Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)
Leistungen zur Eingliederung von Selbständigen (§16c SGB II)
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. Provided by Jobcenter.
Key facts
- Amount
- 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
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Grant
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- Unclear
- Stages
- Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (SGB II) from your local Jobcenter
Who can apply
- Receiving or entitled to Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld)
- Starting, running or expanding self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week)
- Viability confirmed by a qualified body (form 'Empfehlung der fachkundigen Stelle')
- No other funding available (bank loans, microloans, federal/state programmes)
- Covers equipment such as computers, software, furniture, website/marketing, vehicles, tools, rental deposits; not running costs or old debts
- Buy only items agreed with the Jobcenter in advance
- Not for people topping up ALG I with SGB II (Alg-Aufstocker)
- Loan repayment normally starts only once you no longer need benefits
What usually blocks applicants
- No SGB II entitlement (on ALG I instead)
- Purchase not necessary or reasonable
- Bank financing available
- Discretionary denial
What the official documents say
- Grants may not exceed EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher (p. 2)
- Usually a loan; grants preferred for smaller purchases; running costs not covered (p. 13)
- New business must be viable within 24 months; expert opinion needed before the decision (p. 9)
- No expert opinion needed for support up to EUR 500 (p. 10)
- Use other reasonable financing first, e.g. microloans (p. 12)
- Not for people topping up ALG I with SGB II benefits (Alg-Aufstocker) (p. 6)
Deadline and timing
No deadline; apply to the Jobcenter before purchasing.
Frequently asked
How much does Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c) pay?
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
Who can apply for Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)?
Receiving or entitled to Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld) Starting, running or expanding self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week) Viability confirmed by a qualified body (form 'Empfehlung der fachkundigen Stelle') No other funding available (bank loans, microloans, federal/state programmes) Covers equipment such as computers, software, furniture, website/marketing, vehicles, tools, rental deposits; not running costs or old debts Buy only items agreed with the Jobcenter in advance Not for people topping up ALG I with SGB II (Alg-Aufstocker) Loan repayment normally starts only once you no longer need benefits
When is the Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c) deadline?
No deadline; apply to the Jobcenter before purchasing.
Where do I apply for Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)?
On the official page: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/arbeit-finden/existenzgruendung/leistungen-zur-eingliederung-von-selbstaendigen. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c) or give up equity?
Whether it is repayable is not stated clearly; confirm with the provider. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)?
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
- Founder Coaching via AVGS voucherReasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
- 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)