VITRINE Hannover – WIR2.0
A space for ideas. A stage for diversity.
VITRINE Hannover is a temporary pop-up and testing space for migrant entrepreneurs. You can test your business idea under real conditions – in full view of the public in a practical setting and with manageable risk. Whether it’s a product, a service or a creative venture: VITRINE offers you space to experiment, visibility and personalised support. We take care of the basic conditions so that you can focus on what really matters: your idea.
The project is part of the WIR 2.0 funding programme and is implemented by kreHtiv Netzwerk Hannover e.V..
Participation Overview
- WHO: Migrant entrepreneurs facing structural access barriers* in Hanover (preferably in the city of Hanover)
- WHAT: PopUp-Space for products and/or service (excluding catering)
- WHY: To test, further develop and sell their offering
- HOW: Use of the space for 2–4 weeks, shared with other start-up founders
- WHEN: The VITRINE will be open from July to October 2026
*The project focuses on migrant entrepreneurs facing structural access barriers. By this we mean entrepreneurs whose personal or family history is shaped by migration and who identify as migrants, or who face particular access barriers in the context of starting a business due to this background.
1.
FIRST STAGE OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS
01.04. - 19.04.2026
Please fill in the application form. If you need help or have any questions, please get in touch!
2.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Mid to late April
We will check whether your proposal meets the basic requirements for the VITRINE. We will get back to you.
3.
SECOND STAGE OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Late April to mid May
If your proposal is a good fit for the VITRINE, the next step is to answer a few more detailed questions about it. We will present this information to the jury /panel.
4.
JURY DISCUSSION
Early June
The jury will make recommendations regarding the composition of the VITRINE. We’ll be in touch again shortly.
5.
PERSONAL MEETING
Mid to late June
If you have been recommended, we will get in touch with you and discuss all the details of your participation in a personal conversation.
APPLY NOW
Important language note
Communication with the VITRINE project team can only take place in German or English.
If you wish to communicate in another language, you will need to arrange for translation yourself.
Eligibility requirements
- You should:
- • be able to manage your product/ service during the opening hours (Wed–Sat, 12 noon–6 pm)
- • have the necessary time to participate for a period of 2–4 weeks
- • be able to provide proper invoicing should your products be sold (keyword: obligation to provide receipts)
- • bring your own specialist equipment/furniture if required and set up the space within the given parameters
- • agree to share the space with other start-up founders
We (kreHtiv Netzwerk) will take care of:
- • organise the basic equipment of the space
- • coordinate the booking schedule
- • ensure visibility through communication initiatives (we do NOT handle the marketing of your individual offering)
Please read the INFO SHEET carefully for further details!
Infoblatt (Deutsch) BİLGİ FORMU (Türkçe) نشرة إعلامية (العربية )
The project focuses on migrant entrepreneurs facing structural access barriers. By this we mean entrepreneurs whose personal or family history is shaped by migration and who identify as migrants, or who face particular access barriers in the context of starting a business due to this background.
Get in touch!
Email: vitrine@krehtiv.de
Telephone: 0511 760 435 60
krehtiv.deFirst, we will check whether your proposal meets the basic requirements of VITRINE. We will then get back to you. If your proposal is suitable, the next step is for you to answer a few more detailed questions about yourselves and your project. These will serve as the basis for the jury’s decision on whether to recommend your participation.
An interdisciplinary panel of experts issues a recommendation. Decisions regarding individual participation will be made on the basis of these recommendations and the project guidelines.
To take part, you should:
- be able to look after your product/service during opening hours (Wed–Sat, 12 noon–6 pm)
- have the time required for your allocated period (2–4 weeks)
- if selling items: be able to provide proper invoicing
- bring your own specialist equipment if necessary
You can find all the details in the INFO SHEET.
Infoblatt (Deutsch) BİLGİ FORMU (Türkçe) نشرة إعلامية (العربية )
We’ll take care of the logistics so you can focus on your offering: organising the space, coordinating the schedule, providing basic equipment in the store, handling communication and visibility, and organisation to facilitate networking opportunities.
You’ll find all the details in the INFO SHEET.
Infoblatt (Deutsch) BİLGİ FORMU (Türkçe) نشرة إعلامية (العربية )
We provide basic equipment in the shop (e.g. clothes rails, tables, checkout-counter, seating). If you require any additional special or customised fittings, you will need to organise and bring these yourself.
Basic equipment from kreHtiv:
- Clothes rails
- Table
- Chairs
- Glass display cabinets
- Cash desk / Counter
- Display units
- Racks
- Mirrors
- Changing room
- Partition walls
Most likely in Hanover city centre. The exact location will be announced in due course.
We are planning with a flexible concept. There will be space to display and sell your products, a seating area where you can relax and chat, and a small work area for you.
BACKGROUND
What is VITRINE Hannover?
VITRINE Hannover transforms a temporary space into a hub of opportunity for start-ups founded by migrants.
For a limited period from July to October 2026, founders can showcase their products or services to a wide audience, attract their first customers and gather valuable feedback.
In doing so, VITRINE is more than just a pop-up; it is a space for experimentation with diversity, a place for encounters, exchange and learning, and a bridge to networks in business, start-up support and communities.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
The „Wir 2.0 – Ausprobierwiese für migrantische Gründer*innen“ (ENG: “Wir 2.0 – A Testing Ground for Migrant Entrepreneurs”) project aims to create a temporary, experimental space where migrant entrepreneurs can showcase and test their products, services and ideas. We deliberately do not speak of a finished concept, but rather a testing ground. The focus is not on perfect presentation, but on the process: becoming visible, learning, and exchanging ideas with visitors and other entrepreneurs. We achieve impact through experiences, insights and visibility. And the question of: how can space be created in which diversity is not merely tolerated, but actively enabled. In a climate where exclusion, stereotyping and right-wing narratives are becoming louder once again, the project deliberately focuses on encounter, dialogue and diverse perspectives.
The project is part of the WIR 2.0 funding scheme, which outlines support for equal participation in the context of immigration and aims to contribute to the intercultural openness of urban society. The focus is on low-threshold, dialogue-oriented and innovative formats that facilitate visibility, empowerment and exchange between people with and without a migration background, and break down structural barriers. Within the framework of WIR 2.0, various measures are being tested that combat exclusion and discrimination and view cultural, linguistic and social diversity as a social resource.
FOR FOUNDERS
What we do – and how you benefit:
We take care of the basics! As kreHtiv Netzwerk Hannover e.V., we handle the rental of the spaces, provide basic infrastructure (e.g. furniture, display areas), organise and coordinate the process, and ensure publicity and visibility for VITRINE Hannover. You don’t have to worry about the lease, insurance or basic equipment.
You can experiment and focus on your business model: whether you’ve just had a business idea, are right at the beginning of founding, or have been in business for a few years but want to test your business model under different conditions! You take care of any invoicing and the individual promotion of your products or services yourself. You use VITRINE to realistically test your products/services, engage with customers, gather feedback, further develop your business model and build networks.
Application
We’re starting with an open call for applications. You can apply with your idea – it’s easy to do and completely transparent. If you’d like, we’re here to listen and offer support.
The application period isn’t open yet!
Selection
Our panel of experts, comprising a migrant organisation, migrant entrepreneurs, representatives from the business sector and start-up support organisations, selects participants based on clear criteria. This is how we ensure diversity and fairness.
Programm
You’ll use the space for a set period (typically 2–4 weeks). How you arrange it is entirely up to you – the VITRINE becomes your space, which you’ll share with other founders during that time.
Network
There will also be networking events and opportunities for discussionat the space. Here, you can chat with experts, visitors and other founders.
Our panel of experts
Our expert panel comprises representatives from migrant organisations, the business sector and the start-up support community. The panel’s role is to develop transparent criteria for participation and to build a broad network of supporters, thereby ensuring the quality and sustainability of the project. This enables a fair, diverse and high-quality selection of start-up founders.
The expert panel comprises:
