Start-Ups and Companies We Have Supported

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Starting point

Saskia had no experience with financial planning, bookkeeping and taxes and was unsure about approaching customers and selling. The business plan and the requirements of the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) worried her.

What we did

We tailored the coaching to her needs, gave practical tips on financial planning, approaching customers and sales, and prepared the business plan and application documents together.

Result

Start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) approved. Saskia has developed a solid business concept and now feels much more confident.

Starting point

Mehmet, a trained bookkeeper, wanted to take over the family bookkeeping service. He needed the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) and KfW financing as well as support with market analysis, business development and running the business.

What we did

We guided him through writing the business plan in a structured way, clarified the KfW and start-up grant requirements and advised him on market analysis and financial planning.

Result

Start-up grant approved, KfW financing in progress. The professional presentation fully convinced the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).