Start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss)
Support to start your own business when coming out of unemployment — a monthly top-up for the early months.
Verified as of 2026-06-13 · Official source
Typical value
Your ALG I rate plus €300/month for 6 months, then €300/month for a further 9 months.
Official calculatorAbout this benefit
The Gründungszuschuss helps people who become self-employed out of unemployment bridge the early months. If you still have a remaining entitlement to Arbeitslosengeld I and present a viable business plan (with an expert assessment, e.g. from the IHK), the Agentur für Arbeit can support you. It is a discretionary benefit — there is no automatic right to it. This page explains the benefit; it does not assess your individual case.
You may be eligible if
- You are starting full-time self-employment out of unemployment.
- You still have at least ~150 days of Arbeitslosengeld I remaining.
- You submit a business plan with an independent viability assessment.
Official sources
Change log
- 2026-06-12 — Initial publication.
- 2026-06-13 — Updated arbeitsagentur.de link after restructure; re-verified.
Information, not legal or tax advice. Always check the official source for your case.