Loans for founders: How to successfully finance your business formation
You want to become self-employed, but financing is not yet secured? Don't worry — as a founder, more options are open to you than you may think. Especially if you are starting out from unemployment, there are dedicated programs designed exactly for your situation.
In this article we present the three most important loan options for founders, compare their approval rates and give you concrete tips on how to protect your Schufa credit score and maximize your chances of success.
The three main founder loan options at a glance
| Option | Max. amount | Chances (unemployed) | Chances (after GZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mikrokredit | – | Federal programme being phased out (as of 20 May 2026); chances not substantiated | |
| Bürgschaftsbank | 100.000 € | ★★★☆☆ 40-50% | ★★★★☆ 65-75% |
| KfW-StartGeld | 125.000 € | ★★☆☆☆ 25-35% | ★★★☆☆ 50-60% |
GZ = Start-up grant from the Federal Employment Agency
Option 1: Microloan – federal programme is being phased out, check the current legal position
Microloan (Mikrokreditfonds Deutschland, DMI/GLS Bank) Check legal position
The Mikrokreditfonds Deutschland (federal) was aimed at founders who struggle with conventional banks. According to the federal government in the Bundestag committee (as of 20 May 2026), it was due to end by mid-2026; no federal successor is known. It therefore probably no longer counts as an option for new applications.
Source: Deutscher Bundestag, Drucksache 21/6136 (recommendation of 20 May 2026). The federal government points to instruments of the federal states.
Key facts:
- Provider: Mikrokreditfonds Deutschland (federal), granted via microfinance institutions and GLS Bank
- Planned end: mid-2026 (as of 20 May 2026)
- New applications: probably no longer possible; check the current status with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
- Alternative: microloan and funding programmes of the federal states; check the current status with your state development bank or the chamber of commerce (IHK)
What to do now
- Clarify the current status: Ask the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and your state development bank whether and where microloans are currently granted.
- Check state programmes: State development banks and guarantee banks sometimes run their own programmes. Terms differ by state and change. Check the current status with your state development bank or the IHK.
- Have your business plan and financial plan ready: Every lender asks for them, even when the programme changes.
Option 2: Guarantee Bank — your door opener with traditional banks
Guarantee Bank Door opener
The Guarantee Bank covers up to 80% of the loan risk for the lender. This means: once you have a guarantee commitment, every bank will listen to you — because their risk is minimal.
Key facts:
- Maximum amount: up to 100,000 € (with "Guarantee without Bank")
- More founder-friendly than traditional banks
- Can be combined with KfW StartGeld
You can apply for the guarantee BEFORE the bank meeting directly with the guarantee bank. Then you walk into the bank with the commitment already in hand — a completely different negotiating position!
In North Rhine-Westphalia: Consultation day every Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., online application at nrw.ermoeglicher.de
Option 3: KfW StartGeld — the classic with hurdles
KfW StartGeld Classic
KfW StartGeld runs through your main bank. The bank carries 20% of the risk itself — and therefore must be convinced. Without a running income, that is difficult.
Key facts:
- Maximum amount: 125,000 € (max. 50,000 € for operating funds)
- KfW assumes 80% liability release
- No equity capital required (but helpful)
- Runs through main bank (pass-through principle)
Our recommendation: Combine KfW StartGeld with a guarantee from the Guarantee Bank — your chances will increase considerably!
How to protect your Schufa credit score while shopping for loans
Many founders make the mistake of submitting loan applications to several banks at the same time. This can negatively affect your Schufa score. Here is how to avoid it.
| Type of inquiry | Schufa impact |
|---|---|
| Conditional inquiry (Konditionsanfrage) | None – completely neutral! |
| Loan application (Kreditanfrage) | Stored for 12 months, visible to other banks for 10 days |
| Rejection | Is NOT stored |
The decisive sentence in a bank meeting
When you meet with a bank, say:
This way you can test the bank's reaction without burdening your Schufa score.
Your optimal roadmap to startup financing
Phase 1: Start immediately
- ☐ Ask your state development bank or the IHK about the current microloan and state programmes
- ☐ Call the guarantee bank on consultation day
- ☐ Finalize your business plan
Phase 2: After the start-up grant is approved
- ☐ Take the grant notice plus any guarantee commitment to your house bank
- ☐ Apply for KfW StartGeld
Phase 3: After first revenues (if needed)
- ☐ Reapply with revenue records (BWA)
- ☐ Approval chances are then significantly better (70-80%)
Special case: refinancing investments you have already made
You have already invested your own funds in your start-up (courses, equipment, fittings) and want to refinance those costs? That is possible — and even a strong argument when talking to banks!
- Shows initiative and commitment
- Investments already made → lower risk for the bank
- You have "skin in the game" – your own money at stake
Important: Collect all receipts for the investments you have made and document them in the business plan.
Conclusion: the right strategy makes the difference
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. If your house bank is reviewing the business plan – good. In parallel, find out which microloan and funding programmes your state currently offers. It costs nothing and gives you a second option.
| Priority | Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. CLARIFY | State programmes | Federal microloan fund is being phased out; check the status with your state development bank or the IHK |
| 2. IN PARALLEL | Guarantee Bank (Bürgschaftsbank) | Door-opener for traditional banks |
| 3. LATER | KfW-StartGeld | Combine with a guarantee after start-up grant approval |
Professional support for your loan application
A professional business plan is the foundation of every successful loan application. We support you in preparing a bank-ready business plan and guide you through the entire financing process.
Funding for your start-up consulting
Did you know that start-up consulting can be subsidized by the state by up to 80% ? We will gladly inform you about the funding options available to you.
