Have you noticed it too? The signs are ominous. While Germany proudly looks to its SME sector, something worrying is happening in the background: the Funding for people who want to become self-employed are being drastically cut. Programmes are ending, budgets are being slashed, and the hurdles at the authorities are getting higher and higher.

I am Daniel Schäfer and I can tell you from over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur: The best time for your business start-up is right now – but only if you act quickly. I have supported over 3,000 founders and know that you should not postpone your step towards independence when the government is tightening the purse strings. Life as an entrepreneur is an adventure, far more exciting than any routine job, which could soon be replaced by AI and robotics anyway.

The funding jungle is being cleared – Why waiting is risky

There are currently two dangerous trends in German funding policy. Firstly: Successful programmes in the digital and innovation sectors are simply not being renewed. Secondly: There are internal instructions to employment agencies and job centres to make applications for the Start-up Grant (Gründungszuschuss) or advisory vouchers as difficult as possible. Often you will not even be given the necessary documents unless you are already perfectly prepared.

The situation is particularly critical with the AVGS advisory voucher. In the past, generous units were granted, but now founders are often fobbed off with a mere 10 or 20 hours. That is nowhere near enough to assess a viable business model or to set up a solid Start-up Financing . Anyone starting out here without professional help is taking a big risk.

Your ticket to full-time self-employment: start-up grant and 100% funding

If you plan to start your self-employment with more than 15 hours per week, the Start-up Grant (Gründungszuschuss) your most important safety net. It covers your personal living expenses and social security contributions for up to 15 months. But be careful: This money is only available for full-time self-employment, not for side projects. You need to take a strategic approach from day one.

So that you not only know how your Business Plan should look, but also have your marketing concept and tax planning in place, we use the AVGS. The best part: With this voucher, the government covers 100% of the consultation costs with my team and me. We make sure your concept is watertight before you submit the official application.

KfW StartGeld: Up to €200,000 liquidity for your dream

Another powerful tool that many underestimate is the KfW StartGeld. Here you can apply for up to €200,000 for your start-up or young business (up to 5 years after founding). The brilliant aspect: KfW provides an 80% release from liability to your local bank. This massively reduces the risk for the bank and significantly increases your chances of approval.

Additionally, you benefit from subsidised interest rates and – which is often a lifesaver – repayment-free start-up years. This preserves your liquidity during the critical initial phase. For existing businesses or freelancers, there is also the possibility to receive BAFA grants of 50% to 80% for professional consultations. So, there is still money available, but you need to know how to access it.

99% success rate – We get you safely to your goal

Why do so many fail when applying? Most often due to formal errors or insufficient financial planning. At X-Group, we specialise in mapping out the entire process so that your probability of success approaches 100%. We know the pitfalls – from negative Schufa records to missing ALG I (German unemployment benefit) notifications – and find a solution for almost every problem.

We listen to your idea, develop a coherent concept, and support you right up to the disbursement of funds. But you have to take the first step. Time is ticking, and tomorrow’s political decisions could wipe out today’s opportunities. Take advantage of a team’s expertise that has successfully walked this path thousands of times.

Book your free initial financing consultation now and use our expertise to secure your funding before it is discontinued!

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.