Funding

Grants, microloans, sweat equity: money and substitutes for money.

Start-up Grant Germany: Gründungszuschuss ExplainedGermany's start-up grant pays your unemployment benefit plus €300 for 6 months, then €300 for up to 9. Who qualifies, how to apply, what expats should know.
KfW Startup Loan (StartGeld 067): A Guide for FoundersThe KfW startup loan StartGeld lends up to €200,000 to new businesses in Germany, part-time ones too, but only via your bank. Terms, costs, preparation.
Jobcenter Self-Employment Grant: Einstiegsgeld in 2026Einstiegsgeld, the jobcenter self-employment grant, pays founders on Grundsicherungsgeld for up to 24 months, plus up to €5,000 for equipment.
Sweat Equity in a Startup: Shares for Work, Done RightSweat equity in a startup means shares for work instead of cash. How to split it fairly, set up vesting, avoid tax surprises and keep the code in the company.