5 euros for a project close to your heart: "Heimatschätze" inspires the region
With just five euros in start-up capital, four students from the University of Bayreuth have developed a product that is currently selling like hot cakes. Marvin Büttner (26) and Maximilian Weiland (28), both studying for a master's degree in sports economics, as well as Louis Meyer (21, business administration) and Philipp Clemens (23, law and economics) are taking part in the 5-Euro Business Competition – and are deliberately focusing on regionality.
For the quartet, their "Heimatschätze" (local treasures) project is much more than just a competition task. "We wanted to get regional producers and manufacturers on board and at the same time show what high-quality products are available here locally – perfect as Christmas gifts," they explain. This gave rise to the idea of the "treasure chest": a gift box filled with specialities from small manufacturers – from honey, coffee and chocolate to fine delicacies that are easily overlooked in everyday life. The box costs 29.90 Euro, or 24.90 Euro for students in the canteen.
In their press release, the four write: "Instead of anonymous mass-produced goods, the focus here is on people and stories. Each treasure chest is designed to show how diverse, sustainable and special our region is – and how much passion there is on the shelves of small shops." Business turned into friendship Their success proves them right: the first 100 boxes sold out quickly. "And 70 of the next 100 have already been reserved," reports Max Weiland. In addition to the sales success, something else is important to the team: "We didn't know each other before – we became friends through the project."
The competition itself also left an impression. "We were told it would be a lot of work. That's true. But it was also a lot of fun," says Weiland. The collaboration with business mentor Markus Spona was particularly valuable: "Learning couldn't be better." Mentor Spona confirms the team's commitment: "I am delighted to support the four students. I am convinced by the concept of the 5-Euro Business – and it's great to be able to contribute my experience to help the start-up move forward."
Background: 5-Euro Business Competition The competition enables students to develop and implement a business idea within a semester with only five euros in start-up capital and to test it on the real market. Supported by mentors, they acquire practical skills in marketing, project management and entrepreneurship.
The team will be selling in person here:
Saturday, 13 December 2025, from 10 a.m. at Edeka, Otto-Hahn-Straße
Monday, 15 December, and Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at lunchtime in the university canteen
Orders: www.heimatschätze.com