Rural Entrepreneurial Venture Unveiled

In the vibrant city of Schwerin and the Hamburg metropolitan area, a wave of innovation is sweeping through various industries, with a particular focus on green start-ups and women in leadership roles. One such inspiring story is that of ŌMAKA, a business founded by Jen Martens in 2019.

ŌMAKA is a company that produces vegan, certified natural cosmetics, specialising in shampoos and care products designed for people with curly hair. The idea for ŌMAKA was born out of necessity when Jen, while working and pregnant, found a lack of natural and vegan shampoo options suitable for her child's hair.

Initially, Jen's shampoo was given as gifts, but the demand for her unique product gradually led to the gradual approach of founding a business. This involved writing a business plan, developing a marketing strategy, and networking for distribution. Her journey was not easy, but she persevered, supported by the chambers of commerce in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, as well as by Grace, an accelerator for female entrepreneurship.

The Hamburg Metropolitan Region offers a wealth of resources for entrepreneurs. There are numerous programs available for women seeking innovation or start-up assistance, such as the Pro Exzellenzia lead scholarship for women pursuing doctoral projects in STEM, arts, design/media, music, and architecture, funded by the EU and Hamburg government until 2028. The region also offers diverse start-up funding options, including the Hamburg-Kredit (loan with optional subsidies), InnoRampUp (up to €150,000 grant for tech startups), InnoFounder (living cost grants), and venture capital funds specifically supporting innovative enterprises.

In addition to these resources, economic development agencies in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region provide advice and make contacts to start-up and technology centres, innovation hubs, FabLabs, incubators, and more, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of start-ups.

ŌMAKA's success story is a testament to the growing trend of women taking leadership roles in green start-ups. Today, the company employs three people and has made significant strides, with Jen Martens winning the Lübeck Economic Founder Award in 2023 and her products listed in the online trade of a major drugstore chain and available in various stores in stationary trade.

Moreover, the positive trend in company takeovers is evident, with more women in leadership positions driving growth and innovation in businesses across the region. This includes Schleswig-Holstein, where 3,866 businesses were founded last year, seven percent more than the previous year.

Even in the rural state of Schleswig-Holstein, there are options for co-working, providing a supportive environment for start-ups and entrepreneurs. In Schwerin, this includes shared workspaces that foster collaboration and innovation.

International Women's Day was also marked in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, celebrating the achievements of women in business and encouraging more women to take up leadership roles in various industries.

The journey of ŌMAKA is a shining example of how passion, determination, and the right resources can lead to success. As more women take up leadership roles in green start-ups and companies, we can look forward to a future where businesses are not only sustainable but also inclusive and empowering.