AVGS-eligible startup coachingYou want to start a business –
but where to begin?

The AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, activation and placement voucher) is a voucher from the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or the Jobcenter. With an approved voucher, the costs of a certified coaching are covered, for example start-up coaching with a provider approved under AZAV. My start-up coaching runs via STARTUP PROFI, an AZAV-certified provider.

You receive the AVGS from your employment agent. The prerequisite is usually that you are registered as a job seeker. In the initial consultation, I will explain exactly how to apply for the voucher.

You receive unemployment benefit I, still have at least 150 days of entitlement left on the day you start your business, and become self-employed as your main occupation (at least 15 hours per week). You also need a business plan with a viability certificate. There is no legal entitlement: the employment agency decides at its discretion.

The startup grant consists of your unemployment benefit I + €300 lump sum for social security. It is paid for 6 months, after which another 9 months at €300 can be approved.

Yes, the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) is tax-free and does not have to be repaid.

In a viability certificate (Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung), an expert body such as the IHK (chamber of commerce), the chamber of crafts, a trade association or a bank confirms that your business is economically viable. The employment agency requires it for the start-up grant. It is based on your business plan with financial planning.

Yes. AI can take a lot of work off your hands with the structure, wording and critical questions. You still need to check figures, facts and funding rules yourself, and you should be able to explain every part of your plan. I deepened my knowledge of using AI in my IHK certificate course; in the coaching, I show you how to use it well.

The start-up grant comes from the employment agency and is for people receiving unemployment benefit I: six months of unemployment benefit I plus €300 per month, then, on application, nine months of €300 each. Einstiegsgeld comes from the Jobcenter and is for people receiving basic income support (Grundsicherung, formerly Bürgergeld): in 2026 up to €563 per month on top of it, for up to 24 months. Both are discretionary benefits.

Before you start your business. You receive the AVGS before the coaching begins, and you apply for the start-up grant or Einstiegsgeld before you become self-employed. In the coaching, we prepare your business plan and documents so that you can submit the applications in time.

Yes, you can use the coaching anywhere in Germany. It usually takes place in 1:1 sessions via video call, which keeps everyone flexible. On request, the coaching is also possible in a hybrid format or in person.