What Happens After Gründungscoaching: Do You Have to Become Self-Employed?
One of the most common questions I get is: “If I receive Gründungscoaching, does that mean I have to start a business?”
The short answer: No.
Just in case you’re not sure what Gründungscoaching actually is, you can find a simple explanation here: What is Gründungscoaching? A Simple Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Germany.
Let me explain further.
Why Do People Get Gründungscoaching?
From my coaching room, I see people coming into Gründungscoaching for many different reasons. Some of the most common are:
They know they want to start a business and need support writing a business plan.
They’d like to start a business one day but have no clarity yet what that business could be.
They want to test an idea and take first steps towards self-employment.
They want to apply for the Gründungszuschuss (founder’s grant) and need a professional business plan to qualify.
If you don’t know what the Gründungszuschuss is, you may want to read this article: Unemployed? Don’t Miss Out on This Startup Grant: The Gründungszuschuss Explained.
What Gründungscoaching Is Really About
Gründungscoaching is a structured program, often funded through an AVGS voucher, that gives you access to professional support while you explore self-employment.
In coaching, you’ll typically:
Test and shape your business idea.
Work on a business plan and financial forecast.
Learn about taxes, legal frameworks, and marketing.
Explore whether entrepreneurship is the right path for you.
But here’s the key: the outcome is not predetermined.
Learn more about what Gründungscoaching is here: What is Gründungscoaching? A Simple Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Germany.
The Freedom to Decide
Just because you receive Gründungscoaching doesn’t mean you’re locked into becoming self-employed. The purpose of the coaching is to help you make an informed choice.
At the end of the program, you may realize:
Your idea is strong and ready to launch.
Your idea needs more time before it’s viable.
Or that self-employment doesn’t align with your goals right now.
All of these are valid outcomes — and none of them mean you’ve wasted your time. On the contrary, you’ll walk away with clarity, structure, and tools you can use in the future.
My Coaching Room Perspective
Many of my clients enter Gründungscoaching full of doubts:
“Can I really do this?”
“Is my idea good enough?”
“Should I even start before I have clarity?”
And here’s the truth: this is exactly what the coaching is for.
You don’t need to arrive ready, with a polished idea and all the answers. The structure of Gründungscoaching is designed to give you that clarity — step by step.
At its core, the program guides you through creating a business plan. Not just a piece of paper, but a practical, step-by-step framework that shows you what’s needed to start and run your business. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of your idea, the numbers, the strategy, and the roadmap.
And then, you’ll be able to make an informed decision: do I want to move forward with this or not? If the answer is “no,” that’s perfectly okay — the coaching will still have served its purpose. But here’s what I’ve seen in my own practice:
Most people — in fact, all of my clients so far — reach the end of their Gründungscoaching saying: “Hell yes, I’m doing this.” They walk away with clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan. By the time they’re done, they feel unstoppable.
Funded Exploration (That You Shouldn’t Miss Out On)
Here’s the beauty of the AVGS voucher: the coaching is funded by the government. Depending on the hours granted, that can be worth anywhere from €1,000 to €10,000.
Even if you’re unsure, why would you leave that kind of opportunity on the table?
I know this firsthand. Back in the day when I was starting out, I received 80 hours of coaching worth €9,000. Did I know for sure at the beginning that I’d start my business? No. But that coaching gave me the clarity to make the decision — and eventually, the courage to go for it.
Would you like to start looking into AVGs coaching you may find these helpful: AVGS Voucher Explained – Unlock Free Coaching and Training and Don’t Choose an AVGS Coach Before Reading This!
Real Talk: The Only Commitment You Make
The only real commitment you make when you start Gründungscoaching is this: to show up and do the work during the program.
You don’t owe anyone a business at the end of it. What you owe yourself is honesty about whether self-employment is right for you.
And if it turns out the answer is “not now” — you’ll still walk away with a business plan, self-knowledge, and skills that may serve you later down the road.
PSSS… A Personal Secret
As I write this, I’ll share something candid: it actually took me 8 months after my business plan was finalized and positively approved to register my business.
Yes, 8 months!
Why? Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear, procrastination — I felt all of it. And let me tell you this: even as a coach, I experience these things. That’s exactly why I later created my Imposter Syndrome Self Coaching Journal — because when I was working through it, I struggled, and there wasn’t much support out there beyond practical tools.
The lesson? You can start your business right after Gründungscoaching, but you don’t have to do it immediately. The clarity you gain is yours — you get to decide when to act on it.
But here’s one thing I preach to everyone: if you’re unemployed, get the voucher. Once you find a job, that chance is gone. Even if you’re only thinking you might want to start something one day, use this option.
Trust me, it’s worth it.
Interested in Imposter Syndrome Self Coaching Journal? go HERE.
Additional Resources
To help you get the full picture, here are a few articles I’ve written that go deeper:
What is Gründungscoaching? A Simple Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Germany
Unemployed? Don’t Miss Out on This Startup Grant: The Gründungszuschuss Explained
The Downside of AVGS Vouchers: When Free Career Coaching Isn’t Freeing
Your Next Step
If you’ve been considering self-employment but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, Gründungscoaching is a powerful way to explore your options without pressure.
Want to talk about whether it’s the right step for you? Book a free call with me today, and let’s discuss your situation.
Not yet ready for a call but have questions? Message me via WhatsApp or email — I’ll be happy to share my honest perspective.
Until our next breakthrough!
