Table of contents
Are you receiving Bürgergeld (German basic welfare benefit since 2023, formerly ALG II) and want to start your own business in Jena? Einstiegsgeld (German start-up allowance for Bürgergeld recipients, up to 24 months) under § 16b SGB II is your central funding source — paid on top of your Bürgergeld, for up to 24 months, and combinable with an investment cost subsidy. The Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" offers this benefit as one of its own services and lists it on the city's official service portal.
1. What is Einstiegsgeld?
Einstiegsgeld (§ 16b SGB II) is a Jobcenter (German welfare/job placement office) subsidy for Bürgergeld recipients who want to become self-employed on a full-time basis. Unlike the Gründungszuschuss (which is for ALG-I recipients), Einstiegsgeld is paid on top of your Bürgergeld.
Important — Einstiegsgeld vs. Gründungszuschuss
| Feature | Einstiegsgeld | Gründungszuschuss |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | § 16b SGB II | § 93 SGB III |
| Target group | Bürgergeld recipients | ALG-I recipients |
| Responsible in Jena | Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" | Agentur für Arbeit Jena (German Federal Employment Agency) |
| Funding duration | Up to 24 months | Up to 15 months |
| Notable feature | + investment subsidy possible | Higher monthly amounts |
2. Requirements for Einstiegsgeld in Jena
- Bürgergeld status: You currently receive Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II / Hartz IV)
- Capacity to work: You are deemed fit for work under SGB II
- Full-time self-employment: At least 15 hours per week
- Viability: Your venture must be economically viable
- Ending dependency on benefits: The goal must be to overcome your need for welfare support through self-employment
Discretionary benefit — no legal entitlement
Einstiegsgeld is a discretionary benefit. The Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" decides on a case-by-case basis. A convincing business plan and professional preparation are critical — the City of Jena officially lists Einstiegsgeld as one of its own municipal services.
3. How much and for how long?
The amount of Einstiegsgeld is based on your Bürgergeld standard rate. Typically you can expect 50–75 % of the standard rate as a subsidy.
Example calculation for Jena
Assumption: Standard rate EUR 563 (single person, 2026)
Einstiegsgeld (50 %): ~EUR 280/month
Funding duration: up to 24 months
Possible total amount: ~EUR 6,700
Plus investment subsidy: up to EUR 5,000
Maximum possible: ~EUR 11,700
Important: Unlike the Gründungszuschuss, you continue to receive your Bürgergeld during the start-up phase — the Einstiegsgeld is paid on top.
4. The Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" and how it works in practice
For Bürgergeld recipients living in the city of Jena, only the Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" is responsible — the municipal Jobcenter of the optics and University City of Jena. Do not confuse it with the "Jobcenter Saale-Holzland-Kreis" (based in Güstrow), which handles addresses in the surrounding district.
| Contact point | Address & contact | Area of responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" | Stadtrodaer Straße 1, 07749 Jena Tel. 0800 4 5555 00 |
Einstiegsgeld, AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein — German Activation and Mediation Voucher) for Bürgergeld recipients, § 16c investment subsidy |
| Agentur für Arbeit Jena | Stadtrodaer Straße 1, 07749 Jena Tel. 0800 4 5555 00 (free) |
Gründungszuschuss, AVGS for ALG-I recipients |
| IHK Ostthüringen zu Gera (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) | Gaswerkstraße 23, 07546 Gera (Sprechtag in Jena at TIP Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 6), 07749 Jena Fachkundige Stelle (qualified expert body): the IHK Ostthüringen Einheitlicher Ansprechpartner (single point of contact, 0365 8553-211), Tel. 0365 8553-211 |
Expert opinion (fachkundige Stellungnahme) for Gründungszuschuss and Einstiegsgeld |
Other locations of the Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit"
The Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" shares its main office (Stadtrodaer Straße 1) with the Agentur für Arbeit Jena — both are part of one joint institution between the city and the Federal Employment Agency Thuringia-East.
the IHK Sprechtag at TIP Jena (Hans-Knöll-Straße 6, 07745 Jena, 2nd Monday of the month, 9–11 AM)
5. Additional funding: Investitionskostenzuschuss § 16c SGB II
On top of the monthly Einstiegsgeld, you can apply for an Investitionskostenzuschuss (investment cost subsidy under § 16c SGB II) — for things you need to acquire for your self-employment.
- Up to EUR 5,000 as a grant (not a loan)
- For physical items such as computers, tools, machinery, initial equipment
- Application can run in parallel with the Einstiegsgeld application
- Proof of necessity required
Our tip for Jena founders
Apply for Einstiegsgeld and the investment cost subsidy together at the Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit". In the business plan we list your capital requirement — that is the foundation for the investment subsidy. It is also worth looking at the Gründungsrichtlinie of the TAB (microloan up to EUR 25,000 via the Thüringer Aufbaubank (TAB) Schwerin) for larger investments.
6. Step by step to your application
Step 1: Apply for an AVGS
Weeks 1–3First, apply for an AVGS for founder coaching at the Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" — 100 % free of charge. The coaching is the ideal preparation for your Einstiegsgeld application.
Step 2: Complete the coaching
Weeks 3–10In the AVGS coaching we develop your business model, financial plan and business plan together — online, flexible, with no need to travel to a Jena office.
Step 3: Obtain the expert opinion (fachkundige Stellungnahme)
Weeks 10–11The IHK Ostthüringen zu Gera (contact: the IHK Ostthüringen Einheitlicher Ansprechpartner (single point of contact, 0365 8553-211), Tel. 0365 8553-211) or the HWK Erfurt (Chamber of Skilled Crafts) confirms the viability of your venture.
Step 4: Apply for Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy
Weeks 11–12Submit your complete file to the Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit" (Stadtrodaer Straße 1) — before you register your business.
Step 5: Launch your business
After approvalOnce approved: register your business (Gewerbe) and get started. The Einstiegsgeld starts running from the moment of incorporation.
7. Common pitfalls in Jena
- Applying too late: The application must be filed before you register your business
- Wrong Jobcenter: The city of Jena → Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit"; the district of Jena → Jobcenter Saale-Holzland-Kreis (Eisenberg). Mix-ups cost time.
- Weak business plan: Without a convincing viability case, no approval
- Missing expert opinion: The Jobcenter requires an external confirmation (IHK, HWK or BAFA-listed consultant — BAFA: Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control)
- Unrealistic outlook: If the Jobcenter doubts that you can actually overcome your need for welfare support
8. How we support you
Business Start EU (BAFA no. 205985) supports Bürgergeld recipients in Jena on the path to self-employment — from the first idea to a successful launch. We don't have a physical office in Jena, but we work with you fully online: video consultations, business plan drafting, application preparation.
Our approach for Bürgergeld recipients in Jena
- Free intro call: We clarify your situation and the funding options available to you
- AVGS support: We help with the AVGS application at the Jobcenter Jena „jenarbeit"
- Coaching: Professional online support from our BAFA-listed coaches
- Business plan: Bank-ready plan for the Jobcenter and the qualified expert body
- Application support: Optimal application for Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy
The optimal combination for Jena
AVGS coaching (free) → Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy § 16c → BAFA post-launch consultancy (50 % funded)
This maximises your funding and gives you professional support from day one — whether you're in the optics economy, healthcare or any other growth sector in Jena.