Your idea.
Your path to self-employment.
Want to start a business but unsure where to begin? We organise your questions and develop a clear plan together. Learn how AVGS funding may help.
Discuss your project
No voucher yet, or already have an AVGS?
Contact us in either case. Meik Kampmann, CEO, is your personal contact for preparing your startup.
Apply for AVGS
Learn where to ask and how to explain the support you need.
How to obtain a voucher ↗Use your AVGS
Check which programme matches your voucher and what you need before starting.
See the next steps ↗What is AVGS?
AVGS stands for Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (activation and placement voucher). It may fund suitable coaching for labour market integration, including preparation for self-employment.
It supports learning, planning and decision-making. It does not provide startup capital or pay for business purchases.
One possible aim is to assess your idea and prepare a realistic career prospect.
Prepare your next career chapter.
AVGS coaching may suit unemployed people or those at risk of unemployment who need support with their next career step.
Typical questions before starting
- Is my idea financially viable?
- Who will buy my service?
- How do I find customers and set prices?
- What costs will arise and how long will my funds last?
- What else do I need before starting?
Funding is assessed individually
Discuss your situation with your employment agency or Jobcenter adviser. There is no general entitlement to an AVGS for coaching.
Your idea may still have unanswered questions. KCM's initial discussion identifies your situation and useful support.
Three steps to discuss funding.
- 01
State your goal
Describe your idea and the questions you need help with.
- 02
Arrange a meeting
Ask your employment adviser about AVGS startup coaching.
- 03
Clarify the decision
The authority assesses your needs and funding route and may set voucher conditions.
How you could explain your request
“I want to prepare for self-employment and need support with my business model, customers and financial planning. Could we check whether an AVGS for coaching with an approved provider is suitable?”
Add your own questions. A specific goal makes your needs easier to discuss.
Useful preparation
- A short description of your idea.
- Your experience and knowledge.
- Your main unanswered questions.
- A broad timetable for the next steps.
- A suitable coaching offer, if available.
This is preparation guidance, not a binding official document list. Your authority will tell you what it requires.
Got your voucher? What happens next.
- 01
Get in touch
Tell KCM your goal and the voucher's key details.
- 02
Check the programme
The approved provider checks suitability and, where applicable, confirms possible participation.
- 03
Receive approval
Your adviser checks participation. Wait for written approval.
- 04
Start coaching
After approval, dates and content are aligned with the authorised programme.
Important voucher details
Programme objective, maximum duration, expiry and regional conditions. These must match the programme. We discuss delivery and the approved provider beforehand.
What we develop together.
Develop a plan you understand, can explain and continue yourself. Topics depend on your project and the agreed or approved programme.
01 · A clear business idea
What do you offer and who benefits? We clarify your proposition and how it differs in the market.
02 · Understand customers and the market
Review target customers, competition and sales channels, developing practical first steps to reach customers.
03 · Plan prices and figures
Review revenue, operating and living costs, capital needs and cash flow. Identify assumptions requiring verification.
04 · Develop your business plan
Combine your idea, market analysis and figures into a clear concept, working on your own documents and explaining your assumptions.
05 · Organise the launch
Order registrations, organisational tasks and specialist questions, planning coordination for necessary tax or legal advice.
06 · Define your next steps
Set clear priorities: what is ready, what is missing and which task comes first? Turn questions into a workable roadmap.
Coaching that fits your life.
You need not know every figure or bring a finished business plan. We start with your situation and explain the steps clearly.
Whether starting for the first time, returning after a break or bringing experience from another country, your goals and actual requirements matter.
Preparation helps identify risks and adapt an idea before major spending.
Online coaching
Personal video coaching may be possible. For AVGS funding, the programme, approved delivery format and voucher conditions must match.
We clarify scope, dates and technology beforehand. AVGS alone does not determine a fixed number of coaching hours.
Discuss a suitable format ↗AVGS, Gründungszuschuss and Einstiegsgeld.
AVGS: support with preparation
AVGS funds a suitable programme. It is not a living-cost payment or a promise of further funding.
Gründungszuschuss: a separate process
When starting from unemployment benefit, Gründungszuschuss may be available. Generally, at least 150 days of benefit entitlement must remain when full-time self-employment begins, alongside a positive viability assessment. Separate conditions and a funding decision apply.
Einstiegsgeld through the Jobcenter
For projects within Jobcenter responsibility, Einstiegsgeld may be considered as additional support. A separate application is required.
Discuss funding early, before committing to start. Coaching can help prepare plans and questions.
Short answers about AVGS.
Do I need a finished business plan to enquire?
No. Describe your idea and where you need help. Coaching can develop a viable concept step by step.
Do I need a voucher before contacting KCM?
No. We can first discuss your project and possible support needs.
How long is my voucher valid?
Your AVGS states its expiry date. Check early and discuss questions with your adviser.
Are travel or childcare costs included?
Additional coverage may be possible under certain conditions. Clarify these costs with the authority before starting.
Will someone write a finished business plan for me?
You develop your own concept with support, aiming to understand and explain your model and figures. Scope depends on the offer.
What if I do not receive AVGS?
We can separately consider other support. Private consulting requires an offer stating services and fees before engagement.
Must I start a business after coaching?
Coaching supports an informed decision. You can revise weak ideas. Funded programme participation duties still apply.
Is all business consulting eligible for AVGS?
No. Both provider and specific programme must be approved, and the offer must match your voucher.
Official sources, checked on 3 October 2026: Federal Employment Agency: AVGS process · Approval of providers and programmes · Gründungszuschuss (startup grant) · Starting a business with Jobcenter support.