Are you facing the big decision to quit your 9-to-5 job to finally become your own boss? Perhaps you have dreamed of this ever since you first sat in a stuffy office, just as I did back then. The biggest hurdle for many who want to take the step into self-employment is the fear of financial shortfall. The good news: Today there are government funding programmesthat enable you to secure investment capital while also covering your personal expenses such as rent and health insurance.

Why the initial phase carries the greatest risk

The transition from being an employee to becoming self-employed is often associated with being in the red. On the one hand, you lose security and a regular income. On the other hand, you are immediately faced with high costs: Initial investments for your offline or online business (goods, deposit, IT equipment) and ongoing fixed costs (personnel, marketing).

The harsh truth: Even if your business is successful from the start, experience shows it usually takes three to six months before revenue really starts to flow – and then often only at half capacity. Until you reach the break-even point, a critical gap arises, the so-called gap. This gap must be closed by a working capital reserve and pre-financed Initial investments if your savings are not substantial. This is exactly where our government-supported funding programmes come into play.

Pillar 1: KfW StartGeld – Your Investment Capital

The KfW StartGeld is the central instrument for your to secure investment capital. It enables you to finance your start-up costs and working capital (ongoing expenses) and can even be applied for up to 5 years after your business has been founded. It is the ideal route if you want to move from part-time self-employment to full-time self-employment or start a classic new business.

Currently, as a sole founder, you can apply for at least €200,000. The upper limit is even €600,000 if you have three equal partners and managing directors. It is important that this is your first business start-up – the government supports you in building your first company that you can live from. At X-Group, we check the application requirements and help you make the most of this amount.

Pillar 2: Securing your personal income (start-up grant & more)

Investments are important, but so are a full fridge and your rent! In the beginning, your business may not yet cover your entrepreneur’s salary. This is where the Start-up Grant (Gründungszuschuss) comes in if you are entitled to ALG I (German unemployment benefit) and still have at least 5 months of entitlement remaining.

If you are not entitled to the start-up grant (for example, as a civil servant, student, or if you receive Bürgergeld), there are often alternative funding programmes to cover your living expenses, including health insurance. Important: Regardless of which funding you use, you must credibly demonstrate that your business will be viable within a foreseeable period – usually 6 months – and able to generate your entrepreneur’s salary.

Pillar 3: The AVGS voucher – Your 100% funded business plan

To receive €200,000 in start-up capital and your Start-up Grant (Gründungszuschuss) , you need more than just an idea – you need a bank-ready Business Planbusiness plan. An AI-generated text is not sufficient! The core element is a detailed financial calculation, a Financial Planplan that projects three years into the future. It must plausibly present all costs, revenues, taxes, interest, and your entrepreneur’s salary.

You do not learn this complex calculation at school or university. But the good news is: the preparation of these documents can be funded! With an AVGS voucher a conceptual to secure 100% funded start-up advice is even 100% funded if you are entitled to ALG I. Even for existing entrepreneurs, there is often a 50% subsidy for consulting costs from other sources.

We have specialised in this for over 20 years and are certified nationwide to guide you through this process. Today, there is really no excuse not to start your business idea.

📞 Your path to a successful start – The 99% Success Check

We take away your fear of authorities, bureaucracy, and numbers. We review your project, give you an honest prognosis, and prepare all necessary documents – from the financial plan to the expert opinion.

About X-Group

Belief in your potential and a focus on the things that truly move you forward are the top priorities at X-Group GmbH in Berlin. You receive tailored support that identifies the most important bottlenecks. This way, you remove obstacles and can work purposefully towards your success.