Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher
AVGS Gründungscoaching (§45 SGB III)
Reasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher. Provided by Agentur für Arbeit / Jobcenter.
Key facts
- Amount
- Reasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
- Duration
- voucher-dependent
- Type
- Voucher
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
Who can apply
- Registered as unemployed, at risk of unemployment or job-seeking with the Agentur für Arbeit; Jobcenter clients ask the Jobcenter. Receiving benefits is not a legal requirement, but vouchers mostly go to benefit recipients
- Not for people who are already self-employed as their main occupation (full-time freelancers and founders)
- Purpose 'preparing for self-employment' (§45 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 SGB III)
- Provider and measure must be approved under AZAV and listed in the BA coaching search
- Discretionary: no legal entitlement for founder coaching
- Voucher ends when you take up full-time self-employment, so use it before starting
What usually blocks applicants
- Not registered with the agency
- Already self-employed full time (e.g. registered freelancer working on the startup)
- Voucher refused (discretionary)
- Provider not AZAV-approved
- Business already started
What the official documents say
- Coaching purpose 'Heranführung an eine selbständige Tätigkeit' (§ 45 para. 1 no. 4); reasonable costs paid (p. 3)
- For people registered as unemployed, at risk of unemployment, or seeking training (p. 5)
- Provider and course must be approved under AZAV (p. 9)
- Discretionary: the agency decides based on suitability and personal circumstances (p. 4)
- Participation ends when unemployment ends, including starting full-time self-employment (p. 18)
Deadline and timing
Ongoing; request the voucher from your case worker before starting the business.
Frequently asked
How much does Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher pay?
Reasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
Who can apply for Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher?
Registered as unemployed, at risk of unemployment or job-seeking with the Agentur für Arbeit; Jobcenter clients ask the Jobcenter. Receiving benefits is not a legal requirement, but vouchers mostly go to benefit recipients Not for people who are already self-employed as their main occupation (full-time freelancers and founders) Purpose 'preparing for self-employment' (§45 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 SGB III) Provider and measure must be approved under AZAV and listed in the BA coaching search Discretionary: no legal entitlement for founder coaching Voucher ends when you take up full-time self-employment, so use it before starting
When is the Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher deadline?
Ongoing; request the voucher from your case worker before starting the business.
Where do I apply for Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher?
On the official page: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/arbeitslosengeld/existenzgruendung-gruendungszuschuss. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Founder Coaching via AVGS voucher?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free
- Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months
- Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers
- Prototype FundUp to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team)