Starting a Business; Advice and Information

In the Free State of Bavaria, the prospects for success as a self-employed person are particularly favorable. To make Bavaria a leader in business start-ups, the Bavarian State Government has launched the “Gründerland Bayern” initiative.

The goal of the “Gründerland Bayern” initiative is to improve the framework conditions for entrepreneurs through a comprehensive and, above all, technology-neutral package of measures. Through offerings in financing and funding, consulting and coaching, as well as access to networks and infrastructure, the initiative supports (aspiring) entrepreneurs. It is aimed at founders in all industries and at every stage of the startup process—from drafting a business plan to finding the right financing and through the growth phase. Support is available for both new startups and business successions.

If you want to strike out on your own professionally, you should plan your venture carefully and seek advice from experts. First, you need an overview of market trends, the competitive landscape, evolving customer needs, and potential gaps in the market. Industry and leadership experience are valuable assets here. To succeed, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. In many cases, it makes sense to adopt and further develop concepts that have already proven successful. Furthermore, you should consider whether to start from scratch or take over an existing business. Both options have their pros and cons. Seeking expert advice before starting a business significantly increases your chances of success. 

The online portal for starting a business in Bavaria, gruenderland.bayern, offers an excellent starting point. It provides a concise overview of everything—from the ten steps to starting a business, to support networks, consulting, and coaching, all the way to financing and other funding opportunities. On gruenderland.bayern, you’ll also find the right point of contact in your region under the “Find Contact Points” section—at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Chamber of Crafts (HWK), associations, government agencies, universities, entrepreneurship centers, business incubators, economic development agencies, networks, and other regional institutions. Take advantage of their wide range of advisory and support services related to starting a business.

To encourage initiative and foster even more startup activity, the government facilitates the establishment of self-employment through public financial assistance. Various funding programs are available from both the federal and state governments. In each case, it is important to ensure that the application is submitted before the project begins (“pre-start clause”). Loans are disbursed in accordance with the “house bank principle” through the applicant’s primary bank. Additional financial assistance (e.g., grants, venture capital, and equity capital) can be applied for directly through the relevant agencies. An overview of financing and funding opportunities can be found on gruenderland.bayern under the “Find Financing” section. In addition, the Bavarian Startup and Funding Navigator , based at Bayern Innovativ, supports aspiring entrepreneurs in all industries and at every stage of startup development.