From ALG I to self-employment. With a well-thought-out plan.
You are receiving unemployment benefit and want to become self-employed on a full-time basis? For the application, you need a viable concept. It is equally important that your entitlement and planned start date align.
Daniel Schäfer & the X-Group teamPersonal support with planning, funding, and financing ↗
Clarify three things before you start.
For people receiving ALG I who want to end their unemployment through full-time self-employment.
Start
Entitlement, timing and a viable business plan must align.
Does your remaining entitlement fit?
At the start of self-employment, you generally need at least 150 days of remaining ALG I (German unemployment benefit) entitlement. Exceptions apply for certain people with disabilities.
Is the project viable?
A qualified authority will assess your business plan. This requires, in particular, your business plan, financial planning, and details of your qualifications.
Is the application prepared in good time?
Discuss your planned start date with your local Employment Agency before founding your business. A positive expert opinion does not guarantee approval.
This is our approach.
- 01
Entitlement & Date
Coordinate your remaining ALG I entitlement and planned start date with the Employment Agency.
- 02
Business Plan & Figures
Prepare your business plan and financial planning.
- 03
Expert Opinion
Prepare documents for the viability assessment.
- 04
Application & Queries
Submit your application and clarify any outstanding points with the relevant authority.
You can bring the following.
- ALG I notification and information on remaining entitlement
- Planned start date and description of your business activity
- Business plan, capital requirements and financing plan, profitability forecast
- CV and relevant qualification certificates
We will work on this with you.
- Discuss your starting situation and timeline for the application process
- Align your business plan and financial figures
- Prepare documents for the expert opinion
- Clarify queries and next steps with the Employment Agency
A specific client case
Katharina Zäpernick
Master Orthopaedic Shoemaker · Craft
After unemployment, the move into self-employment was to be prepared with a start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss).
What was processed: X-Group supported with the business plan, financial planning, marketing strategy and website.
According to the published client report, the business plan could be submitted and the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) was approved.
View the full client case ↗Individual case from published X-Group client reports. No guarantee for other projects.
Frequently asked questions
Is the grant an investment loan?
No. It is intended to support your living expenses and social security during the initial phase of full-time self-employment. Investments must be planned separately.
How is support provided at the beginning?
If approved, the first phase covers six months at the level of your most recent unemployment benefit plus €300 per month for social security. A second phase must be applied for separately.
Are AVGS and the start-up grant the same?
No. An AVGS can fund an approved coaching programme; the start-up grant relates to starting full-time self-employment.
What does working together cost?
The initial consultation is free of charge. For further services, scope and costs are agreed before engagement. Whether funding is possible depends on your case and the necessary approval.
What happens after I submit my enquiry?
In the financing check, you describe your current situation. In a personal discussion, outstanding points and the required documents are clarified. Afterwards, it can be determined which work is appropriate.
Can I start with incomplete documents?
Yes. Bring any drafts you have and a list of your open questions. Missing information and assumptions will be explicitly identified and added as the process continues.
Further professional sources: Federal Employment Agency: Start-up Grant
Let’s clarify your next step.
Describe your project in the financing check or book a free initial consultation directly.
