Many founders in the fields of coaching, training, and consulting fail in the first few years. One reason for this is a lack of financing. However, there are numerous funding programmes that can make it easier to start your own business.

1. An overview of the most common funding programmes:

1.1 Start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss):

• Requirements: Entitlement to unemployment benefit I (ALG I), at least 150 days remaining entitlement
• Support: €300 per month for 6 months, possible extension for 9 months
• Application: At the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit)

1.2 Start-up allowance (Einstiegsgeld):

• Requirements: Receiving unemployment benefit II (Bürgergeld)
• Support: €50 to €200 per month for 1 to 2 years
• Application: At the Job Centre (Jobcenter)

1.3 Consultancy vouchers:

• Requirements: Start-up or planned start-up
• Support: Up to €6,000 for online or offline consultancy
• Application: At the Employment Agency or Job Centre

1.4 Microloans:

• Requirements: Start-up or planned start-up, positive credit rating
• Support: Loans up to €25,000, subsidised interest rates, partial guarantees
• Application: At KfW or other development banks

1.5 State programmes and EU funding:

• Requirements: Vary depending on the programme
• Support: Grants, loans, consultancy
• Application: At the respective state authority or the EU development bank

2. Tips for successfully applying for funding

• Inform yourself early: Which funding programmes are relevant? What requirements do I need to meet?
• Prepare a solid business plan: The business plan must describe your business idea, your target group, and your financial planning in detail.
• Create a convincing financing concept: What equity can you contribute? What additional funding do you require?
• Make use of expert support: Consultants and coaches can help you apply for funding.

3. Conclusion: Funding as a springboard to self-employment

Funding can make it significantly easier to start your own business as a coach, trainer, or consultant. Find out about the various funding programmes early and prepare a solid business plan. With the right preparation and support, you can overcome the challenges of financing and make your start-up a success.

P.S.: You will find more helpful tips and tricks about starting up and succeeding as a coach, trainer, or consultant on my blog.