100% funded with AVGS

Modular Startup Coaching

All-in-one one-to-one coaching for founders

Our modular startup coaching guides you step by step on your way into self-employment. In a series of focused modules, our experienced coaches show you what really matters when starting a business, how to turn your idea into a solid business plan, and how to bring your venture to life.

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Step by step into self-employment

Every module is designed as one-to-one coaching and gives you practical, hands-on founder know-how.

From your business idea and business plan through to marketing and finances, the content builds on itself and prepares you specifically for your launch.

From your idea to a certified expert assessment

Planning to apply for the German startup grant (Gründungszuschuss)? Then you'll need a certified expert assessment (fachkundige Stellungnahme) confirming that your concept is viable. Once your business plan and financial plan are in place and your coach is convinced by your venture, you'll receive that assessment directly from us.

13 modules, one goal: your own business

Every business venture is different. That is why you can tailor your coaching by choosing from 13 modules. You select the topics that are most relevant to your launch and focus on the areas that will make the greatest difference to your plans.

Modules can also be booked separately

Module 1

Startup check: your personal status analysis

Duration: up to 4 units of 45 minutes

Before you launch, you need clarity: how far along is your preparation, really? In this module, we analyse your current situation together and work out whether you're ready to go – or which steps are still missing.

Current status and knowledge: where do you stand professionally and in terms of content?
Timing: how advanced is your preparation for self-employment?
Qualifications check: identifying your professional prerequisites and any gaps
F-DUP test: assessing your entrepreneurial potential and reviewing it together

Module 2

Recognise your strengths – unlock your potential

Duration: up to 20 units of 45 minutes

Self-employment affects far more than your business idea – it touches your whole life. We talk openly about how your personal circumstances, qualifications, and financial situation fit together, so you can make a well-founded decision about whether and how to start.

Professional qualifications: reviewing IT skills, industry knowledge and formal requirements
Personal strengths: assessing communication skills, creativity, and drive
Family and financial circumstances: realistically assessing your support network, creditworthiness (SCHUFA score) and risk tolerance
Sharpening your business idea: developing it further and testing its viability with a minimum-revenue calculation
Licensing requirements: clarifying industry-specific prerequisites, e.g. for trades, security services, or the liberal professions

Module 3

Bookkeeping without the fear

Duration: up to 30 units of 45 minutes

Writing invoices, sorting receipts, paying taxes: bookkeeping doesn't have to be a source of anxiety. You'll learn the key fundamentals and get practical tools to organise your finances professionally from day one.

Fundamentals and obligations:

Understanding bookkeeping: single- and double-entry accounting, and when you're required to keep books
Taxes and contributions: payments to the tax office, chambers, and the artists' social insurance fund (Künstlersozialkasse)
The small-business rule (Kleinunternehmerregelung): when it pays off and what to watch for
Balance sheet, P&L, and BWA: reading and understanding the key reports

Day-to-day operations:

Receivables management: keeping track of outstanding invoices, from payment reminders to factoring
Plan-versus-actual analysis: regularly comparing your plans with actual performance
Accounting software: up-to-date tools for recording receipts, issuing invoices and generating reports
Finding a tax adviser: support with obtaining and comparing quotes from bookkeeping firms and tax advisers

Module 4

Your business plan, on point

Duration: up to 20 units of 45 minutes

A convincing business plan is your ticket to the startup grant and to financing. Together, we develop the descriptive part of your plan – from your business idea through to your strategy. You won't be writing alone; you'll have professional sparring so that every section hits the mark.

Business idea, goals, and vision: bringing your venture across clearly and convincingly
Market and competitor analysis: assessing your industry, competition, and positioning
Target-audience analysis: who are your customers, and how do you reach them?
Marketing and sales strategy: the channels and measures for entering your market
Key financials: an overview of revenue, investment, and liquidity planning
Risk analysis: spotting weak points and defining countermeasures
Legal form and requirements: choosing the right company structure and clarifying prerequisites
AI as a research tool: efficiently preparing market data, competitor insights, and text drafts with AI
Timeline: milestones from preparation to launch

Module 5

A three-year financial plan

Duration: up to 20 units of 45 minutes

Will your money last? That is the key question your financial plan answers. Together, we develop a clear financial forecast showing when your business is expected to become self-sustaining. The result is a sound basis for meetings with banks, funding applications and your own financial confidence.

Capital requirements planning: determining how much funding you need until your business can support itself
Revenue and profitability planning: forecasting income realistically and calculating your potential profit
Liquidity planning: ensuring that your business can meet its payment obligations during the first few years
Investment and financing planning: calculating the cost of required investments and matching them with suitable funding sources
Target-vs-actual comparison: defining the metrics to keep checking your plan against reality

Module 6

Financing that fits you

Duration: up to 20 units of 45 minutes

Equity, subsidised loans, or crowdfunding? Founders have a wide range of financing options. We determine your actual capital needs and develop a financing strategy that suits your venture and holds up with banks and funding institutions.

Determining your capital needs: how much money do you really need to start?
An overview of financing options: loans, grants, leasing, guarantees, and equity investments
Alternative routes: crowdfunding, microloans, and other options beyond your regular bank
Preparing for bank meetings: presenting yourself confidently with the right documents and arguments

Module 7

Formalities, step by step

Duration: up to 30 units of 45 minutes

Business registration, insurance obligations, the EKS form: the bureaucratic maze around starting a business costs many founders unnecessary time and nerves. We guide you step by step through every formality and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

EKS and business forecast:

Insurance:

Authorities and registrations:

Mandatory registrations: registering with the relevant employers’ liability insurance association, health insurance providers, social security authorities and the Minijob Centre
Permits and approvals: obtaining any required permits from authorities such as the public health office, building authority, trade supervisory authority or environmental agency, depending on your industry
Trademark protection and special requirements: assessing whether trademark registration or any industry-specific licences and approvals are needed

Module 8

Your marketing strategy

Duration: up to 30 units of 45 minutes

Even the best business idea achieves little if no one hears about it. In this module, you'll develop a marketing and sales strategy that fits your budget, your industry and your audience. Instead of off-the-shelf theory, we work out a concrete roadmap that makes you visible and wins customers right from the start.

Planning and strategy: audience, positioning and channel selection
Corporate identity and design: a look and feel that builds trust
PR: making targeted use of local and industry-specific media
Trade fairs and events: building your network and presenting your offering
Comparing sales channels: direct sales, partnerships or referral marketing
Costs and budgeting: achieving a big impact even on a small budget
Measuring success: using clear KPIs to see what really works
Marketing tools: CRM systems and planning tools for everyday use

Module 9

Digital marketing from A to Z

Duration: up to 30 units of 45 minutes

Whether it's your own website, social media or search engines, we analyse which digital channels offer the greatest leverage for your business model. You'll get to know current strategies and tools for building online reach and speaking to exactly the right customers.

Website: building, structuring and optimising your online presence
Search engine optimisation (SEO): improving your visibility on Google through on-page and off-page measures
Search engine advertising (SEA): using targeted paid advertising through Google Ads
Social media and content marketing: choosing the right platforms and creating content that increases reach and engagement
Reviews and referrals: strengthening your online reputation and encouraging customer recommendations
Email marketing: using newsletters to communicate directly with your customers
AI tools in marketing: using artificial intelligence to create copy, images and campaign ideas efficiently

Module 10

Procurement and logistics

Duration: up to 20 units of 45 minutes

Especially at the start, your purchasing terms and storage costs decide your margin. In this module, we work out how to source goods efficiently, store them sensibly and save costs in the process.

Module 11

Pricing your offering correctly

Duration: up to 20 units of 45 minutes

Set your prices too low and you risk working without making a profit; set them too high and customers may look elsewhere. In this module, we develop a pricing strategy that suits your industry, covers all your costs and delivers a healthy profit margin.

Cost accounting: accurately recording all fixed and variable costs
Industry-specific pricing: calculating prices for sectors such as retail, skilled trades, hospitality, manufacturing and the liberal professions
Imputed costs: accounting for your own salary, depreciation and less obvious cost items
Preparing quotations: creating professional quotations that clearly demonstrate the value behind your price
Tools and software: using digital tools for pricing calculations and quotation management

Module 12

Planning your location and staff

Duration: up to 30 units of 45 minutes

The wrong location or a lack of staff can hold back even a strong business idea. In this module, we analyse both: where you set up, and who you need by your side. That way, you set the course for sustainable growth from the very beginning.

Location:

Staff

Workforce planning: when does your first hire make sense and in what form?
Employment types: mini-job, part-time, full-time, contract for work or freelance
Employer obligations: social security, accident insurance, artists' social security levy
Recruitment: finding and hiring the right people

Module 13

Understanding the legal basics

Duration: up to 30 units of 45 minutes

Which contracts do you need? What has to go in your imprint (Impressum)? And what should you watch for in your terms and conditions? Our startup advisors give you practical guidance on the most important legal topics around your business.

Contracts: knowing which types of contract you need and what to look out for
T&Cs and imprint: understanding which mandatory details are relevant for your business model
Copyright and competition law: getting an overview of where the typical pitfalls lie
Reviewing documents: going through your existing documents together and identifying where action is needed
Individual questions: guidance on legal topics that specifically concern your venture

Please note: This module does not replace legal advice from a lawyer. For binding legal questions, we recommend consulting a specialist solicitor.

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Kostenlos gründen lernen mit AVGS

Sie sind arbeitssuchend und möchten den Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit wagen?

Mit einem Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS) ist das modulare Gründercoaching für Sie zu 100 % kostenfrei. Den Gutschein beantragen Sie direkt bei Ihrer Agentur für Arbeit oder Ihrem Jobcenter.

Your coaching at a glance

APPOINTMENTS

A quick start

At least 2 sessions per week.

DURATION

Tailored to you

Depending on your goal and voucher scope.

Format

10+ locations & virtual

In person or online.

COSTS

100% eligible for funding

Fully financed via AVGS.

Not entitled to an AVGS?

No problem at all. We also offer our coaching for self-paying clients. Just get in touch – we'll help you find the right focus and get your sessions booked.