Personal · accredited · bankable
Funded Start-Up & Business Consulting
Unternehmenswerk (owner: Pavel Deuble, Cologne) is a start-up and business consultancy, active since 2018. We write bankable business plans, support applications for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss), and prepare KfW financing with your house bank. The start-up coaching with an Activation and Placement Voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, AVGS) is delivered through our AZAV-certified sister company UW Unternehmensweg GmbH (Leverkusen, Z-000392-2); the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) subsidizes consulting at 50% to 80%, depending on where your company is based.
- Starting a business: AVGS start-up coaching (no personal contribution after written approval) and a bankable business plan
- Companies: BAFA consulting with a 50% to 80% grant depending on company location, and business financing
- KfW, state development banks (Landesförderbanken) & guarantees: we negotiate with your house bank
- Free & non-binding
- Reply within 24 hours
- No obligation
Qualifications & experience
Your project in experienced hands.
Our credentials and track record at a glance.
4.88 / 5
92 reviews on ProvenExpert
As of September 2026
750+
business plans written
Since 2018
Registration
BAFA register of consultants
Pavel Deuble, management consultant
Consultant ID 191790
What does this mean for you?
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Pavel Deuble, consultant ID 191790. Your BAFA-funded consulting must be provided by a listed consultant.
Provider approval
AZAV-approved provider
UW Unternehmensweg GmbH, our sister company
AZAV provider approval Z-000392-2
What does this mean for you?
AVGS programs may only be delivered by approved providers. Our sister company UW Unternehmensweg GmbH, Leverkusen, takes care of this.
Our service
KfW financing support
We put together the documents for your loan application, which your house bank forwards to KfW, and prepare you for the bank meeting.
In practice: Since 2018 we have written more than 750 business plans. 99% of the start-up grant applications we supported were approved (internally documented). The start-up grant is a discretionary benefit (Ermessensleistung) under § 93 SGB III; the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) decides on approval.
Track record & funding notes
Listed in the BAFA register of consultants; AVGS programs through the AZAV-certified provider UW Unternehmensweg GmbH
4.88 out of 5 on ProvenExpert
Based on 92 reviews on ProvenExpert (as of October 2026).
Straight talk
What We Actually Do for You
We develop your business plan, apply for funding, and guide you through the bank meeting, from the first concept until the financing is paid out.
Online, one-on-one with Pavel Deuble or a consultant from the team. No templates, no off-the-shelf modules. Every project is its own specific case.
Since 2018 we have supported more than 750 projects, including more than 500 successful start-ups. AZAV provider (through our sister company), BAFA-registered, KfW financing support.
We are based in the Cologne/Leverkusen economic area: you can reach us for in-person consulting in the Cologne area and nationwide online.
Since 2018, Unternehmenswerk has been guiding founders through funding programs. AVGS, BAFA, KfW: we don’t just explain how it works. We do it with you, apply for it, and negotiate with your house bank.
“The professional preparation for the bank meeting helped me secure the financing without any problems.” – Theresa S.
Pavel Deuble · Managing Director, UW Unternehmensweg GmbH
Verified, Registered, Connected: With the Right Authorities in the Background
Our consulting is built on reliable processes around funding and financing. Since 2018 we have supported more than 750 projects, including more than 500 successful start-ups. That is no coincidence: we know what the Employment Agency, the banks, and the funding providers require, and we prepare you for exactly that.
- More than 750 projects supported since 2018
- More than 500 start-ups
- AZAV provider (through sister company UW Unternehmensweg GmbH)
- BAFA-registered (consultant ID 191790)
- KfW financing support
- Nationwide online + in person in Cologne
Personal 1:1 consulting
no off-the-shelf module
Our services
From Idea to Financing
Moving forward together
Find the right support for your project.
We are happy to advise you personally and without obligation on which path best suits your situation.
4.9
65 Google reviews
Which Type of Consulting Suits You?
The three most important funding routes at a glance; we clarify which one suits you in the free initial consultation (30 minutes).
Before you start
AVGS start-up coaching
€0
Own contribution with written approval
You are looking for work and want to become self-employed.
- Personal coaching
- Business & financial plan
- Sharpen your business idea
Benefits & requirements
Who it is for: Job seekers receiving unemployment benefit I (ALG I) or basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld) who are preparing for self-employment as their main occupation
What is funded: One-on-one coaching (BusinessWeg program, up to 120 teaching units): business concept, business plan, financial plan, preparation of the expert opinion
Amount: 100% of the program costs after written approval, your personal contribution €0
Provider / authority: Voucher: Employment Agency or Jobcenter. Program and coaching: UW Unternehmensweg GmbH, Leverkusen (AZAV provider approval Z-000392-2, program Z-000482-2, program number 315/79/24), the sister company of Unternehmenswerk
At launch
Start-up grant
ALG I + €300
Grant per month for the first 6 months
You are starting a full-time business while receiving ALG I.
- Secure your living costs
- Social security coverage
- Prepare the application with us
Benefits & requirements
Who it is for: ALG I recipients with at least 150 days of remaining entitlement when they start self-employment as their main occupation (at least 15 hours per week)
What is funded: Your living costs and your social security coverage in the first months of self-employment
Amount: 6 months of ALG I plus €300 per month, then on a renewed application up to 9 months of €300; tax-free, no repayment
Provider / authority: Employment Agency; application before starting self-employment, with business plan and expert opinion; Unternehmenswerk prepares the application package
After founding
BAFA consulting
50–80%
Grant towards eligible consulting costs
You are already self-employed or run a business.
- Financing & strategy
- Processes & organisation
- Sales & growth
Benefits & requirements
Who it is for: Existing small and medium-sized businesses and freelancers based in Germany, not before the business is founded
What is funded: Business consulting on financing, processes, sales, HR, or succession
Amount: 50% (old federal states including Berlin and the Leipzig region) or 80% (new federal states, Lüneburg and Trier regions) of a maximum of €3,500 per consulting engagement; your personal contribution €1,750 or €700, respectively
Provider / authority: Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA); consultant in the BAFA register of consultants: Pavel Deuble, ID 191790
Three funding routes compared (as of September 2026)
AVGS and the start-up grant are discretionary benefits: the Employment Agency or Jobcenter decides on the AVGS, and the Employment Agency decides on the start-up grant. Before the consulting, BAFA only confirms receipt of the application; the grant notice (Zuwendungsbescheid) follows after the proof of use (Verwendungsnachweis). We prepare the documents; the responsible office makes the decision.
We'll find your funding path. 30 minutes · free · no obligation
Guides & tools
Knowledge and tools for your next step
Free tools and guides for founders and established businesses: quickly see what's possible and read up on the key questions at your own pace.
Video testimonials
First-Hand Experiences
See how founders experienced the path to funded self-employment, with real names and verifiable on request.
4.9 / 5 · 65 Google reviews
In 30 minutes we answer all your questions, free of charge and without obligation.
Success stories
Founders We Have Supported
Giovanni Montefusco
- Lieblingsmensch
- Cologne
Starting point
Giovanni wanted to set up an everyday companion service for seniors in Cologne, but had hardly any business knowledge. He needed support with the business plan, financial management and the upcoming official procedures.
What we did
Together we drew up the business plan and gave him proper course-style training in financial planning, with practical tools he still uses every day. Plus support with the approval procedure under the state law of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Result
Today an established Cologne brand with permanent approval and solid financial organization: direct billing with the long-term care insurance funds, rated 4.9 on Google across numerous reviews.
“Thanks to the coaching, I have a solid basic knowledge of financial management. I can recommend Unternehmenswerk without reservation.”
Sebastian Brück
- own water
- Cologne
Starting point
Sebastian wanted to sell water hygiene filters and treatment systems with genuine service quality. For this he needed financing for tools, equipment, vehicles and licenses, and above all he had to convince the bank.
What we did
We created a professional business plan, provided business training and developed a B2B marketing and competitive strategy, including a market analysis and a transparent financial plan for the bank.
Result
KfW start-up loan approved quickly. Today own water is a business partner of well-known Cologne brands, including FC Viktoria Köln and Kölner Haie, with its own online shop and its own line of flavors.
“The biggest hurdle was convincing the bank of my concept. Pavel and his team worked with me to bring the business plan and financial plan up to the required level and were always available. I recommend Unternehmenswerk without reservation.”
Christina Viehmann
- Mein Kleeblatt
- Fritzlar (Hesse)
Starting point
After losing her job in the hospitality industry, Christina took over an organic and natural food shop at short notice, with very little business knowledge. The challenges were securing the lease, bank financing and the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss).
What we did
Together we drew up the business plan, helped with tax matters and the start-up grant application, and actively supported her through the difficult financing phase.
Result
Start-up grant and bank financing approved. Christina successfully opened her shop under a new name and concept and feels very well prepared.
“Thanks to his empathetic skills, Pavel managed to convince even me that taxes, for example, can be interesting.”
Christian Szymanski
- Second Stage GmbH
- Berlin
Starting point
Christian and his two co-founders were unemployed and wanted to set up a digital marketing agency for the gaming industry. To get the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss), they needed a convincing business plan.
What we did
We refined the existing business plan, formulated the business idea precisely and covered all aspects of starting up, quickly and to the point.
Result
All three founders received the start-up grant. Second Stage GmbH has successfully launched as an agency for digital marketing solutions.
Annika Dahl
- Recruitment consulting & recruiting
- Berlin
Starting point
Annika had many years of experience in recruiting and talent acquisition and wanted to become self-employed, focusing on sales and business positions in international, fast-growing tech companies. When starting out, the financial security provided by the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) was important to her.
What we did
After a disappointing experience with another coaching provider, she came to us on a recommendation. We created a solid, transparent business plan with a particular focus on robust calculations and the financial aspects.
Result
Start-up grant approved, a decisive step toward self-employment as a recruitment consultant in Berlin.
Daniel Grahnert
- Dance · Choreography · Teaching
- Leipzig
Starting point
Daniel was unemployed and wanted to start a business as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. The Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) required a convincing business plan for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss).
What we did
We translated his vision into a professional business plan, structured the ideas and guided him through every stage of the application.
Result
Start-up grant approved. Daniel was able to start working as a dance teacher, performer and choreographer in Leipzig.
Marcel Zöller
- Genusswerte
- Köln-Nippes
Starting point
Marcel had a viable concept: delicatessen as an experience, with tastings and a gift basket service. His bottleneck was financing: without a bankable business plan, no capital and no shop. With an AVGS voucher, he used the coaching to put exactly this document together professionally.
What we did
We developed a business plan that stands up to a bank’s scrutiny, with transparent revenue assumptions and a clean cost structure. The key point: we worked through the figures so that Marcel could explain and defend every assumption himself in the meeting with the bank.
Result
The business plan secured the financing. Having started in Köln-Nippes, Genusswerte now has several locations and continues to grow through a franchise model. An idea became a brand.
“With the business plan in hand, the bank meeting was no longer a case of begging, but a conversation on an equal footing.”
Marie Baiger
- Café Mau Mau
- Nideggen-Abenden (Eifel)
Starting point
Marie wanted to fulfill a dream close to her heart with an upcycling café in the Eifel: specialty coffee, homemade food, sustainable through and through. The idea and gut feeling were there, but she lacked the tools for the commercial and formal side (business plan, financial planning, funding). An AVGS voucher brought her to start-up coaching.
What we did
We structured the project step by step: sharpened the concept, assessed the target group and location, calculated the figures realistically and properly mapped out revenue, costs and liquidity. Pavel explained how everything fits together so that Marie can now read and interpret her own figures.
Result
The gut feeling became a viable plan, and Café Mau Mau was able to open. Today it is doing well, with regulars, events and even a feature on WDR.
“I had the concept in my head and in my heart, but it was only through the coaching with Pavel that it became a plan that also holds up on paper.”
Peter Baldowski
- IT consulting
- Bremen
Starting point
Peter had many years of experience as an IT specialist and manager, but no practical experience with professional business plans. The Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) had to be convinced that he was eligible for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss).
What we did
Working quickly and directly, we created a convincing business plan and clarified all open questions on management, marketing and financial planning.
Result
Start-up grant approved. Peter was able to launch his IT consulting business on a solid financial footing, smoothly and quickly.
65 reviews
ProvenExpert
92 reviews
UW Unternehmensweg GmbH
37 reviews
Here for you personally
Our Team
Real people stand behind Unternehmenswerk: Pavel Deuble and a nationwide network of experienced consultants. Personal, reachable, and accredited.
We advise in German, Russian, and English. The coaches of UW Unternehmensweg GmbH also speak Turkish, Serbian, and Croatian.
Pavel Deuble
Owner & managing director · Start-up consultant
Languages: German, Russian, English
Business administration graduate with many years of experience in start-up consulting. BAFA-registered (consultant ID 191790) and AZAV-certified provider through UW Unternehmensweg GmbH. Pavel impresses both professionally and personally. He takes a holistic view of every project, involves the whole team and overcomes even difficult hurdles with strategic skill.
More about Pavel Deuble
Tatjana Pichlmeier
Start-up & business consultant · Bavaria
Languages: German, Serbian, Croatian
Diplom-Kauffrau (FH; university of applied sciences degree in business administration) with over 20 years of corporate experience in internal audit, auditing and accounting. Tatjana specializes in start-up and business consulting, from funding applications through financial and financing planning to digital processes. She supports founders from Ingolstadt and all over Bavaria online.
More about Tatjana Pichlmeier
Tugay Mert
Start-up & job application coach · Stuttgart
Languages: German, English, Turkish
Tugay brings many years of experience in insurance and finance and now supports founders and job applicants as a coach. In the Stuttgart area you can meet him in person if you wish; otherwise, sessions are held flexibly online.
More about Tugay Mert
Simona-C Berges
Start-up & business coach · Dortmund
Languages: German, English
Simona supports founders in Dortmund in person, with experience in start-up consulting and start-up coaching as well as many years of business management. If you wish, you can meet her on site in Dortmund; otherwise, sessions are held flexibly online.
More about Simona-C Berges
Natascha Morina
Start-up and business consultant
Languages: German, English
Start-up and business consultant with experience in purchasing, HR and onboarding. Natascha combines business know-how with human understanding, from the business plan and viability to the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss). As a stress management specialist (IHK), she also takes the mental side of self-employment into account. She supports founders from Ingolstadt and all over Germany online.
More about Natascha Morina
Ismail Simsek
Start-up & financing consultant
Languages: German, Turkish
Ismail Simsek advises founders and existing businesses on financing and funding. The graduate economist is a BAFA-registered business consultant and has been working as an insurance and financial broker in Hamburg for decades, with a focus on property and project financing, business start-ups and business expansion.
More about Ismail Simsek Pavel Deuble
Owner & managing director · Start-up consultant
Languages: German, Russian, English
Business administration graduate with many years of experience in start-up consulting. BAFA-registered (consultant ID 191790) and AZAV-certified provider through UW Unternehmensweg GmbH. Pavel impresses both professionally and personally. He takes a holistic view of every project, involves the whole team and overcomes even difficult hurdles with strategic skill.
Career & qualifications
- Business administration graduate
- BAFA-registered · consultant ID 191790
- AZAV-certified provider through UW Unternehmensweg GmbH
- Specialist author in the start-up magazine StartingUp (Executive Summary 02/2022; Market Analysis as co-author 04/2023)
- BAFA-funded consulting & start-up advice at Konzept Consulting (2018–2019)
- Setting up the BAFA network at Expertennetzwerk Deutschland (2016–2017)
- Since 2018 · over 500 approved applications for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss)
Focus areas
My goal: to guide you safely and systematically into self-employment, with clarity, experience and a plan that suits you.
What clients say about Pavel Deuble
“Pavel and his team worked with me to bring the business plan and financial plan up to the required level and were always available.”
“Thanks to his empathetic skills, Pavel managed to convince even me that taxes, for example, can be interesting.”
“I had the concept in my head and in my heart, but it was only through the coaching with Pavel that it became a plan that also holds up on paper.”
Tatjana Pichlmeier
Start-up & business consultant · Bavaria
Languages: German, Serbian, Croatian
Diplom-Kauffrau (FH; university of applied sciences degree in business administration) with over 20 years of corporate experience in internal audit, auditing and accounting. Tatjana specializes in start-up and business consulting, from funding applications through financial and financing planning to digital processes. She supports founders from Ingolstadt and all over Bavaria online.
Career & qualifications
- Diplom-Kauffrau (FH; university of applied sciences degree in business administration; AKAD Hochschule) · also certified business administrator (Betriebswirtin HWK)
- Self-employed start-up & business consultant · BAFA-registered (consultant ID 194663)
- Start-up coach in cooperation with AZAV-certified training providers · qualified trainer (Ausbildereignung, IHK)
- Focus areas: funding applications, financial & financing planning, bookkeeping, digital processes as well as organizational & project management
- Over 20 years at the Media-Saturn Group, including internal audit and auditing (review of the internal control system, process audits, reporting) as well as inventory counts and balance sheet preparation
- Languages: German, Serbian, Croatian
Good preparation determines whether you get funding. I make sure your concept and your figures are convincing, step by step.
What clients say about Tatjana Pichlmeier
“Tatjana helped me get the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss). She worked out a 40-page business plan with me and explained all the basics of self-employment, insurance and taxes to me. Recommended without reservation!”
“Working with Tatjana was simply fantastic. She listened carefully and delivered what I wanted, and more.”
“Very helpful, uncomplicated and always on an equal footing. A very competent and pleasant woman.”
Tugay Mert
Start-up & job application coach · Stuttgart
Languages: German, English, Turkish
Tugay brings many years of experience in insurance and finance and now supports founders and job applicants as a coach. In the Stuttgart area you can meet him in person if you wish; otherwise, sessions are held flexibly online.
Career & qualifications
- Self-employed start-up and job application coach (since 2020)
- Vocational and workplace teaching qualification (Ausbildereignung, IHK Ostwürttemberg)
- Trained insurance specialist with over 10 years of experience in insurance and finance
- General agency owner (HanseMerkur) in the Heidenheim, Ulm and Stuttgart area
- Several years of experience as a trainer and district manager (INTER, SV SparkassenVersicherung)
Starting a business means making decisions. I support you in a practical way, with straight talk, structure and a plan that fits your goals.
What clients say about Tugay Mert
“I would especially like to thank Mr. Mert. He was always very friendly, patient and helpful and took the time to explain everything to me in a way I could understand.”
“The collaboration was absolutely professional, reliable and very pleasant at the same time. I would particularly like to highlight the individual, personal support.”
“Very competent support on the path to self-employment.”
Simona-C Berges
Start-up & business coach · Dortmund
Languages: German, English
Simona supports founders in Dortmund in person, with experience in start-up consulting and start-up coaching as well as many years of business management. If you wish, you can meet her on site in Dortmund; otherwise, sessions are held flexibly online.
Career & qualifications
- Coach and managing director of her own business (since 2020)
- Strengths: communication, people management, analytical and strategic thinking
- First-hand start-up experience as the owner of a fashion shop
- Many years of management experience in retail: managing director of Adler Modemärkte AG, store management (Mensing Holding)
- Experience as a business consultant (RuhrKonzept, Essen)
My goal: to guide you safely and systematically into self-employment, with clarity, experience and a plan that suits you.
Natascha Morina
Start-up and business consultant
Languages: German, English
Start-up and business consultant with experience in purchasing, HR and onboarding. Natascha combines business know-how with human understanding, from the business plan and viability to the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss). As a stress management specialist (IHK), she also takes the mental side of self-employment into account. She supports founders from Ingolstadt and all over Germany online.
Career & qualifications
- Self-employed start-up & business consultant · BAFA-registered (consultant ID 227302)
- Stress management specialist (IHK)
- Coaching training: mindfulness, solution-focused coaching & positive psychology (Slawomira Glosser Akademie)
- Focus areas: start-up grant, business plan & viability, financial & liquidity planning as well as mindset & resilience
- Over 7 years of corporate experience in purchasing at Media-Saturn as well as HR, training & onboarding as a management consultant
- Languages: German, English
Focus areas
I make sure both hold up: the figures and the person.
What clients say about Natascha Morina
“Working with my start-up coach Natascha Morina was very pleasant on a personal level and built on trust. She helped me sharpen my ideas and turn them into a coherent, viable overall picture. Especially when preparing my start-up grant application, this gave me extra confidence and clarity.”
Ismail Simsek
Start-up & financing consultant
Languages: German, Turkish
Ismail Simsek advises founders and existing businesses on financing and funding. The graduate economist is a BAFA-registered business consultant and has been working as an insurance and financial broker in Hamburg for decades, with a focus on property and project financing, business start-ups and business expansion.
Career & qualifications
- Graduate economist (Diplom-Ökonom, Bergische Universität Wuppertal)
- BAFA-registered business consultant (consultant ID 177132)
- Insurance and financial broker in Hamburg
- Focus areas: property financing, project financing, business start-ups & business expansion
Frequently Asked Questions About Unternehmenswerk
What does Unternehmenswerk do?
Unternehmenswerk advises founders and existing businesses on business plans, funding, and financing. We write the business plan including the financial plan, prepare the application for the start-up grant, compile the documents for KfW loans through your house bank, and advise existing businesses with a BAFA grant. Consulting takes place online or in Cologne, one-on-one with Pavel Deuble or a consultant from the team.
Who is Pavel Deuble?
Pavel Deuble is a start-up consultant, owner of Unternehmenswerk in Cologne, and managing director of UW Unternehmensweg GmbH in Leverkusen. He is listed in the BAFA register of consultants (consultant ID 191790) and has supported start-ups, start-up grant applications, and financing since 2018. The guides and calculators on this website come from his consulting practice; you arrange an appointment with him through the free initial consultation.
What does the consulting cost?
The initial consultation (30 minutes) is free of charge. A business plan costs €3,000 to €5,000, on average €3,500; start-up support costs €3,000 to €8,000. With a written AVGS approval you pay no personal contribution: the Employment Agency or Jobcenter settles the program with the provider. With BAFA funding, BAFA covers 50% to 80% of a maximum of €3,500.
AVGS or start-up grant: which one suits me?
Both are discretionary benefits that can be used one after the other. The AVGS (§ 45 SGB III) finances start-up coaching before founding, paid for by the Employment Agency or Jobcenter. The start-up grant (§§ 93, 94 SGB III) secures your living costs after founding: six months of ALG I plus €300, then on a renewed application a maximum of nine months of €300, with at least 150 days of remaining entitlement.
Do you only advise in Cologne?
No. Our office is in Köln-Bayenthal (Koblenzer Straße 52), but most consulting takes place online by video conference, nationwide. The start-up grant, AVGS coaching, and BAFA consulting apply in all federal states; only the BAFA funding rate depends on company location. You arrange an in-person appointment in Cologne during the free initial consultation, which lasts 30 minutes.
Ready to Put Your Self-Employment on a Solid Foundation?
In the free initial consultation, we work out together which funding routes and which form of consulting suit you.
Free reading
10 tips for the perfect business plan
What really counts in a start-up grant application, practical and drawn from about 10 years of consulting.