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Advisory services

Get advice from experts: Numerous advice centres and information services provide support in your area.

Good advice can help contribute to the success of your business. Make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to get support from an expert.

In Germany, there are many public information centres that can help you set up your business. You can also find a general list of contact persons on the start-up portal.

The Authority Finder (Behördenwegweiser) will also tell you which information centres are available in your area.

You can also hire a private consulting firm to help you prepare and embark on your first entrepreneurial steps. Some German federal states provide grants towards the costs incurred for this kind of consultation. It is important that your place of residence and your company's registered office are in Germany. The start-up portal will tell you where to apply for this grant.

Please beware

It is sensible to be well-prepared for the consultation. Do not be afraid to address business topics immediately; in Germany, people tend to prefer dealing with specific questions rather than excessive small talk.

Advisory services for entrepreneurs with a migratory background 

Addresses of regional and national information centres, specifically for entrepreneurs with a migratory background, can be found on the start-up portal in the “Advisory services and addresses” section.

The Specialist Office for Migrant Economics of the Network IQ also provides information and for people from abroad wanting to set up a business.

Support for female entrepreneurs

Women planning to set up a business will find information on funding and networking on the start-up portal for female entrepreneurs.

Further training 

As an entrepreneur, you will need business knowledge. Do you lack expertise in this area? Or you would like to brush up on your knowledge? Then we advise you to consider further training. In seminars you can learn the basics of bookkeeping and accounting, for example.

Many different organisations offer further training courses throughout Germany. Above all, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the Chambers of Crafts (HWK) offer seminars on start-up businesses in your area.

A large selection of courses can also be found on the KURSNET website. The adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) are also good places to start.

Getting help after the initial start 

Even after setting up your business, there are many opportunities for consultation. An expert can help you optimise your business processes and improve your business management planning. An initial overview of the plethora of available services can be found on the Business Portal of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

The public-sector banking group KfW also offers numerous programmes to support young entrepreneurs.

Information for investors and companies planning to enter the German market

Germany offers great prospects for companies that operate on an international level and are planning to expand to Germany by setting up a subsidiary or branch office. You can find detailed information and support on the Germany Trade & Invest website.

Do you have any questions?

Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German. 

You can find out more about the various contact options by clicking on one of the icons in the bar below.

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