Can non-German citizens get AVGS-funded coaching?
Basic requirement: registered as job-seeking
AVGS funding is only possible if you are registered as job-seeking with the Agentur fuer Arbeit or Jobcenter. Without this registration, no AVGS voucher will be issued. Approval is at the discretion of the authority and depends on your individual situation.
Non-German citizens on ALG I or Buergergeld
Non-German citizens who receive ALG I (unemployment benefit I) or Buergergeld and hold a residence and work permission that allows self-employment may be eligible. The decision is made case by case by the Agentur fuer Arbeit or Jobcenter. This is not immigration advice.
Blue Card and work-permit holders
Blue Card holders and other work-permit holders may qualify if their residence permit allows self-employment and they are registered as job-seeking. The permit and the planned activity should be clarified individually with the Auslaenderbehoerde or a specialised lawyer before applying.
Working language
Whether the AVGS-funded coaching can be conducted in English depends on the partner provider and the approval. SK Strategies supports you in English throughout the preparation. The voucher application itself runs in German via the Agentur fuer Arbeit or Jobcenter.
Important: The AVGS is a discretionary benefit of the Agentur fuer Arbeit or Jobcenter, not a legal entitlement. This is general guidance for international applicants and not immigration or legal advice. For permit-specific questions, clarify with the Auslaenderbehoerde or a specialised lawyer.
What is AVGS coaching?
AVGS stands for Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (activation and placement voucher). With this voucher, the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter can fund a measure delivered by a certified AZAV provider. One such measure is startup coaching to prepare your self-employment.
SK Strategies guides you professionally and strategically through your startup preparation. The AVGS-funded measure itself is delivered by a certified AZAV provider from our partner network. We currently work with Karriere.Haus / EWU Dr. Wallberg & Partner, among others.
Basic requirement: You must be registered as job-seeking with the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter. Without this registration, an AVGS is usually not possible.
Not a legal entitlement: Whether an AVGS is approved is decided by the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter on a case-by-case basis. You may, however, ask, present your situation and argue for it. Well prepared, your chances improve.
Who is the coaching for?
Pick your situation, we'll show you what's in the coaching for you.
You receive unemployment benefit I (ALG I) and plan to become self-employed.
In the coaching we work on your business idea, on financial planning and business plan structure, so you can submit a plausible application for the startup grant (Gründungszuschuss). Important: you must be registered as job-seeking with the Federal Employment Agency and have at least 150 days of remaining entitlement to ALG I.
AVGS quick check
Five short questions for a first orientation. No data is stored.
What we work on in startup coaching
We sharpen idea, offering and benefit for your target group.
We analyse who buys, why, and through which channels.
We build the outline for your business plan.
We work through revenue, costs, liquidity and living costs.
We clarify how your first customers find you.
Federal Employment Agency, Jobcenter, expert opinion body or bank.
Coaching is not the same as business plan creation
In AVGS coaching, we develop and review the foundation for your business plan and financial planning together with you. You leave the coaching with a clear structure, with numbers that fit your project, and with a realistic picture of what comes next.
The full creation of a finished business plan for the startup grant or a bank meeting is a separate service. In the initial meeting we discuss whether you need coaching, business plan creation, or both combined.
How it works with us
We clarify your situation, your idea, your goals and your funding needs.
We look together at whether an AVGS could be realistic in your situation.
You speak to the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter. We prepare you and support you organisationally.
Once the AVGS is approved, the measure starts with an AZAV partner provider from our network.
We work on business idea, business plan structure, financial planning and next steps.
How the coaching connects to the startup grant
Many ALG I recipients use AVGS coaching to systematically prepare for an application for the startup grant (Gründungszuschuss). In the coaching, we develop the foundations you need: a viable business idea, clean financial planning, and a plausible business plan structure.
The startup grant has its own requirements, including at least 150 days of remaining entitlement to unemployment benefit I, a viable business idea, your personal qualifications, and an expert opinion. The decision is made by the Federal Employment Agency. Approval cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about AVGS coaching
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