The Gründungszuschuss is a government grant provided by the Federal Employment Agency for recipients of unemployment benefits (ALG I) who wish to become self-employed on a full-time basis. Its goal is to reduce unemployment by supporting sustainable business creation and ensuring both basic living expenses and social security coverage during the startup phase.
Are you looking for financial support to launch your startup?
Secure your Gründungszuschuss now!
Gründungszuschuss - Secure up to €22.350 tax-free
The Gründungszuschuss provides financial support of up to €22,350 to assist you in starting your entrepreneurial journey. It subsidizes your personal living expenses and social insurance during the initial phase of your venture.
Not sure if you meet the requirements for the Gründungszuschuss?
Your benefits when applying for the Gründungszuschuss with FUNDED
Process with FUNDED
70 simple questions
70 simple questions
75% less effort - focus on relevant questions
0 attachments
0 attachments
FUNDED prepares all required documents for you – complete and error-free
All-in-one platform
All-in-one platform
Your entire application is handled in one place
Process without FUNDED
More than 250 questions
More than 250 questions
Over 250 complicated and partly redundant questions
7 attachments
7 attachments
Extensive attachements required, e.g. business plan and liquidity planning
Multiple points of contact
Multiple points of contact
Various contact persons required
Selected Clients
Ventures who trust us
"Working with Alex and his team was very pleasing for us. The structured process helped us to successfully apply for and receive approval for the FZuL."
Dr. Gideon Schwich
Co-Founder Cylib
"The collaboration with FUNDED was outstandingly good, incredibly professional and efficient."
René Haas
Co-Founder Neocarbon
"It took us 6 weeks from kick-off to application, which is definitely due to the good communication, structure and collaboration with the team."
Tom Lüdersdorf
Co-Founder Ultihash
"FUNDED played a crucial role in helping us navigate the FZuL application process efficiently and successfully."
Nick Zumbühl
Co-founder Nala Earth
“The combination of expertise, attention to detail, and high responsiveness from the FUNDED team is impressive. We really enjoyed working together, even during stressful phases.“
Prof. Dr. Achim Oberg
Uni Hamburg
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Satisfied clients
Ranging from stealth start-ups to decacorns
EUR +
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Advised funding
In grants and venture debt
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users
On FundedOS
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Three steps to your successful Gründungszuschuss application
01
Structured collection of your founding details
You begin the process by answering a few targeted questions about your startup in FundedOS. This allows us to gather all relevant information for your Gründungszuschuss application – without complex forms or time-consuming research on your part
02
Complete document preparation
Based on your responses in FundedOS, we generate your full set of application documents – including a business plan, financial and liquidity plan, and the completed Phase 1 application form. We also coordinate the appointment with an authorised advisory body for the required expert opinion.
02
Vollständige Dokumentenerstellung
Wir erstellen deine vollständigen Antragsunterlagen auf Basis deiner Antworten in FundedOS – inklusive Businessplan, Finanz- und Liquiditätsplan sowie dem ausgefüllten Phase-1-Antragsformular. Zudem koordinieren wir den Termin mit einer fachkundigen Stelle für die erforderliche Stellungnahme.
03
Submit application and receive Gründungszuschuss
Once your documents are complete, you can upload them to the Employment Agency and officially submit your application. After the review, you’ll receive your approval notice – securing financial support for your startup with minimal effort.
01
Strukturierte Erfassung der Gründungsdaten
Du startest den Prozess, indem du in FundedOS einige gezielte Fragen zu deiner Gründung beantwortest. So erfassen wir alle relevanten Informationen für deinen Antrag auf den Gründungszuschuss – ganz ohne komplizierte Formulare oder mühsame Eigenrecherche.
02
Vollständige Dokumentenerstellung
Wir erstellen deine vollständigen Antragsunterlagen auf Basis deiner Antworten in FundedOS – inklusive Businessplan, Finanz- und Liquiditätsplan sowie dem ausgefüllten Phase-1-Antragsformular. Zudem koordinieren wir den Termin mit einer fachkundigen Stelle für die erforderliche Stellungnahme.
03
Antrag einreichen und Gründungszuschuss
Sobald deine Unterlagen vollständig sind, kannst du sie bei der Agentur für Arbeit hochladen und den Antrag offiziell einreichen. Nach der Prüfung erhältst du deinen Bescheid, und sicherst dir mit minimalem Aufwand die finanzielle Unterstützung für deine Gründung.
Check your eligibility for the Gründungszuschuss now and claim up to €22.350 tax-free
Questions?
What is the Gründungszuschuss?
How is the Gründungszuschuss granted?
The Gründungszuschuss is awarded for up to 15 months in two separate phases:
- Phase 1 (basic funding, 6 months): The founder receives their individual unemployment benefit (ALG I) plus €300 per month for social security contributions.
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Phase 2 (extension funding, 9 months): The €300 monthly support continues, but unemployment benefits are no longer paid. At this stage, the self-employment should ideally be financially sustainable.
Both phases must be applied for separately. To extend into Phase 2, a simple informal application is required – it should be submitted 4 to 6 weeks before the end of Phase 1.
The Gründungszuschuss is tax-free, non-repayable, and not subject to progressive taxation – even if the business venture does not succeed.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The Gründungszuschuss can be granted by the Federal Employment Agency under certain conditions – however, it is a discretionary benefit and not a legal entitlement. The key requirements include:
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Remaining entitlement to ALG I: At least 150 days of unemployment benefit I (ALG I) must remain at the time of application.
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Full-time self-employment: A minimum of 15 hours of work per week must be planned.
Recipients of ALG II (unemployment benefit II) are not eligible for the Gründungszuschuss, but can apply for Einstiegsgeld as an alternative.
Why should I seek support?
The Gründungszuschuss is a tax-free grant from the Federal Employment Agency designed to ease the transition from unemployment into self-employment. It does not need to be repaid – even if the business does not succeed.
Since the Gründungszuschuss is a discretionary benefit, the decision lies with the caseworker, and there is no legal entitlement. That’s why having a professionally prepared business plan is the most effective way to maximize your chances of approval.