Free Office Hour: Gründungszuschuss to Bank Loans – Funding in English
About this Event
Starting a business in Germany? There's more funding available than most founders know: from free coaching and the Gründungszuschuss to state-backed bank loans and consulting subsidies. The hard part is knowing which one fits you, in which order to apply, and how to do it when the information is all in German.
Whether you're registered with the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter, or you're a founder, freelancer or business owner looking for a bank loan, grant or other funding: this office hour is for you.
This is NOT a lecture. It's an office hour: a short overview, then direct time with a coach for your questions and your plan.
What we'll cover
Stage 1: Starting with support from the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter (if you're registered there)
- AVGS founder coaching (Gründungscoaching): free coaching paid by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter, including your business plan
- Gründungszuschuss: the start-up grant from the Agentur für Arbeit if you receive Arbeitslosengeld I. How it works, who qualifies and what the Agentur expects from your plan
- Einstiegsgeld: start-up support from the Jobcenter if you receive Bürgergeld / Grundsicherungsgeld
Stage 2: Financing your business (open to everyone, no registration with the Agentur or Jobcenter needed)
- How business loans work in Germany, and why most go through your bank (Hausbank)
- KfW StartGeld: up to €200,000 for founders and young businesses, with KfW covering 80% of the bank's risk
- IBB programmes in Berlin, including microloans of up to €25,000 without a Hausbank
- What banks expect from your business plan and financial plan
Stage 3: Growing an existing business
- BAFA subsidy: up to 50% of your consulting costs covered (80% in eastern German states)
Plus: the right order and timeline to combine them, and the most common mistakes (like starting your project before you apply).
Who it's for
This office hour is for two groups:
1. You're registered with the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter
- You receive Arbeitslosengeld I or Bürgergeld / Grundsicherungsgeld, or you're registered as looking for work
- You want to start a business or go freelance with the help of AVGS coaching, the Gründungszuschuss or Einstiegsgeld
2. You're not registered there, but you need funding
- Founders, freelancers and small business owners, whether you're employed, already self-employed or planning your first business
- You're thinking about a bank loan, KfW or IBB funding, a grant or the BAFA subsidy
- You don't need to be registered with the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter for these
Internationals are very welcome: we help in English, and also speak German and Mandarin.
What you'll take away
- A clear picture of which funding options fit your situation
- A timeline for AVGS, Gründungszuschuss and bank financing
- Practical next steps for your project
- A short 1:1 moment with a coach on your business idea
Format
- 15 minutes: overview of the funding options
- 45 minutes: open Q&A and short 1:1 guidance
- Want to go deeper? Book a free 1:1 call with us afterwards.
Your host
Irene Yu, founder of Rizing, coaches founders and internationals in Germany. Together with a BAFA-registered partner consultant, Rizing helps businesses with business plans, financial plans and bank loans through partner banks.
Free, registration required. Seats are limited and given out first come, first served. You're welcome to email us your question in advance so we can prepare. If the time doesn't work for you, book a free 20-minute call or email [email protected].
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Funding decisions are made by the Agentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, banks, KfW, IBB and BAFA.
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