Many founders dream of starting their own business with a substantial amount of capital. But where to get the money? Funding can make financing easier and speed up the start of your business. In this blog article, you will learn which funding programmes are available, how to apply for them, and what requirements you need to meet.

Free funding: Here’s how!

There are various ways to access free funding for your start-up. Here are the most important ones:

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)

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)

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

Support for the integration of self-employed individuals:

• Requirements: Receiving Bürgergeld, financial need
• Support: Financing for business and office equipment, e.g. laptop, software
• Application: At the Job Centre (Jobcenter)

Activation and Placement Voucher (AVGS):

• Requirements: Start-up or planned start-up
• Support: Up to €6,000 for preparing a business plan and consultancy
• Application: At the Employment Agency or Job Centre

Venture capital funding:

• Requirements: High-risk or innovative business, venture capital provider
• Support: Grants and loans
• Application: At KfW or other development banks

Political funding programmes:

• Requirements: Support for specific industries or technologies
• Support: Grants, loans, consultancy
• Application: At the relevant authority

Requirements for funding:

The requirements for each funding programme vary. As a rule, however, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have a viable business idea.
• You must prepare a business plan.
• You must contribute equity capital.
• You must have prospects of success.

Tips for applying for funding:

• Find out about the various funding programmes at an early stage.
• Prepare a solid business plan.
• Create a convincing financing concept.
• Make use of expert support.

Conclusion:

Funding programmes can significantly ease the start into self-employment. Find out about the various funding programmes at an early stage and prepare a solid business plan. With the right preparation and support, you can overcome the hurdles of financing and make your start-up a success.