Founding
Funding opportunities
Use the available options
For many people, the decision to become self-employed is a big step towards professional independence. But many people don’t know this: The employment office, in particular the Federal Employment Agency and the Jobcenter, offer a wide range of support options and funding programs for start-ups. In this article, we compare these support offers and give you a comprehensive overview of the various programs and benefits.
Bruno Schäfer
Support from the employment agency
Start-up grant: The start-up grant is a financial aid for start-ups receiving unemployment benefit 1. The individual amount of the start-up subsidy is the same as the unemployment benefit received to date, plus an additional 300 euros per month as a social insurance subsidy. Divided into two phases, the start-up subsidy can be granted for 6 months and the social insurance subsidy for a maximum of 15 months. The requirements for the start-up grant are that you still have at least 150 days (5 months) remaining entitlement to ALG I and that your self-employment ends your unemployment and your business idea is viable. Legal basis: § 93 SGB III.
Individual business start-up coaching via AVGS voucher: With the activation and placement voucher (AVGS), you can take advantage of individual coaching and consulting services to develop your business idea. This coaching is free of charge and helps you to strengthen your entrepreneurial skills. You will receive the voucher from your employment advisor. Legal basis: § 45 SGB III.
Support from the job center
Start-up Allowance: The start-up allowance is a form of financial assistance for entrepreneurs who are receiving Unemployment Benefit 2 or the Citizen’s Income. The amount is based on your needs and generally amounts to 50–100 percent of the standard benefit for up to 24 months. The requirements are that your self-employment ends your need for assistance and that your business idea is viable. Legal basis: Section 16b of Book II of the Social Code (SGB II).
Investment grant: The investment grant can help you to finance your business idea. The amount depends on your needs and can be up to 90% of the eligible costs (maximum €5,000). The prerequisites are that your self-employment ends your need for assistance and that your investment is necessary and sensible. Legal basis: § 16e SGB II.
Interest-free loan: Business founders can also take advantage of an interest-free loan, the amount of which is determined individually (max. €200,000). Repayment is based on your financial means. The prerequisites are that your self-employment ends your need for assistance and that you need the financial support for your start-up. Legal basis: § 16f SGB II.
Individual business start-up coaching via AVGS voucher: The Jobcenter also offers AVGS vouchers to help you strengthen your entrepreneurial skills and develop your business idea. This coaching is free of charge and can make a decisive contribution to your success. You will receive the voucher from your employment agency. Legal basis: § 45 SGB III.
How to apply for support
Applying for funding: We offer you practical tips and steps you can take to receive support from the employment agency or job center. An overview of the various support options for start-ups via the employment office, be it the employment agency or the job center, can help you realize your dream of self-employment. Use these resources and opportunities to successfully implement your business idea.
If you have any further questions or need support with your step into self-employment, please get in touch with us for a free initial consultation. We will provide you with advice and support to make your path to self-employment as smooth as possible.
