Do you know this dream? The desire to leave your salaried job behind and finally become your own boss ? The most common hurdle is not the idea, but the fear of financial risk. You ask yourself: How can I get the necessary start-up capital for the company and at the same time pay my rent until the revenue comes in?

The good news: Thanks to government-supported programmes, it is easier than ever to close this gap today. We show you how you can apply for not only €200,000 but potentially up to 600.000 € in investment capital – even if you would normally “not get any money” as a founder. As a special bonus, there is often even a voucher that covers the costs of preparing the application documents 100%!

The financial gap: Why you need a working capital reserve

Starting out in self-employment is often associated with being in the red: initial investments (goods, equipment, deposit) and fixed costs (personnel, marketing). The main problem: Revenue usually only comes in three to six months later – and then only at half capacity.

You must bridge this financial gap, the gap. This is where the working capital reserve comes into play. It finances your ongoing costs until you reach the break-even point break-even point. The solution for this is the KfW StartGeld. This flexible instrument can be used not only for new start-ups, but also within the first 5 years after your business has been founded – making it ideal for moving from part-time to full-time self-employment.

The €600,000 trick: How to maximise your KfW StartGeld

The upper limit for KfW StartGeld is €200,000 per person building their first business. The crucial point: the programme is person-specific..

If you do not start your business start-up business alone, but, for example, bring two or three equal partners and managing directors on board who are also founding their own business, the funding amount multiplies:

• 2 people: 2 x €200,000 = €400,000 in start-up capital

• 3 people: 3 x €200,000 = €600,000 in start-up capital

The government wants to support you in building your first professional existence – make the most of this opportunity!

Start-up grant: Who pays your rent?

In addition to investment capital, the entrepreneur’s salary must be pre-financed at the beginning. For this, there is the funding programme for the financing of your living expenses including health insurance: the Start-up Grant (Gründungszuschuss).

The usual requirement is that you have a current ALG I notice and at least five months of entitlement remaining. But even if you are not entitled to ALG I (e.g. as a student, mother, or civil servant), there are corresponding funding programmes (e.g. from the Bürgergeld scheme). Here too: Seek advice from experts to secure these essential funds.

The key to success: Expert reports and 100% subsidy

You need more than just a nice idea for these programmes. The core element of your application is a bank-ready set of figures (three-year monthly forecast) and a convincing business plan that comments on this calculation. A simple Business Plan AI-generated text is not sufficient here. For the start-up grant, you also need a Expert opinion, an economic report confirming your viability.

This is where the X-Group comes in. For over two decades, we have specialised in and are certified for this type of conceptual consulting. This means you have the opportunity to receive a subsidy for your consulting costs. In particular, with the AVGS voucher (if you are entitled to ALG I or ALG II, German unemployment benefit) the entire initial consultation for concept development can be covered 100% .

There is really no excuse left not to start your idea. You have the idea – we have the plan and the funding.

Secure your free initial consultation now! We take the time to review your project, give you a clear prognosis, and apply for all necessary programmes and vouchers (such as the AVGS voucher) together with you. Turn your vision into a viable, financed business.

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.