Tool · Start-up grant
Start-Up Grant Calculator
Enter your monthly unemployment benefit I (ALG I) and see right away how much start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) you could receive over 15 months, including the 150-day check.
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Start-up grant calculator
Estimate in 30 seconds how much start-up grant you could receive over 15 months.
Basis: §§ 93 / 94 SGB III. The start-up grant is a discretionary benefit (Ermessensleistung); there is no legal entitlement. Requirements include: at least 150 days of remaining ALG I entitlement at the time of application, viable self-employment as your main occupation, and an expert opinion (fachkundige Stellungnahme). Non-binding estimate, does not replace advice. Calculation values according to §§ 93, 94 SGB III, as of 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Start-Up Grant Calculator
How much start-up grant do I get?
In phase 1 (6 months) your previous ALG I rate plus €300 per month, in phase 2 (up to 9 more months, on application) only the €300. With ALG I of €1,500, that is around €13,500 over 15 months; with €2,000, around €16,500; a maximum of about €20,000.
How accurate is the calculator?
It provides non-binding guidance based on the statutory system (§ 93/§ 94 SGB III). What counts is your individual ALG I rate according to your approval notice (Bewilligungsbescheid) and the decision of the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).
Am I entitled to the start-up grant?
No, it is a discretionary benefit, not a legal entitlement. Requirements include at least 150 days of remaining ALG I entitlement at the time of application, viable self-employment as your main occupation, and an expert opinion. Careful preparation clearly improves the chance of approval.
What does the 150-day requirement mean?
When you start self-employment, your remaining entitlement to unemployment benefit I must still be at least 150 days (§ 93 para. 2 SGB III). If you are below that, an application is generally not possible.