Are you currently unemployed and dreaming of building your own thing? Whether you’re planning to apply for the Gründungszuschuss (startup grant) or preparing to launch your business, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
With a 98% success rate in securing the Gründungszuschuss and hundreds of successful founders who started their journey with us, Fired Up is your trusted partner in building a sustainable, thriving business.
What We Offer
Our comprehensive founder coaching program covers everything you need to launch and grow your business successfully:
Market Analysis & Validation
Understand your target market, identify your ideal customers, and validate your business idea before you invest time and money. We help you research competitors, analyze market trends, and position your offering for maximum impact.
Launch Strategy & Planning
Develop a clear roadmap from concept to launch. We'll work with you to create actionable milestones, set realistic timelines, and build a strategy that aligns with your personal goals and market opportunities.
Customer Acquisition & Sales
Learn proven strategies to find and win your first customers. From crafting your value proposition to building a sales pipeline, we'll equip you with the tools and confidence to generate revenue from day one.
Business Plan Development
Create a professional, compelling business plan that not only meets the requirements for the Gründungszuschuss but also serves as your strategic guide. We'll help you articulate your vision, define your business model, and demonstrate viability.
Financial Planning & Forecasting
Build realistic financial projections, understand your costs, and plan for profitability. We'll guide you through creating a detailed financial plan that shows stakeholders you've thought through the numbers.
How to get started
Here is an overview of the next step before the founder coaching can start:
Be registered as job-seeking or unemployed at the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter. You can do this online or by going in person.
Request the voucher. You can use our template above to request the voucher.
In case your caseworker is suggesting another provider or is hesitant for some other reason, you can always reach out to us and we will support you in arguing for our services!
Choose one of our coaches for an intro call. If you cannot decide, you can book an intro call with us, who will support you in your choice.
Send your voucher to us
We always need to process the original, so please send it to us as soon as you get it, you do not need to fill anything out
Fired Up Success Stories

Johanna Rief
Founder @Fyrce Care
Fyrce Care is a digital health start-up for modern fertility care. With personalized programs and tests, the platform supports women in gaining early knowledge, control, and targeted help to improve their fertility and egg quality. Scientifically grounded, tech-enabled, and practical for everyday life.

Juan Garcia
Founder @Garza Coffee
Garza Coffee stands for authentic Colombian coffee, from a Colombian who knows what every bean is worth. Whether small or large batches, I roast with care, experience, and respect for the origin. Every brew begins with a roast that unlocks the full potential of the bean. In Berlin, by hand, for you.

Barbara Vissirini
Founder @Grammatikon
Learning German can be very difficult, especially when it’s not your native language. To make German grammar more accessible for you, Grammatikon has developed a visual system that explains all grammar topics of the German language visually – from word formation to sentence structure.

Jan-Peter Onkelbach
Founder @Onkelbach Interiors
Onkelbach Interiors creates holistic spatial concepts for residential, gastronomy, and commercial spaces; from design to implementation. With a focus on functionality, atmosphere, and feasibility, the studio develops recognizable brand identities through visual clarity and material understanding. Whether as creative consultant or sparring partner, Onkelbach provides flexible support exactly where fresh impulses are needed.

Alexis Fernandez
Founder @ Alem
Working with Fired Up (and my amazing coach Elise Magnin!) helped me get honest about what I wanted to build. I’d spent years learning how organizations actually work and how to make them work better. Now, through Alem, I get to do that for other people’s companies, with AI as a practical tool in the mix.

Piotr Fornalski
Founder @ UNIT 030
UNIT 030 is a Berlin-based project focusing on runners and endurance athletes. It combines individual coaching, movement analysis, and strength training tailored specifically to the demands of running.
The goal is to create healthy, efficient amateur athletes and, ultimately, to open a specialized training studio in Berlin exclusively for runners.

Aliena Lill
Founder @Lill Reflection
Lill Reflection bridges the gap between intentional practice and meaningful impact. Rooted in media education and literature studies, the approach addresses a crucial paradox: in fast-paced tech environments where innovation thrives, structured reflection often falls by the wayside. Lill Reflection transforms this insight into accessible methods and concept. Empowering individuals and organizations to move from reactive doing to conscious shaping.

Dennis Schoenberg
Photographer & Art Director
With 15+ years in fashion photography, Dennis Schoenberg has built a career spanning London and Berlin, working across editorials, cultural projects and brand commissions. Originally trained in Communications and Fine Art, he brings a conceptual foundation to every project, translating abstract ideas into precise visual narratives. Today, Dennis focuses on strategic art direction for fashion and cultural brands, combining aesthetic clarity with decisive creative leadership. Through FiredUp, he continues to refine his positioning and expand his reach.
Our coaches- ready to be matched?
People come from all walks of life, so do our coaches. Why are we telling you this? Because there might just be one among them who has been where you are now. Or someone with the same mother tongue as you, or someone who can compliment you because they’re your opposite. They all are deeply compassionate and will develop actionable steps with yo
Not all of our coaches are on the website, depending on their timely capacity.
FAQs
Is this really free?
Are you registered at Agentur für Arbeit? Then the coaching will be covered for you. Just get in touch and we can help you requesting the voucher. It’s easier than you think ✨
Can I also pay for the coaching myself?
Yes, we also accept private clients. Get in touch for pricing.
What if I don't like my coach?
I am English speaking, can I join?
Yes! The course is open for English speakers. All materials will be available in English.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality?
Sign up for our newsletter to stay sharp in a changing world of work.
We are an accredited educational provider
You can receive free coaching through an AVGS with us and upskilling courses with a Bildungsgutschein
