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 | 25.000 € | ★★★★☆ 60-70% | ★★★★☆ 70-80% |
| 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 — the best choice for founders coming from unemployment
Microloan (DMI/GLS Bank) Recommended
The microloan program was created explicitly for founders who may struggle with traditional banks. Your business plan and your personal impression count more here than your current income situation.
Key facts:
- Maximum amount: 25,000 €
- Schufa less decisive than at banks
- No equity capital required
- Fast processing (2-4 weeks)
- Target group: founders coming from unemployment
How to apply for a microloan
- Find a microfinance institute at www.mein-mikrokredit.de (search by ZIP code)
- Schedule a free consultation – bring your business plan
- The MFI reviews your business idea – personal conversation, not just number-crunching
- If the review is positive: the MFI recommends the loan to GLS Bank
- Disbursement by GLS Bank
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
- ☐ Contact a microfinance institute near you (www.mein-mikrokredit.de)
- ☐ 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 reviews the business plan — good. But also start the microloan process in parallel. It costs nothing, hurts nothing, and gives you a second option.
| Priority | Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. FIRST | Microloan (Mikrokredit) | Best chances right now, often a precise fit for the need |
| 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.
