institut / Vita Zimmermann, Christoph Tochtrop)

The morning will build on the previous day’s workshop work, allowing you to deepen your own focus areas.

The afternoon will be dedicated to sustainable business models and the narratives we use to communicate them. How can we, as designers, make new ways of doing business both visible and imaginable?

This event is organised in cooperation with Start Art Week Düsseldorf.