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The Gründungszuschuss (German start-up grant from Agentur für Arbeit for ALG-I recipients) is the most important funding scheme for recipients of unemployment benefit I (ALG I) who are starting their own business. As the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV), Schwerin offers founders a clear location advantage: public administration, insurance, healthcare and industry form a stable local market, and the MV funding bodies GSA and LFI are based right here.
1. What is the Gründungszuschuss?
The Gründungszuschuss under § 93 SGB III (German Social Code, Book III) is a subsidy from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) for unemployed people who want to become self-employed as their main occupation. It consists of two phases:
| Phase | Duration | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Basic funding | 6 months | Your ALG I + €300/month for social insurance |
| Phase 2: Build-up phase | 9 months (upon application) | €300/month for social insurance |
2. Requirements — who qualifies in Schwerin?
- ALG I entitlement: You are currently receiving Arbeitslosengeld I (not Bürgergeld!)
- Remaining entitlement: At least 150 days of remaining ALG I entitlement at the time of founding
- Main occupation: The self-employment must be your main occupation (at least 15 hrs/week)
- Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung (expert viability statement): Viability confirmed by IHK zu Schwerin, HWK Schwerin or a BAFA-listed consultant
- Personal suitability: Professional and personal requirements met
Important: No legal entitlement — the reality in Schwerin
The Gründungszuschuss is a discretionary benefit (Kann-Leistung). Agentur für Arbeit Schwerin decides at its own discretion. Nationwide, around 90% of all applications are either rejected or never even filed — a professional application makes the difference.
3. How much money do you receive?
Example calculation Schwerin
Assumption: Your ALG I is €1,400/month
Phase 1 (6 months): (€1,400 + €300) x 6 = €10,200
Phase 2 (9 months): €300 x 9 = €2,700
Total: €12,900
4. Where to apply in Schwerin
Agentur für Arbeit Schwerin (Federal Employment Agency, Schwerin branch)
Address: Am Margaretenhof 14-16, 19057 Schwerin
Phone: 0800 4 55 55 00 (toll-free in Germany)
Online: Application also possible via the Bundesagentur portal
Note: Agentur für Arbeit and Jobcenter Schwerin share the same building — if it is unclear which benefit applies to you, both authorities can be addressed in one appointment.
Important: File the application before you register your business. Funding starts on the day of founding — there is no retroactive entitlement.
5. The fachkundige Stelle (expert body) in Schwerin
A central requirement is the Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung — an expert statement confirming the viability of your business plan.
| Expert body | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| IHK zu Schwerin (Chamber of Commerce) | Graf-Schack-Allee 12 (Ludwig-Bölkow-Haus), 19053 Schwerin | 0385 5103-0 |
| Handwerkskammer Schwerin (Chamber of Crafts) | Friedensstraße 4a, 19053 Schwerin | 0385 7417-0 |
| BAFA-listed consultants | e.g. Business Start EU (BAFA no. 205985) | 06221 - 3215930 |
Our offer
As a BAFA-listed consultant we can issue the Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung for you — based on a professional business plan that we develop together with you. Online consultation available throughout Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
6. Why 90% of applications are rejected
- Weak financial plan: Unrealistic figures, no clear derivation
- Viability not demonstrated: "Can the applicant make a living from this?" — if unclear, the answer is no
- Business plan too thin: No clear target group, no unique selling proposition
- Negative expert statement: Doubts from the IHK carry over to the agency
- Remaining entitlement too short: Fewer than 150 days of ALG I entitlement left
7. Step by step to an approved application
Step 1: Initial call with us
Day 1We clarify your situation, check the requirements and discuss the right approach for Schwerin.
Step 2: Create the business plan
Weeks 1-2Together we develop your bank-ready business plan with full financial planning.
Step 3: Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung
Weeks 2-3As a BAFA-listed consultant we issue the expert viability statement for you.
Step 4: Submit the application
Week 3You submit all documents to Agentur für Arbeit Schwerin.
Step 5: Founding & funding
After approvalOnce approved, you can register your business and start receiving your Gründungszuschuss.