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SSW Fellow Ali Ghaznawi shares his experience participating in the two-day seminar “Starting a Business in Brandenburg,” hosted by GRÜNDEN IN PM. The seminar provided practical knowledge on business planning, legal requirements, and funding options for startups in Germany. Designed especially for migrants, it empowered participants through hands-on learning, networking, and confidence-building. This initiative supports migrant integration and self-employment by offering essential tools and guidance for launching a business in Brandenburg.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: How Participation in Seminars and Workshops Shapes Migrants’ Path Toward Better Social Integration
Educational programs offer migrants more than just skills they foster confidence, build networks, and deepen their understanding of the host society.
Participation in the Two-Day Seminar “Starting a Business in Brandenburg” – A Valuable Step for Migrants on the Path to Self-Employment
On June 10 and 11, 2025, I had the special opportunity to participate in a two-day seminar titled “Starting a Business in Brandenburg – A Seminar for Evaluating Business Ideas and Planning a Startup”, held in Bad Belzig. I was invited by Mr. Robert Gadow from the project GRÜNDEN IN PM, which is affiliated with the Technologie und Gründerzentrum Potsdam-Mittelmark GmbH.
This seminar was professionally led and moderated by Mr. Stefan Wahl, an experienced consultant for business startups and entrepreneurship development. The program not only provided in-depth information about starting a business in Germany but also enabled inspiring interactions and networking with participants from diverse backgrounds.
Seminar Content
Day One: Fundamentals and Orientation
The first day of the seminar focused on introductions, sharing individual business ideas, and addressing participants’ initial questions. The following key topics were covered:
- Importance and purpose of a business plan
- Key concepts and entrepreneurial mindsets
- Tools and methods for effective planning
- How to become an entrepreneur in Germany – legal procedures, registration, and involved institutions
- Basic financial understanding – terminology and economic thinking
- Overview of legal business structures and their advantages/disadvantages
- Business-related insurance – necessity and types
Day Two: Deepening and Practical Application
The second day was devoted to practical implementation and the financial assessment of business ideas. Topics included:
- When is a business profitable? – Initial profitability calculations
- Estimating investment needs and financing options
- Market analysis and fundamentals of marketing
- Funding opportunities and public support for startups
- Defining target groups and ideal clients – developing appropriate offers
- Basics of accounting and legal documentation obligations
- Final group discussion, feedback, and personal reflections
Why Seminars Like This Are Especially Important for Migrants
For individuals with a migration background, participating in such seminars is of great value. Starting a business in a new country often comes with numerous challenges – including language barriers, cultural differences, lack of information, and limited professional networks.
These types of programs offer migrants the opportunity to:
- Understand Germany’s economic and legal systems
- Learn essential business terminology and procedures
- Connect directly with experts and fellow entrepreneurs
- Practice the German language in a professional context
- Build confidence and trust in their own abilities
- Take active steps toward social and economic integration
Such programs promote not only professional development but also social inclusion. They give migrants a platform, a voice, and the tools to build a meaningful and independent future.
My Personal Experience
Personally, this seminar was an incredibly enriching and educational experience. I not only gained new knowledge about founding a business but also met many inspiring individuals who, like me, came with ideas, ambition, and a desire to create positive change. The conversations and exchanges with other participants were open, respectful, and motivating.
A particularly valuable aspect was learning and applying business-related terminology in German within a real-world setting. After this seminar, I feel much more prepared and confident to continue my journey toward launching my own business in Germany. I’ve realized that there are many support systems available – one just has to take the first step with courage.
At the end, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Robert Gadow (GRÜNDEN IN PM) and Mr. Stefan Wahl (consultant and seminar facilitator) for giving me the opportunity to participate in this valuable seminar.
This experience contributed significantly to my professional development and opened new doors for interaction and learning within German society. I hope many more migrants will have the chance to attend such programs and take confident steps toward their future success.