How to Apply for Gründungscoaching Voucher in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve been thinking about starting your own business in Germany. The idea excites you, but maybe you’re also feeling that mix of uncertainty and overwhelm: Where do I even begin? How do I get professional support without spending thousands of euros?
Here’s the good news: if you’re registered with the Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency) or Jobcenter, you may qualify for an AVGS voucher that fully funds Gründungscoaching. Depending on the hours you’re granted, this voucher can be worth thousands of euros — and it won’t cost you a cent.
And NO — you don’t need to be receiving unemployment benefits to qualify. Let’s clear up that misconception first.
Do You Need to Be on Benefits to Get Gründungscoaching?
The short answer: no.
Many people think they must already be receiving ALG I or ALG II to access Gründungscoaching through an AVGS voucher. That’s not true. It’s enough that you are:
Registered as a job seeker (jobsuchend), or
Officially unemployed (arbeitslos) with one of these institutions.
What’s the difference between these two statuses? I explain it in detail in my article Avoid Confusion: The Difference Between Jobsuchend and Arbeitslos.
For now, what you need to know is this: you don’t have to wait until you’re fully unemployed. You can register even earlier — for example, if you’re still in a probation period and suspect your contract may not be extended.
Here’s another angle to consider: if you’re currently employed and want to build a business on the side, you can still work with a Gründungscoach. In this case, the AVGS voucher won’t apply, so you’ll need to finance the support yourself. Some people choose to:
Ask their employer if they can support coaching as part of personal development.
Invest privately, knowing it’s a direct investment into their future business.
I share some practical ideas on how to make coaching affordable here: Practical Ways to Afford Career Coaching: Investing in Your Future.
Step 1: Register with the Employment Agency or Jobcenter
Your first step is to register with the right institution:
Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency) if you’re receiving or eligible for ALG I.
Jobcenter if you’re receiving ALG II.
This registration unlocks your access to programs like the AVGS voucher.
Step 2: Meet Your Caseworker
Every registered job seeker or unemployed person is assigned a caseworker (Berater:in) — your personal advisor. This person has the authority to decide:
If you will be granted an AVGS voucher.
How many hours of coaching you’ll receive.
Real talk: your caseworker’s decision makes all the difference. That’s why you want to make your case clear, well-prepared, and in writing. I explain how to maximize your chances of getting approval in this article: How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your AVGS Voucher Approved.
Step 3: Request the AVGS Voucher (Always in Writing)
Never rely only on verbal agreements. Always submit your request for an AVGS voucher in writing. This way, you have documentation of your request, which can be very important if you need to follow up.
In your request, highlight:
Your motivation to become self-employed.
Why coaching is essential for you to build a viable business.
That you already know which certified coach you’d like to work with (this shows initiative).
Step 4: Choose the Right Coach
Here’s something many people don’t know: you have the right to find your own certified coach.
Do not let yourself be randomly assigned to someone. Coaching is personal work, and chemistry matters. If you receive a substantial amount of hours, you’ll want to spend that time with someone you connect with, respect, and feel supported by.
A note from the coaching room:
As a coach, I actually advise my clients to secure a coach before you apply for the voucher. Here’s why:
A coach can prepare a written offer that you can submit directly with your request.
Instead of simply asking for a voucher, you’re showing your advisor that you’ve done your research and are already prepared to begin.
In many cases, this increases the chances of approval — because you demonstrate seriousness and readiness.
And here’s the kicker: if your advisor says yes, they will ask you to secure such an offer anyway. By doing it upfront, you save yourself time and extra back-and-forth.
Bottom line: don’t leave this to chance. Choose your coach intentionally, and make sure it’s someone you genuinely like and feel aligned with. Coaching chemistry matters — deeply. I explain why in detail here: Don’t Choose an AVGS Coach Before Reading This.
Step 5: Start Your Coaching
Once your request is approved and your voucher is issued, you send it to your chosen coach. They’ll handle the paperwork with the agency, and you’ll begin your sessions.
Together, you’ll:
Build your business plan.
Prepare funding applications like the Gründungszuschuss or Einstiegsgeld.
Work on both the strategic and personal challenges of becoming self-employed.
Timelines and Planning Ahead
One thing most people underestimate: this process takes time.
From the moment you submit your request, here’s what you can expect:
Initial review by your advisor: 1–4 weeks.
If approved, you’ll receive additional paperwork to complete. Processing this usually takes another 2–4 weeks.
Only then can the voucher be officially issued, and coaching can begin.
That means from start to finish, it can easily take 4–8 weeks before you begin coaching.
Plan ahead:
If you want to start coaching by a certain date, make sure you apply well in advance.
Remember that good coaches are often booked out weeks ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to secure your spot.
Real Talk: What If They Say No?
Sometimes caseworkers hesitate. They may feel you should focus on finding a job rather than starting a business.
Here’s how to strengthen your case:
Show that your professional background supports your business idea.
Emphasize your motivation and readiness to commit.
Mention that you’ve already connected with a certified coach.
Persistence often makes the difference. Many of my clients who were initially rejected got approved later when they presented a stronger case.
Why This Matters
Applying for Gründungscoaching isn’t just about securing free coaching hours. It’s about giving yourself a blueprint for success and taking your first concrete step toward building new horizons.
Instead of spinning your wheels, you’ll have clarity, support, and a proven process to move from idea to action.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been considering self-employment, don’t wait until you’re out of options. Register as a job seeker, connect with a coach you resonate with, and make your written request for the AVGS voucher.
Because when the right support is available — and it can be worth thousands of euros — why wouldn’t you take it?
Ready to take the next step? Book a free call with me today, and let’s talk about how Gründungscoaching can support your path into self-employment. Together, we’ll create your blueprint for success.
Not yet ready to book a call but still have questions? Reach out directly via email or WhatsApp — I’ll be happy to guide you.
Until our next breakthrough!
