The path to self-employment in Germany is filled with numerous challenges – from tax obligations to creating convincing business plans and dealing with bureaucratic requirements. However, in Berlin's vibrant startup environment, startup consultancy proves to be a valuable support in helping entrepreneurs overcome these hurdles and pave their own way to success.
At nxt milestone, we provide you with tailored advice to help you navigate bureaucratic and financial obstacles with confidence. Our team of experts not only assists you in creating a well-thought-out business plan but also supports you with financing planning, applying for funding, and securing legal protections – so you can focus on growing your business.
What is Startup Consultancy?
Taxes, a convincing business plan and registering with the authorities... The path to self-employment presents founders with countless challenges, which often leads to the decision to become self-employed being rejected. The bureaucratic hurdles and the financial risk seem too high. This is where startup counselling comes in - we support you with all your questions.
As a startup consultancy in Berlin, we help you get off to an easy start in self-employment.
We support you with the following points:
- Development of a business model
- Optimizing your idea
- Writing/optimizing your business plan
- Planning the financing / financial plan
- Applying for funding opportunities
- Marketing & personnel management
- IT development
Whether you need comprehensive advice on setting up a business or specific assistance on individual topics – our startup experts offer you comprehensive support for your business startup.
Finding Adequate Startup Advice
Startup advice is not about being shown a ready-made path. Founders should be empowered to make independent and well-considered decisions about their company in the long term.
Good startup counselling is a kind of coaching for young entrepreneurs, with which a guideline for building your own business is developed.
Critical questions are discussed, and the future prospects are assessed. It is important to have a reliable partner at your side.
There are various points of contact for finding the right advice for your startup:
- Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Federal Employment Agency
- Training centers
- Startup experts/consultants
Free Startup Advice in Berlin
Berlin – the German capital is ideally suited for startups and people with a thirst for adventure. Every year, the city records around 40,000 business registrations, including over 500 startups. (Source: www.businesslocationcenter.de) With a nationwide lead, Berlin is therefore considered the ultimate startup capital.
What free resources are available for setting up a business in Berlin?
- Startup information online: e.g. the startup portal of the Federal Ministry of Economics
- Starting a business in Berlin
- Business startup hotline
- Investitionsbank Berlin
- BBB Bürgschaftsbank Berlin-Brandenburg
- IHK Berlin
- Berlin Chamber of Crafts
- Berlin Chamber of Tax Consultants
- Association of Liberal Professions in Berlin e.V.
- Berlin Partner for Business and Technology
- Startup center
This excerpt already shows a wide range of contact points for entrepreneurs. However, founders don't always receive in-depth information or assistance with, for example, preparing necessary documents or addressing specific questions.
Good counselling and coaching are highly recommended for entrepreneurs. Whether it's creating a business and financial plan or optimizing the business idea, our consultants will help you turn your dream of starting a business in Berlin into a reality. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, we will guide you through every step of your journey – from planning to implementation.
What Makes a Good Startup Consultant?
A good startup consultant or coach supports you with any questions you may have and uncovers gaps in your existing business concept. They are not just an advisor but also a mentor. This includes drawing up a business plan, identifying funding opportunities, preparing a financial plan, and accompanying you to meetings with investors or banks.
Every company has potential for optimization – so why not take advantage of a specialist's expertise from the very beginning?
Whether you offer a service, want to open a business, or are launching a product on the market, comprehensive startup advice can help you avoid the traps and pitfalls of entrepreneurship. It's also wise to bring in a consultant or coach early on and have them on hand for any questions that arise later. The later you bring in a consultant, the more time-consuming it will be to familiarize yourself with existing structures, and the higher the costs.
This is where individual counseling services can be invaluable, providing not just guidance and support but also helping to reduce mistakes, save time, and cut costs. For solopreneurs, utilizing startup counseling services can be a crucial step toward success.
Can Startup Advice Guarantee Success?
Good advice can significantly contribute to the success of a startup. However, it cannot guarantee success, as the outcome largely depends on you. No entrepreneur has ever just appeared out of nowhere, which is why expert support is invaluable. The road to self-employment is not a smooth freeway; there will be many detours and hurdles to overcome. With the help of an expert, founders can prepare for these moments.
Startup consulting not only aids in the preparation phase but also helps optimize business processes and enhance business planning. Entering the German market as a new company or startup is challenging, especially as the shift from a seller's market to a buyer's market has led to a supply surplus. The range of products and services available today is vast, and customers can choose from thousands of offers.
With the right corporate strategy and effective market positioning, a business can thrive even after it’s been established. Through the support of a startup and management consultancy, your business idea can be refined, and a solid foundation for long-term success can be built.
Checklist for Setting Up Your Business:
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Create a Business Plan:
Before diving into the challenge, a detailed plan should be created. Objectives, strategies, a competitor and market analysis, and a cost analysis should all be included. Incorporating a marketing mix and developing a financial plan are also crucial. How do you create a business plan? We'll explain it and guide you through the process!
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Company Name, Brands, Domain:
Now, it's time to clarify your company name, brand name, and domain name. But BEWARE: Some names are protected. The IHK Berlin offers information on protected names for founders. We can help you with this too.
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Property Rights and Insurance:
What insurance do you need as a business founder? Which property rights do you require? We will help you choose the right options to ensure your business is protected from the start.
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Financing:
If your equity capital isn't enough for the startup, financing options like bank loans, investors, subsidies, and grants can be used. The financing decision should be well thought-out and planned. We’ll help you identify the best options for your business. NOTE: A proper business plan must be submitted to apply for funding.
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Authorizations:
Are certain qualifications, licenses, or permits required for your business? Depending on the type of business you're setting up, we will advise you on all the necessary legal and regulatory requirements.
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Legal Form:
Whether you choose a sole proprietorship, GbR, OHG, KG, or GmbH, the legal forms mainly differ in terms of liability protection. It's essential to carefully consider which legal structure is best for you. Let's work together to choose the right one for your business.
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Open a Business Account:
While this is not required for freelancers and sole traders, it is mandatory for corporations. Which bank is best for the self-employed? We’ll help you find the right one.
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Contracts:
Contracts with customers and employees, the general terms and conditions (GTC), and other agreements should be drawn up from the outset. This can prevent legal issues later on. We’ll identify the relevant contracts for you and help create them.
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Dealing with Authorities:
Depending on your business type and activities, you’ll need to notify specific authorities. We’ll guide you on where to register and what documents are required so you can avoid unexpected fines.
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Design Your Public Image:
Your online presence, the design of your shop or office—these are just a few elements of your public image. The imprint, invoices, logo, business cards, and more are also part of this. Let’s create something special together to help you stand out from your competitors.
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Let’s Go – Acquire Customers and Build a Network:
With the bureaucratic hurdles behind you, it’s time to focus on generating sales. "How do I do that? I need customers!" Customer acquisition is one of the biggest challenges when starting your own business. Our team will handle your cold calling and provide you with leads that match your product or service. Let’s scale your business together.
Is it Worth Seeking Advice When Setting Up a Company?
Yes, it is worth it. The advantages—especially in the long term—clearly outweigh the disadvantages of seeking professional advice when setting up a business.
You will receive valuable feedback on initial questions, your business model, business plan, financing, and funding. Startup consultation will empower you to handle the hurdles and opportunities of self-employment independently and confidently in the future. This includes not only avoiding stumbling blocks and seizing lucrative opportunities but also addressing important legal aspects.
With our initial consultation, we offer you free startup advice—not only in Berlin but across Germany. Our experts will provide personal, precise guidance for your startup. Our services go beyond advising founders, young companies, and startups; we also assist you in scaling your company over the long term and support you on your journey to successful self-employment.
What Should Entrepreneurs Look for in a Startup Counselor?
Entrepreneurs should seek startup advisors with industry-specific experience, a proven track record of successful startup launches, excellent communication skills, a strong network of contacts, and the ability to provide tailored advice and support that aligns with the entrepreneur's unique needs and goals.
Conclusion
Startup consultancy is a key ingredient for success for aspiring entrepreneurs in Berlin and beyond. While the path to self-employment is filled with challenges, expert guidance provides customized solutions and valuable insights that can make the difference between failure and thriving success.
By working with experienced advisors, founders not only receive support in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and developing their business strategies but also gain the confidence and trust to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.
Are you ready?
Do you like what you are reading? Book a free introductory call with us.
