Local authorities in Niedereschach saw the need for new entrepreneurs in the municipality. Due to demographic changes and increased competition between locations, the rural Black Forest community decided to revive its old entrepreneurial culture and launched “EGON” in 2012. The core of the offensive is a pilot programme. Volunteer mentors – mainly older self-employed people – provide young entrepreneurs with knowhow and contacts, accompany them when they talk with municipal officials, and give them advice on approval and financing issues. The programme has been very successful. So far, it’s piloted twelve start-ups into safe waters.