The consulting support program Founder Coaching Germany (GCD) will continue. The startup coaching program is designed to increase and sustainably secure the prospects of success for young companies through early-stage consulting. Starting in May 2015, the funding program will be financed by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), as the current funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) expires at the end of April.
This changes some rules, such as:
- Shortened deadline: Applications can only be submitted within the first two years after establishment (previously five years)
- Maximum funding amount reduced: maximum 4,000 euros (instead of previous 6,000 euros)
- Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2015 at the latest
Funding appeals to a larger target group
In addition, the range of eligible companies has been expanded. Starting in May, in addition to the previously eligible commercial and freelance founders, those who are part-time entrepreneurs, regardless of whether they are temporary or permanent, as well as social entrepreneurs who have established a non-profit legal entity, will also benefit.
The new program starts on May 1, 2015. Current information is then available directly at KfW.
