“Gefördert gründen” (Funded Founding) is a compact webinar format that combines three essential startup topics into a single event. It is aimed at anyone planning or seriously considering self-employment, whether coming from a corporate role, university, or unemployment. It is particularly relevant for people looking to finance their launch through public funding programs such as the German Gründungszuschuss (startup grant) or AVGS-funded coaching.
The event is structured in three consecutive blocks:
Block 1 – Business Model Basics: What makes a viable business idea? Participants learn how to clearly define their offering, narrow down their target audience, and articulate a compelling customer value proposition. The focus is practical: these are the exact questions every funding body and feasibility assessor will ask.
Block 2 – Starting Lean: Not every business needs startup capital. This block covers available funding programs and free resources, how to keep fixed costs low from day one, and which investments actually pay off. Special attention is given to the options available for publicly funded founders transitioning from unemployment benefits.
Block 3 – Winning Your First Customers: The best idea is worthless without revenue. Participants discover how to acquire their first paying customers without a large marketing budget, which sales channels work best at the early stage, and how to build visibility from day one.
Each block combines short expert inputs with hands-on examples drawn from real consulting practice. The session is hosted by experienced startup consultants who work with founders on their path to self-employment every day. There will be time for questions at the end.
This format adds a practical, entry-level offering to the Startup Week program. It is designed for aspiring founders who are still at the beginning and looking for a structured overview before taking their next step.