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The AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, the German "activation and placement voucher") is, for many founders in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, the gateway into self-employment. As Germany's number-two life-sciences location — with the country's oldest university and a major technology park — Heidelberg offers excellent conditions. And with the AVGS, you can receive your start-up coaching completely free of charge.
1. What is the AVGS and who qualifies for it?
The AVGS, governed by section 45 of the German Social Code Book III (SGB III), is a funding instrument provided by the Federal Employment Agency. It allows you to receive professional start-up coaching with 100% of the costs covered.
Eligibility requirements for the AVGS
- ALG I (unemployment benefit I) recipient: You currently receive ALG I, or
- Bürgergeld (citizen's income): You receive Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II / Hartz IV)
- Founding intention: You are planning to become self-employed as your main occupation
- Remaining entitlement: You still have sufficient remaining benefits
- Suitability: You are personally and professionally suited to self-employment
Important: No legal entitlement
The AVGS is a discretionary benefit — you have no automatic right to it. The decision lies with your placement officer. A convincing start-up concept and professional preparation will significantly improve your chances.
2. AVGS in Heidelberg — where to apply
Depending on which benefit you receive, a different office is responsible for your AVGS application:
| Your situation | Responsible office | Address |
|---|---|---|
| ALG I | Agentur für Arbeit Heidelberg | Kaiserstraße 69-71, 69115 Heidelberg Tel: 0800 4 55 55 00 |
| Bürgergeld | Jobcenter Heidelberg | Speyerer Straße 6, 69115 Heidelberg Tel: 06221 9159-111 |
The path to your AVGS — step by step
Step 1: Meeting with your placement officer
Day 1Inform them of your founding intention and request a consultation appointment regarding the AVGS.
Step 2: Prepare your start-up concept
Weeks 1-2Prepare a brief outline of your business idea (1-2 pages will suffice).
Step 3: Choose your coach
Week 2Select an AZAV-certified coaching provider (we work with certified carrier providers).
Step 4: Apply for the AVGS
Weeks 2-3Submit your application to your placement officer along with the provider's programme description.
Step 5: Start your coaching
After approvalOnce approved, the coaching can begin immediately — with us in person in Heidelberg or online.
3. What happens during the coaching?
AVGS start-up coaching is not a theoretical training programme — it is intensive one-on-one support on your path into self-employment.
Typical coaching topics
- Business model: Sharpening your idea, target audience, unique selling proposition
- Market analysis: Competitors, market potential, positioning in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region
- Financial plan: Capital requirements, revenue forecast, liquidity planning
- Business plan: Bank-ready documentation for funding applications
- Administrative steps: Trade registration, IHK Rhein-Neckar (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) / Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts), tax office
- Funding programmes: Gründungszuschuss (startup grant), BAFA, L-Bank, EXI voucher Baden-Württemberg
Volume of hours
A typical AVGS start-up coaching programme comprises 80-120 coaching units, spread over several weeks to months. The exact duration depends on your individual needs.
4. Which provider is responsible in Heidelberg?
The AVGS can only be redeemed with an AZAV-certified training provider. Business Start EU partners with certified carrier providers that meet the formal requirements — while we, as your coach, deliver the actual content.
Our model — with our office in Heidelberg
We are not AZAV-certified ourselves; instead, we collaborate with established carrier providers (e.g. Starthilfe Bildungswerk GmbH). The benefit for you: professional coaching, 100% free of charge via the AVGS — with BAFA quality standards and in-person appointments available on-site in Heidelberg.
5. The Heidelberg funding landscape — universities and local contact points
Heidelberg offers one of the strongest founder ecosystems in Germany. As a founder, you benefit from:
Universities and start-up centres
| Institution | Founder programme |
|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | hei_INNOVATION with Startup Lab — courses on entrepreneurship, 4-week programme for academic founders |
| SRH University Heidelberg | SRH Founder Institute — since 2010, 250+ start-ups supported, EUR 30 million in funding raised |
| Heidelberg Startup Partners e.V. | Inter-institutional founder office in the technology park — business models, funding, investor matchmaking |
| Heidelberg Technology Park | 40,000 m² of laboratory and commercial space, Heidelberg Innovation Park (hip) |
Networks and contact points
- BioRN Cluster Rhine-Neckar — the region's life sciences network
- DeepTech Hub SouthWest — joint initiative of Heidelberg University, KIT and the University of Mannheim
- Wirtschaftsförderung Heidelberg (City of Heidelberg economic development office) — Heiliggeiststraße 12, Tel: (0 62 21) 58-3 00 00
- IHK Rhein-Neckar, Heidelberg branch — Hans-Böckler-Straße 4, Tel: 06221 9017-0
- Handwerkskammer Mannheim — B1, 1-2, 68159 Mannheim, Tel: 0621 18002-0
6. Common mistakes when applying for an AVGS
The most common reasons for problems with AVGS applications:
- Applying too early: Without a clear start-up concept, the funding does not appear targeted
- No coach in place: Without a specific provider/coach, the placement officer cannot process the application
- Weak concept: When the viability of the idea seems doubtful
- Poor communication: When the placement officer cannot see the benefit for your reintegration into the labour market
Our advice
Come to us before you apply for the AVGS. We help you prepare and make sure your application meets every success criterion. Free and without obligation.
7. How we support you in Heidelberg
Business Start EU (BAFA No. 186617) has had its registered office in Heidelberg since 2019. Unlike many online-only providers, we can offer you in-person appointments on-site — or you can use our online consulting whenever it suits you.
Our approach
- Free initial consultation: We clarify your situation, funding options and the next steps — in person in Heidelberg or online
- AVGS preparation: We help you present your business idea convincingly to the placement officer
- Provider matching: We connect you with a suitable AZAV-certified provider
- Coaching: Intensive one-on-one support from our experienced coaches
- Next steps: Gründungszuschuss (startup grant), BAFA funding, conversations with banks
What a Heidelberg-based coach brings to the table
As BAFA-listed consultants (ID 186617) with a real office in Heidelberg, we know the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region and its founder ecosystem first-hand. Over 200 business plans delivered, EUR 55+ million in funding volume for our clients, zero rejections due to quality issues — that is our track record.