Get AVGS one-on-one coaching for your startup free of charge
You want to start your own business but could still use a bit of support? With AVGS one-on-one coaching you learn how to prepare perfectly for your startup project in a course covering 96 lessons of 45 minutes each.
The course includes 12 modules in which you and one or more startup experts systematically work through all the key topics for your business formation. Because it is one-on-one coaching, the content can be tailored precisely to you and your project.
Businessstart.eu works with renowned and experienced startup advisors who have many years of experience in coaching and business formation consulting. Several specialists from different fields are available for follow-up questions at any time.
The course usually runs for up to 6 weeks, but the schedule can be arranged individually with you.
Rechtsgrundlage: § 45 SGB III
Der Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS) ist im § 45 Sozialgesetzbuch III geregelt. Er ist das wichtigste arbeitsmarktpolitische Instrument, um den Übergang von der Arbeitslosigkeit in eine sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung — oder in die hauptberufliche Selbstständigkeit — zu unterstützen. Die Agentur für Arbeit oder das Jobcenter übernimmt die kompletten Kosten der Maßnahme; für Sie als Teilnehmer entstehen keinerlei Zuzahlungen.
Wichtig zu verstehen: Der AVGS ist ein Rechtsanspruch, sobald die Voraussetzungen erfüllt sind und der Vermittler die Maßnahme als zielführend einschätzt. Die Bewilligung liegt im Ermessen des Vermittlers, die Begründung muss aber sachlich erfolgen — und genau hier setzen wir mit unserer Vorbereitung an.
Damit eine Maßnahme über AVGS abgerechnet werden kann, muss der durchführende Träger nach AZAV (Akkreditierungs- und Zulassungsverordnung Arbeitsförderung) zertifiziert sein. Business Start EU arbeitet hierfür mit der Starthilfe Bildungswerk GmbH zusammen, einem etablierten Bildungsträger mit AZAV-Zulassung. Die fachliche Beratung — Businessplan, Finanzplanung, Tragfähigkeitsnachweis — kommt vom BAFA-registrierten Team von Business Start EU (Beraternummer 186617, seit 2019 am Markt).
1. Extensive AVGS coaching team on site
At Businessstart.eu we work with a network of qualified AVGS coaches who can respond individually to your needs. For example, you can work with coaches based directly on site in Stuttgart, Berlin or Munich.
Weitere Coaching-Möglichkeiten finden Sie beispielsweise auch in Bonn, Düsseldorf und Dortmund, wo wir direkt Berater vor Ort vermitteln können. Die Maßnahmendurchführung läuft in Kooperation mit der Starthilfe Bildungswerk GmbH, einem nach AZAV zugelassenen Bildungsträger. Die fachliche Beratung übernimmt Business Start EU als spezialisierter Partner für Existenzgründung — so erhalten Sie ein eingespieltes Team aus Coaches, das Sie für Ihren Schritt in die Selbständigkeit vorbereitet.
2. AVGS coaching online
With the certified programs we offer, in addition to in-person support on site you also have the option of completing the program directly online. For this we use the latest and most modern methods to deliver the learning content competently and professionally.
AVGS coaching online is an excellent option for people who find it difficult to be on site at fixed times. This is the case, for example, if you are a young mother in employment or have other family obligations.
Take advantage of AVGS coaching online to schedule your lessons flexibly. The quality of AVGS online coaching is in no way inferior to traditional in-person meetings. You also receive a printed brochure and learn directly on screen which software options can support you later when you start your business.
In some respects, AVGS coaching online offers even more advantages than traditional coaching, since you can work directly from your home office.
3. What is AVGS coaching for?
AVGS coaching is the ideal preparation for your self-employment if, for example, you were previously employed and do not yet have enough experience as a self-employed person. Many of the people who apply for AVGS coaching have not been active in the labor market for several years or, due to the current job market situation in their industry, can no longer find a suitable position.
This may be, for example, because the labor market is constantly changing or because you have reached an age where new vocational training is difficult or simply impossible. Through AVGS coaching you can become more aware of your goals again and build on your strengths. You also learn how to network with other self-employed people and how to work independently.
AVGS coaching can also be a great help for academics who have not been active in the labor market for a longer time and have difficulty finding a suitable job, supporting them in successfully starting self-employment and beginning a new chapter in life.
4. What do I learn in AVGS one-on-one coaching?
In AVGS coaching you learn a wide range of content that can be relevant for your new phase of life. Many of the skills you learned in your previous job and the strengths you have already built up can be restructured through founder coaching. We show you how to combine what you have already learned with new ideas and content and thus gain new experience for your self-employment.
Many founders who had been looking for fulfilling work for a long time have had very positive experiences with AVGS coaching and have given us the feedback that the coaching has really helped them.
In AVGS one-on-one coaching we accompany you step by step on your path to starting your own company.
Preparing your business formation
Find out which fundamental questions need to be clarified before starting up. Whether you want to start as a freelancer, expat or out of unemployment, we show you what really matters.
Developing a strategy
Create a business strategy tailored to your personal and professional skills. A great product alone is not enough — we show you how to reach your target group and position yourself in the market.
Marketing and competitive analysis
Learn how to analyze your target group and the competition. We introduce you to the SWOT analysis and explain which marketing approaches are suitable for your business.
Funding and financing options
Navigate the "funding jungle" and discover which subsidies, loans or crowdfunding platforms are right for you. We support you with the application process.
Effective work organization
Optimize your workflows and time management. Identify time-wasters and use tools that make your everyday work easier — so you have more time for what really matters.
Recruiting and managing employees
Find out which legal requirements are important when hiring employees and use helpful templates and tables for staff management.
Bookkeeping and taxes
Learn the basics of bookkeeping and tax returns. We show you how to prepare an annual financial statement and how to correctly read a BWA (interim financial report). You also receive valuable software tips.
Business and financial planning
Create a detailed business plan and financial plan. Step by step, together we develop the sales and cost planning as well as the liquidity forecast.
Legal form and contracts
Decide which legal form best suits your company and draft your own terms and conditions and contracts using templates.
Crisis management
Prepare for unexpected crises — whether financial bottlenecks, illness or hygiene measures during a pandemic. You also receive valuable tips on useful insurance policies.
Taking over a business
Sometimes it makes more sense to take over an existing company. Learn what to look out for when valuing and acquiring a business.
Insurance and provision
Get an overview of the most important insurance policies — from health to pension insurance. Discover options for private retirement provision as well.
Registration and networking
Get an overview of the most important insurance policies — from health to pension insurance. Discover options for private retirement provision as well.
"AVGS one-on-one coaching is a complete program for getting started with your own company. Many founders can benefit from it!"
5. How can I take part in AVGS one-on-one coaching?
AVGS one-on-one coaching has been specifically developed for people who hold an activation and placement voucher (AVGS) issued by the Jobcenter. Known in short as AVGS, it funds "measures for activation and professional integration" and is financed specifically by the Jobcenter.
If you want to start a business, are currently looking for work or are registered as unemployed, you may be able to use this activation and placement voucher (AVGS) to attend AVGS one-on-one coaching.
6. Who is eligible for an AVGS voucher?
Applying for AVGS is particularly promising for you when one of the following criteria applies:
- You were unemployed for at least 6 weeks within the last 3 months
- You have been unemployed for 3 months
- You are entitled to unemployment benefits
- You have not yet been placed in a job
However, you can also apply for an AVGS if one of these criteria applies:
- You have been unemployed for less than 6 weeks
- You are still employed but have already received notice of termination
- You are entitled to unemployment benefit II
- You are a student
- Or you are at risk of unemployment
In these cases you can apply for an AVGS at the Jobcenter; however, the final decision lies with the Jobcenter.
7. How do I apply for an AVGS voucher?
You can submit an AVGS application by mail, by email or in person at the Jobcenter or the Federal Employment Agency. It is best to contact your personal advisor on site.
Wir bei Business Start EU stellen Ihnen — gemeinsam mit unserem AZAV-zertifizierten Trägerpartner Starthilfe Bildungswerk GmbH — eine Antragsvorlage zur Verfügung und begleiten Sie durch die Argumentation gegenüber dem Vermittler. Sofern Ihr Sachbearbeiter ein AVGS-Coaching für sinnvoll erachtet, erhalten Sie direkt vom Arbeitsamt oder dem Jobcenter einen AVGS-Gutschein, der Zweck, Umfang und Zeitraum der Maßnahme festlegt.
It can happen that you do not receive the full course of 96 lessons but, for example, only 36 lessons. This is at the discretion of your case worker.
Once you have received the voucher, it is best to send us the original. You can also send us a copy in advance by email or WhatsApp. We will then forward all the necessary documents to your responsible authority. Once the measure has been approved you will receive confirmation from us that your application has been granted. We can then start the coaching.
8. What does AVGS cost?
With an activation and placement voucher, eligible participants receive the program completely free of charge once the Jobcenter has granted approval. It is therefore a measure that is 100% funded by the Federal Employment Agency and the Jobcenter.
In some cases certain costs can also be reimbursed, such as childcare costs. However, this requires a separate agreement with the responsible Jobcenter.
9. Experiences with AVGS
We regularly receive positive feedback about experiences with AVGS. Many founders tell us that they had been looking for a fulfilling job for several years but did not know how best to become self-employed.
Despite numerous applications, many were unable to find a fulfilling job or did not have enough courage to start their own business. AVGS one-on-one coaching therefore prepares many people successfully for the phase of business formation.
10. One-on-one coaching even without an activation voucher?
You may now be wondering whether you can also take part in AVGS one-on-one coaching if you do not have an AVGS voucher. Unfortunately, that is not possible — at least not free of charge.
However, we offer the option of taking part in one-on-one coaching specifically tailored to you within our regular course program. In many cases, participation in the individual consulting within our course program can be subsidized by the state by up to 80%. Take a look there!
11. Wie argumentiere ich die Notwendigkeit gegenüber dem Vermittler?
Aus über 200 begleiteten Gründungsverfahren wissen wir: Der häufigste Grund für eine AVGS-Ablehnung ist nicht die fehlende Berechtigung — es ist die schlechte Begründung im Beratungsgespräch. Vermittler sehen täglich dutzende Anträge und entscheiden in wenigen Minuten. Wer mit klaren, nachvollziehbaren Argumenten kommt, wird deutlich häufiger bewilligt als jemand, der allgemein "etwas Coaching" anfragt.
Die fünf Argumentationslinien, die in der Praxis funktionieren:
- Konkretes Gründungsvorhaben — Nicht "ich überlege mich selbständig zu machen", sondern: "Ich plane die Gründung als [Branche/Tätigkeit] zum [Datum]. Für die Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung benötige ich einen vollständigen Businessplan und Finanzplan, was ich allein nicht in dieser Qualität erstellen kann."
- Eingliederung als Ziel — § 45 SGB III dient der Eingliederung. Argumentieren Sie: "Ohne professionelle Begleitung droht eine erfolglose Gründung und damit eine Rückkehr in die Arbeitslosigkeit. Das AVGS-Coaching ist die kostengünstigste Variante, das zu vermeiden."
- Tragfähigkeitsnachweis als Pflicht — Wenn Sie auch Gründungszuschuss beantragen wollen, ist die Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung Pflicht. Diese gibt es nur von einer fachkundigen Stelle (z. B. BAFA-Berater wie uns). Das Coaching legt die Grundlage dafür.
- Fachliche Lücken konkret benennen — "Mir fehlt die Erfahrung in [Liquiditätsplanung / Marktanalyse / Preiskalkulation / Steuerliche Grundlagen]. Ein 96-UE-Coaching schließt diese Lücken systematisch." Vermittler reagieren positiv auf Selbstreflexion.
- Wirtschaftlicher Vergleich — Eine professionelle Gründungsberatung kostet auf dem freien Markt 1.500 – 5.000 €. AVGS macht sie kostenlos. "Diese Investition in meine erfolgreiche Selbständigkeit ist über AVGS volkswirtschaftlich günstiger als jeder zusätzliche Monat ALG-I."
Wir helfen Ihnen, diese Argumente auf Ihren persönlichen Fall zuzuschneiden — kostenlos im Erstgespräch, noch bevor Sie zur Agentur gehen.
12. AVGS Coaching vs. Startup Grant — what is the difference?
Both instruments come from SGB III and are often confused. In fact, they complement each other and can be used one after the other. Here are the key differences at a glance:
| Feature | AVGS Coaching | Startup Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | § 45 SGB III | § 93 SGB III |
| What is funded? | Coaching, consulting, business plan creation | Cost of living during the first months of self-employment |
| Amount | 100% of the program costs (provider bills the agency directly) | Previous unemployment benefit + €300/month (social security) for 6 months, optionally 9 more months at €300 |
| Eligibility | Unemployment benefit (ALG-I), basic income support (ALG-II/Bürgergeld), at risk of unemployment, students seeking placement | ALG-I entitlement ≥ 150 days, full-time self-employment, viability certificate |
| Timing | Before founding (preparation phase) | After founding (first 6–15 months) |
| Application to | Your personal advisor at the Employment Agency or Job Center | Employment Agency (benefits department case worker) |
| Repayment | None | None (true grant) |
The strategically best sequence: First use AVGS coaching to create business plan + financial plan + viability certificate. Then apply for the startup grant with that certificate. This way you are well prepared content-wise and financially secured for the first months — both funded by the state.
13. Ablauf mit Business Start EU — Schritt für Schritt
So sieht eine typische Zusammenarbeit von der ersten Anfrage bis zum erfolgreich abgeschlossenen Coaching aus:
- Kostenloses Erstgespräch (30 Min., telefonisch oder per Video): Wir prüfen, ob Sie die AVGS-Voraussetzungen erfüllen, klären Ihr Gründungsvorhaben und stimmen die Argumentationslinie für den Vermittler ab.
- Antragsvorbereitung: Sie erhalten von uns eine Vorlage für den AVGS-Antrag und eine schriftliche Bedarfsbegründung, die Sie beim persönlichen Vermittler einreichen.
- Termin beim Vermittler: Mit der vorbereiteten Begründung gehen Sie zum Gespräch. Erfahrungsgemäß wird der Gutschein bei guter Vorbereitung in 1–2 Wochen ausgestellt.
- Gutschein an uns weiterleiten: Sobald Sie den AVGS-Gutschein erhalten haben, schicken Sie uns eine Kopie (per E-Mail, WhatsApp oder Post). Wir leiten alle weiteren Unterlagen über unseren Trägerpartner Starthilfe Bildungswerk GmbH an Ihre zuständige Agentur weiter.
- Bewilligung & Coaching-Start: Nach Bewilligung beginnen wir das Coaching innerhalb von 1–2 Wochen. Inhalte und Zeitplan werden auf Ihren konkreten Gründungstermin abgestimmt.
- Coaching-Durchführung (ca. 6 Wochen, 96 UE): 12 Module, vor Ort oder online. Konkrete Outputs: Businessplan, Finanzplan (5 Jahre), Markt- und Wettbewerbsanalyse, Pricing, Tragfähigkeitsnachweis.
- Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung: Auf Wunsch erstellen wir am Ende des Coachings die fachkundige Stellungnahme, die Sie für den Gründungszuschuss-Antrag benötigen.
- Nachbetreuung: Auch nach dem Coaching erreichen Sie uns für Rückfragen — etwa beim Bankgespräch oder bei der Anmeldung der Selbständigkeit.
Direkter Einstieg: Vereinbaren Sie ein kostenloses Erstgespräch oder schreiben Sie uns per WhatsApp. Wir melden uns innerhalb von 24 Stunden zurück.
