Who is AVGS start-up coaching for?

An AVGS can support preparation for self-employment where your employment agency or Jobcenter considers this a suitable career path. The responsible adviser decides whether you are eligible and which programme suits your circumstances. There is no general legal entitlement to a voucher for start-up coaching.

What costs are covered?

There are no programme fees for an eligible programme approved in writing before it starts. Travel or childcare costs may be covered subject to additional conditions; check this with the responsible authority beforehand.

From voucher to coaching

1. Apply and discuss your needs

   Apply in writing to your employment agency or Jobcenter. We help describe your business idea and can provide a recommendation letter where appropriate. The authority decides on funding.

2. Check and submit the voucher

   Once issued, we check the voucher’s objective, validity, region and scope. Submit the complete documents to the approved provider; the specific programme must also be approved.

3. Obtain approval for participation

   The provider adds the programme, start date, scope and signatures. The completed documents go back to the responsible authority. Wait for written approval of your specific participation.

4. Start workshop and agreement

   After approval, we arrange the start workshop, your coach, participation agreement, privacy documents and schedule. Funded coaching begins only within the approved period.

5. Coaching and outcomes

   Work on your business model, market, pricing, business plan and financial projections. Content and attendance are documented. The programme concludes with an assessment and a roadmap for your next steps.

6. Launch and further funding

   The provider checks the records and bills the approved services. A start-up grant or Einstiegsgeld requires a separate application; any required expert viability statement is a separate formal step.

Validity, scope and your start date

The voucher and approval letter specify the objective, dates, region and scope. There is no universal number of form pages or eight-week limit for every start-up coaching programme. Further funding also requires a separate assessment and decision.

We aim to arrange the first session within 7–14 days after approval. This is a scheduling target, not a legal deadline. Your approval conditions and the agreed schedule take precedence.

Coaching funding covers the approved support, not automatically investment costs or living expenses. The start-up grant and Einstiegsgeld are separate funding programmes.

What to prepare for the next steps

• Your business idea, career situation and main questions
• The complete AVGS and all attachments once available
• Before coaching: participation confirmation, written approval and an agreed schedule