Gründungszuschuss — start-up grant
The Gründungszuschuss supports people moving from ALG I into self-employment. It is not a loan: the money is not repaid.
Start the Förder-Check →Who may apply
People receiving ALG I with sufficient remaining entitlement at the time of application.
What is required
A business plan, calculations and an expert opinion on viability.
How it is structured
A first phase supporting living costs plus a flat amount for social insurance, with a possible second phase.
Sequence matters
The application must come before registering the business, or in the prescribed order — otherwise the entitlement is lost.
The decision
It is a discretionary benefit: there is no automatic entitlement, which is why the quality of the justification is critical.
And on Bürgergeld?
Then the relevant instruments are Einstiegsgeld and other Jobcenter measures.
Frequently asked questions
Does the money have to be repaid?+
No, the Gründungszuschuss is not a loan.
Can I apply after registering the business?+
The order of steps is decisive, and a mistake here costs the whole amount. Check before registering.
How much is it?+
The amount is individual and depends on your ALG I. We calculate it in the call.
This is not legal or tax advice.