Start-up counselling
Professional advice on business start-ups and self-employment
- Personal support: We work individually on a case-by-case basis.
- Comprehensive knowledge: We have all the skills in our team.
- Many years of experience: 7 years of work in management consulting.
- Honest assessment of the project and its feasibility ⇒ 100% customer satisfaction.
- Full commitment to you ⇒ Above-average success rate.
- Saved time and spared nerves: And still the certainty of having achieved the best.
Why counselling is crucial for setting up a business and becoming self-employed
Opting for professional advice when setting up a business can make a crucial difference to both the progress and the results achieved. External experts not only bring extensive experience and specific expertise to reliably develop an effective business strategy. Above all, their experience also helps to avoid common mistakes and avoid the omnipresent obstacles.
Such expertise is particularly valuable in areas such as financial planning, market analysis, legal aspects and business fundamentals, which are difficult to keep track of as a layperson.
In addition, consultants provide an objective perspective that can help identify blind spots in the business plan or overall strategy, which is important for the long-term stability and growth of the company.
We therefore only offer customised advice to ensure that each of our founders is given the best possible chance to succeed and achieve their individual goals. Our core expertise lies in the financing of business ideas and the creation of business plans, so we can proudly boast an above-average success rate in these areas.
Competent team - Full commitment
Get in touch with us: We will get back to you within 24 hours and conduct a free initial consultation. Only after this will the actual business start-up counselling begin.
Above-average success rate
Because we take the time to get to know each new client and their project in detail. And only if we are then convinced of the project and its chances of success do we advise and counsel on a start-up.
100% customer satisfaction
We know from our own experience what starting a business and realising the dream of self-employment means. That's why we do our best every day and put the same heart and soul into every start-up as we do into our own.
Where can I get information and advice if I want to become self-employed?
If you would like to start your own business, you can contact various advice centres for information and support on setting up a business.
HK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and HWK (Chamber of Crafts):
These institutions offer you a wide range of counselling services, seminars and workshops. They are a good source of basic information and specific questions about your start-up.
Start-up centres and technology parks:
In these facilities you will often find counselling services, networking events and sometimes also premises for start-ups. They are particularly useful if your start-up is technology-orientated.
Professional associations and industry organisations:
Depending on your industry, professional associations and similar organisations can provide you with helpful resources and specialist advice.
Professional management consultants like us at Unternehmenswerk:
For specific questions, especially in connection with finances, taxes and the legal structuring of your company, it makes sense to take advantage of professional business start-up advice.
What distinguishes our business start-up consulting?
As professional and specialized start-up consultants, we offer you individual advice and in-depth expertise that goes far beyond the basic offering of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
Our focus is on customized solutions and personalized strategies that are specifically tailored to the specific challenges and needs of your business plan.
We provide you with competent support in all important areas such as:
by utilising our extensive network of contacts to make it as easy as possible for you to start your own business.
With our extensive knowledge from 7 years of experience as management consultants with a large number of successfully supported start-ups from a wide range of industries, we offer you valuable insights into industry-specific trends, requirements and special features of the market.
Our aim is to help you avoid common pitfalls and put your company on a solid and success-orientated footing. Thanks to our personalised advice and active support, you can be sure that your path to self-employment will be optimally accompanied and that you will be well prepared for your future existence as your own boss
Our advice for company founders and the step into self-employment includes:
With our business start-up advice, we offer you a professional service that provides you, as a budding entrepreneur, with the best possible support in successfully realising your business project.
Our advice covers all key aspects of setting up a business – from developing your initial business idea and drawing up a watertight business plan and applying for funding and subsidies to marketing and the legal framework. We have extensive knowledge and experience in the following areas.
What grants are available for business start-ups: start-up grant and start-up loan
In Germany, there are various ways for budding entrepreneurs to obtain start-up capital, in particular through start-up grants and start-up loans.
The start-up grant, a subsidy from the Federal Employment Agency, is primarily aimed at unemployed people who want to set up their own business. In order to receive this subsidy, a convincing business plan must first be submitted. In addition, an expert opinion confirming the viability of the project is usually required when applying for the start-up grant.
The start-up grant is often used as financial support to cover living expenses and social security contributions during the start-up phase.
In addition, various banks and funding organisations in Germany offer start-up loans. The KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau), which provides favourable loans for start-ups and young companies, is particularly well known. These loans are characterised by low interest rates and favourable repayment terms.
By the way: We at Unternehmenswerk are official partners of KfW, which significantly increases the chances of your loan application being processed favourably.
In our start-up grant counselling, we support you in convincing the mediators of your business idea and getting the funding approved. Our success rate to date shows that these are not just empty words, but that we really do put all our expertise into the race to get your application approved.
- 90% of start-up loans successfully approved.
- 100% of all start-up grants successfully processed
Business plan preparation
We can create your business plan – professional, individual and bank-compliant – for financial institutions, start-up grants, start-up money and financing. This not only makes it easier for you to apply for funding, but also, above all, to register your business.
A well-presented USP and watertight planning are essential for a professional business plan. We therefore work out the entire concept carefully and comprehensively – from the analysis of your ideas to their economic feasibility. We will then present the results to you within just 14 days.
We will either write your convincing business plan free of charge with the state AVGS funding — or, depending on the federal state, you will receive a subsidy of between 50 and 80% through the BAFA (Federal Agency for Economic Affairs and Export Control) consulting funding. In addition to the services in the sense of the activation and placement voucher (AVGS), we can also provide you with an expert opinion.
Expertise as an expert body
Another essential part of our advice for starting a company is our function as an expert body, which is crucial for the evaluation and confirmation of the viability of your business plan. This expertise is particularly relevant if you want to apply for funding such as the start-up grant.
To do this, we analyze your business plan in detail and assess whether your business idea is realistic and promising. We also check whether you have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to successfully run the company you have planned.
On the basis of this careful analysis, we will prepare an expert opinion that will help you apply for funding. But don't worry, we don't want to put obstacles in your way or give you a schoolmasterly grade.
Our aim is to support you as honestly and openly as possible in realizing your dream of owning your own company. Even if it should be necessary to adapt your plans and wishes accordingly.
Start-up coaching
For this purpose, we offer you a special founder coaching, which is specifically designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in the successful implementation of their business ideas. We attach great importance to advising you on all aspects of starting a business - from developing a solid business plan to developing effective market strategies.
Our coaching also includes teaching important entrepreneurial skills such as leadership skills and time management in order to prepare you optimally for the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through individual one-on-one sessions and a tailor-made consulting plan, we enable you not only to successfully establish your company on the market, but above all to keep it there in the long term.
AVGS-Coaching
As part of our business start-up advice, we also offer a special AVGS coaching (activation and placement voucher) that is specifically designed for job seekers who are aiming to become self-employed.
This program, funded by the employment agency, includes individual advice on career reorientation, preparation of application documents and strategies for returning to work.
Our goal is to give you the necessary skills and self-confidence to successfully start your company. We therefore do not simply work through dry, pre-prepared coaching documents with you, but adapt our advice as individually as possible to your specific needs. This is the only way to guarantee success in the further course of events: both when submitting the application and in the day-to-day running of the company.
Test your entitlement to the start-up grant!
Get advice from an expert on all aspects of self-employment and funding – completely free of charge!
What does a start-up consultant cost?
The costs for start-up advice are just as individual as our offer itself and therefore vary greatly. The price depends on various factors such as the scope and type of advice and the specific situation of the founder. However, we usually estimate a sum in the range of 3,000 to 8,000 euros.
Personalised and individual support
Procurement of funds via bank or office
More success later in everyday business life
Business plan for financing or investor
How much does a start-up consultant cost?
The costs for a start-up consultation are just as individual as our offer itself and therefore vary greatly. The price depends on various factors such as the scope and type of advice as well as the specific situation of the founder. As a rule, however, we estimate a sum in the range of 3000 to 8000 euros.
Free advice on self-employment with the employment and placement voucher
Placement Voucher (AVGS) However, it is also possible to receive free start-up advice if the business start-up is to be implemented without too much equity capital. For jobseekers, for example, the use of a professional business start-up consultant with the help of the so-called employment and placement voucher (AVGS for short) can even be 100% free of charge in many cases.
If you have been unemployed for at least 6 weeks, you can apply for an AVGS voucher via the job center or employment agency and redeem it for the corresponding coaching service. We will be happy to clarifywhether you are entitled to make use of this support and how you can subsequently apply for an AVGS at the employment office in an initial non-binding and free introductory meeting .
For all those for whom an AVGS voucher is not an option, however, there is the possibility of taking advantage of BAFA consulting funding. Depending on the federal state, you will still receive between 50% and 80% of the costs of the business start-up consultation reimbursed by BAFA (Federal Agency for Economic Affairs and Export Control).
Costs of business start-up advice from a tax consultant
The cost of business start-up advice from a German tax advisor can vary, depending on the scope and complexity of the advice. Typically, tax consultants charge for their services on an hourly basis, with hourly rates generally ranging between 75 and 150 euros. However, depending on the region and qualifications of the consultant, they can also be higher
What our customers say
99% positive Google reviews
"I had Mr Deuble at my side as a consultant and was extremely satisfied. He was always at my side with help and advice, was able to cater to my individual needs and was always flexible. I can only recommend him! I received my grant in the end without any concerns and therefore recommend him to others. Thank you very much 👍"
Mathios I.
Owner, manufacturer of
food supplements
"Absolutely professional, helpful and friendly. The content that is taught is also conveyed perfectly. Everything went to my complete satisfaction. Highly recommended"
Stefan K.
Photographer, Owner
"Mr Deuble has helped me a lot. He is very competent, friendly, always has advice and takes good care of his customers. Exemplary - I can only recommend him."
André G.
Owner, cleaning service provider
"I had the pleasure of taking part in a personal coaching session with the owner, Mr Pavel Deuble, which prepared me for my future self-employment. I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for this exceptional coaching. His approach and commitment far exceeded my expectations. Mr Deuble always responded to my personal needs and priorities and thanks to his flexibility we were able to get the most out of the coaching together and he continues to support me even after the coaching, which is not a matter of course and should be appreciated. I am extremely grateful to Mr Deuble and can recommend his coaching to anyone who is looking for professional support on the path to self-employment."
Melih Orhan
Accounting office
Unique service, super friendly, always available, Mr Pavel was always at our side with help and advice when we set up our business. Everything was done very professionally and seriously! I can only recommend 100%!
Alireza Dehhagi
Gastro
We can only recommend Unternehmens-Werk to others! In addition to the competent advice in every area of setting up a company, Mr Deuble always had an open ear and was always on hand with help and advice. We would like to thank him once again for his great support!
Sebastian Brück
Own Water
Very satisfied. Very good advice and assistance in drawing up the business plan.
Benni Bublak
Independent Trailrunning Media GmbH
The team at Unternehmenswerk gave me super competent advice on all my questions and supported me in drawing up my business plan and applying for a start-up grant. This was approved today! 🙂 Thank you very much for your support 🙏 You guys are great!
Teresa Bach
SEO-Agency
I got to know Unternehmens-Werk as part of a programme run by the employment agency. I immediately felt that I was in very good hands. I needed support with questions about self-employment, and my existing secondary employment was analysed in detail. I am very happy to have been put in touch with Unternehmens-Werk. Thanks to the individual coaching, I can now look to the future with confidence and face the new challenges. My special thanks go to Mr Deuble
Thomas Sperrhake
Hoof service Sperrhake
Mr Deuble was my coach when I started my own business and was always there to help and advise me with questions about taxes, financing and everything else involved. Thanks to his help and the help of his team, I now feel ready and confident to take the plunge into self-employment.
I am absolutely satisfied with the expertise, friendliness, flexibility, professionalism and patience that I received from Mr Deuble in particular. Thanks to his empathic skills, he was even able to convince me that taxes, for example, can be interesting. 🙂 All in all, absolutely recommendable.
Christina Viehmann
My cloverleaf organic shop
Pavel was my coach in the start-up seminar. As a person and coach, 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ stars. His knowledge of founding, financing and everything to do with the authorities is super deep – he is rock solid in the subject matter.
All agreements are processed very quickly – it’s just a lot of fun working with Pavel.
He is also a very good dialogue partner and listener. I am very happy that he found a free date for our training.
Pavel, thank you 🙏 to you and your team for the great work.
Best regards from Bielefeld!
Roman Lewakow
Amazon Retailer
Absolutely professional, helpful and friendly. The content that is taught is also conveyed perfectly. Everything went to my complete satisfaction. Highly recommended.
Stefan Kunz
Photographer
Super, can only be recommended, navigates you safely through the start-up jungle
Karsten Kunde
Management Consultant
Super friendly and competent advice, highly recommended - especially Mr Deuble!!! 👌🏽 Best regards
Schönen Gruß
Benjamin Gergin, Juwelier
FAQ - Business start-up counselling
A business start-up is the process of setting up a new company or becoming self-employed, whereby a person switches from employee or unemployed status to self-employment. The typical process involves developing a business idea, drawing up a business plan, clarifying the financial and legal framework and implementing and establishing the business on the market.
The aim of setting up a business is to create a sustainable and economically viable basis for your own company so that you can make a living from it in the long term. It is not just about setting up a business, but also about personal development and fulfilment as an entrepreneur.
You are considered a start-up entrepreneur in the period in which you take the step from being non-self-employed or unemployed to founding and building your own company or self-employed. This process begins with the concrete planning and preparation of the business idea and extends to the actual implementation and first business activity.
The start-up phase typically includes drawing up a business plan, registering the business or company form, securing financing and the first steps in operational business. As soon as the company is established and running stably, you are generally no longer considered a start-up entrepreneur, but already an entrepreneur.
The decision to start your own business is often driven by the desire for self-realization and independence. Many people start a business to implement their own ideas, to work independently of the constraints of employment, and to have direct control over their professional future. In addition, self-employment offers the opportunity to translate personal passions and interests into a professional activity and to implement your own values and visions in business.
Another important reason for starting a business is the financial potential. For many, the prospect of higher income and building wealth is a strong incentive. In addition, founders are often looking for flexibility in work organization and the chance to make a positive contribution to society, be it through innovative products, services or sustainable business.
In Germany, almost anyone can start a company, provided they are of legal age and legally competent. The start-up process usually begins with registering the business with the relevant trade office or, if you are self-employed, with registering with the tax office. The choice of legal form of the company is crucial and influences both tax and legal aspects.
Any industry-specific permits or qualifications must also be taken into account. In addition, solid financial planning is necessary, often in the form of a business plan. Although many people have the opportunity to start a business, professional advice is recommended for a successful start.
To become self-employed in Germany, you start by developing a business idea and drawing up a business plan, which includes your strategies and financial planning. Choose a suitable legal form for your company and then register your business with the trade office or register as a freelancer with the tax office.
Also secure your financing, be it through equity, loans or grants, and clarify your tax obligations. In this regard, it is advisable to seek professional advice on tax and legal issues. You should also consider insurance and any permits that may be required.
Finally, setting up a business account and an accounting system and planning an effective market launch strategy are important for a successful start to your self-employment.
To start a company in Germany, you first need a well-thought-out business idea and a detailed business plan that details your strategies, goals and financial planning. Choosing the right legal form for your company is also crucial, as this has tax and legal consequences.
A business registration with the relevant trade office or, if you are self-employed, registration with the tax office is also necessary. You should also think carefully about how you will finance your project, be it through equity, loans, grants or investors.
It is also important to find out about industry-specific regulations and necessary permits and to apply for them. Comprehensive insurance and effective accounting are also essential. Since starting a company can be complex, it is advisable to seek professional advice, for example from experienced business consultants like us, from Unternehmenswerk.
In Germany, you can turn to various advice centers when planning your self-employment. These include the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and Chambers of Crafts (HWK), which offer basic information and advice services for start-ups.
Specialized business consultants can also offer you valuable support, especially with specific questions on financial planning, taxes, choice of legal form and legal framework conditions. In addition, there are government funding programs and business incubators that provide advice, training and sometimes even financial support for new businesses.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
A start-up consultant in Germany is a subject matter expert who offers professional support and advice to people who want to start a business. These consultants are usually experienced in the areas of business management, finance, marketing and legal aspects of starting a business.
They help with the preparation of business plans, advise on suitable legal forms, provide information on tax and accounting obligations and assist with applications for subsidies or loans. They also provide practical tips for the market launch and growth of the company.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The costs of setting up a company in Germany can vary greatly depending on the type and size of the company and the legal form chosen. The basic cost factors are the fees for business registration or entry in the commercial register, which can range from 20 to several hundred euros depending on the location and legal form.
When founding a GmbH or UG, notary fees and capital contributions are also incurred (at least EUR 25,000 for a GmbH and EUR 1 for a UG, although higher amounts are often recommended here).
In Germany, the employment office can offer support for unemployed people who want to become self-employed in the form of a start-up grant. This grant is intended for people who start a business from unemployment and are still entitled to unemployment benefit I.
The start-up grant consists of two phases:
In the first phase, which lasts six months, founders receive a grant of 300 euros per month in addition to unemployment benefit I to provide social security.
In an optional second phase, which can last a further nine months, only the fixed amount of 300 euros per month is paid for social security.
By opting for our start-up consultancy, you will gain a decisive advantage when taking the step into self-employment
Get competent partners at eye level! Benefit from our experience, expertise, clarity and guidance and join us on the path to a successful start-up. We are at your side every step of the way. Unternehmenswerk Köln – Founding made easy.