Successfully start your self-employment with a professional business plan & viability certificate
The startup grant (Gründungszuschuss) is a funding programme from the Federal Employment Agency for unemployment benefit (ALG I) recipients who want to become self-employed.
You receive your full ALG I unemployment benefit plus €300 per month for social security contributions (health & pension insurance).
Upon successful proof of business activity: another 9 months at €300 each for social security contributions.
The maximum funding amount depends on your ALG I rate. On average, founders secure €15,000.
The Activation and Placement Voucher (AVGS) entitles you to 100% free founder coaching through the Federal Employment Agency.
To apply you need an expert statement confirming the viability of your business concept.
The startup grant is a discretionary benefit of the Federal Employment Agency. This means there is no automatic legal entitlement, but if you meet the requirements and prepare well, your chances are very good.
You must currently receive ALG I or be entitled to it
At the time of application, at least 150 days of ALG I entitlement must remain
A professional business plan with an expert viability statement is required
The startup must be full-time (at least 15 hours per week)
Important: The expert statement is the decisive factor for approval. With our support you achieve a 98% approval rate.
No, the startup grant is a non-repayable subsidy. Unlike a loan, you do not have to pay the money back — not even if your business does not succeed.
An expert body (e.g. IHK, HWK, tax advisor or BAFA consultant) reviews your business plan and confirms the viability of your concept. Without this certificate there is no startup grant.
The Activation and Placement Voucher (AVGS) finances professional founder coaching at 100%. With it you receive your business plan, consulting and viability certificate completely free of charge.
After all documents are submitted, processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. A professional business plan and complete documents significantly accelerate the process.
Find out in 60 seconds whether you are entitled to the startup grant
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These founders successfully obtained the startup grant with our support.
"Thanks to the professional business plan, I received the viability certificate on the first attempt. The entire process was straightforward and professional."
"The AVGS voucher was arranged for me and the coaching was excellent. My startup grant was approved within 3 weeks!"
"Great collaboration! The business plan was top quality and my caseworker at the employment agency was impressed by it."
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Let us plan your successful start in self-employment together. Our consultation is free and non-binding.
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