The “Marktplatz Gute Geschäfte” initiative is fostering new partnerships between the volunteer sector and the business community

Overath -No money, no honey. That’s true most of the time, for most things in life. But money doesn’t always have to be a factor in good business, as demonstrated by the “Marktplatz Gute Geschäfte” event, which took place for the fifth time this year in the Rheinisch-Bergisch district. Last Thursday, regional nonprofit organizations and businesses gathered at the Overath Kulturbahnhof to explore how they could help one another.

“”Without money” doesn’t mean “without value”—here, networks, knowledge, and commitment are exchanged,” says Tanja Siebert, Executive Director of AMAIDI International gGmbH

The marketplace was organized by Tanja Siebert, executive director of the nonprofit organization AMAIDI International in Overath, and Christian Gollmer, district group director of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband NRW. The two have been hosting the event since 2019. “In even-numbered years, the marketplace takes place in Overath, and in odd-numbered years in Altenberg,” explains Siebert. This makes the event easily accessible for the various companies and organizations in the district. This year, eleven nonprofit organizations and six companies participated. This means participation was lower than in previous years. “We received feedback from the organizations and companies that they would have liked to participate. However, due to the tense and uncertain economic situation, they are being cautious and are focused on other issues,” says Siebert.

And what are people usually looking for? “Clubs typically need support in the digital realm, such as with web design or social media,” Siebert knows from experience. Companies are looking for different things; most often, they offer in return what constitutes their core business expertise.

Both sides can offer all sorts of things. This includes sharing knowledge or networks, but also providing work materials or manpower. In a speed-dating session, for which they have one hour, the parties can set out to find a partner.

Dr. Jürgen Rembold, founder of the Rembold Foundation, presented awards to the top three partnerships of 2025. Each nonprofit organization received a prize of 200 euros. The winners were the CVJM Bergisch Gladbach, the parents’ association of the Villa Löwenzahn daycare center in Rösrath, and the parents’ initiative for children with heart conditions in Cologne. Members of the CVJM participated in a motivational workshop led by Frederike Hofmann, founder of the company “Tanzen mit Friede.” Katha Arndt, a coach and trainer, conducted a resilience training session for the entire team at the Villa Löwenzahn daycare center to help them achieve a less stressful daily routine. Tailor Maria-Theresia Wolff, owner of “Phantasiali Stoffe,” sewed special wrap shirts for children who have to stay in the hospital together with members of the parents’ initiative for children with heart conditions.

The idea for this award came from Rembold himself. “I thought it would be a shame if the negotiations came to nothing. And to show what has come of them and to recognize that the agreements were honored, I wanted to take a look back at them,” explains Rembold, whose foundation also serves as the main sponsor of the marketplace, alongside the Kreissparkasse Köln. Since the foundation exclusively supports civic engagement, the marketplace fits perfectly into its mission. In his speech at the award ceremony, the founder noted that “the best investment with low risk is a donation.”

Claudia Eggert and Beate Wegner from the Cologne Parents’ Initiative for Children with Heart Disease are participating for the fourth time this year. “You can’t always predict what you’ll need, but we’re always looking for help,” says Eggert. Whether it’s coaching for parents or sports programs for children—some of whom have limited mobility—there’s always something to do. It’s helpful to already have the right contacts on hand. “We’re well-connected with other clubs and nonprofit organizations—next year marks our 40th anniversary. Many companies are looking for initiatives they can get involved in,” explains Wegner. That’s where they can help connect the dots.

On the business side, attendees had the chance to meet Katrin Füchsel from Ringana, a cosmetics manufacturer, among others. She was primarily looking to build connections. “I can also offer a large network in return, and I really enjoy organizing events,” says Füchsel. This was her third time attending. Last time, she organized a small trade show at the soapbox derby in Overath as part of a partnership. “I enjoy meeting new people, and strengthening the local network is important to me, especially when it comes to connecting women with one another,” explains Füchsel.

Jörg Schiefer, First Deputy Mayor of Overath, and District Administrator Arne von Boetticher, patron of the event, were also in attendance. The latter addressed the participants with a few words of welcome. “Volunteer work is a cornerstone of our district that deserves our support. And fortunately, we have companies that are willing to step up and take on this responsibility.”

As AMAIDI announced in a press release following the event, agreements totaling more than 23,600 euros and 125 volunteer hours were secured this year.

In addition to associations and companies, a delegation from Uganda was also in attendance, including AMAIDI directors Mamerito Ssenfuma and Sula Kakande. As Ssenfuma explained, the purpose of the visit to Overath was to observe how such an event is organized and carried out. This would allow the concept to be adapted for Uganda, so that networks between the business sector and the volunteer community can also be established there.

Other nonprofit organizations from the district represented included: Inclusio Rhein-Berg, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, CBF – Club for People with Disabilities and Their Friends, and Die Platte in Bergisch Gladbach. On the corporate side, in addition to Ringana, the following were present: the Phantasiali Stoffe tailor shop, Tanzen mit Friede, Marlene Weiner – the training expert, and Rebecca Gollmer – consulting for nonprofit organizations.

VON JANINA ROSSIGNOL, Kölner Stadt Anzeiger