A Fachkundige Stellungnahme is issued by an institution or individual who has the expertise to confirm the economic viability of your business idea. These experts assess the profitability of your business start-up. Only with such an assessment can you receive a start-up grant or start-up allowance from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter.

There is no rigid definition of what a viable business model is. Basically, it means that you can earn a living with it. That means covering your living expenses, your company costs, health insurance, pension scheme, etc. A sustainable business model means that you are financially independent or will become so in the foreseeable future.

For you as a founder in the artistic/creative sector, we recommend contact points that not only offer the service of preparing a Fachkundige Stellungnahme, but also have expertise in the cultural and creative industries:

1. In Berlin, for example, the following contact points offer a Fachkundige Stellungnahme in addition to business start-up advice. We recommend that you ask specifically whether expertise is available in your specific field.

• Creative Coaches Berlin
• ANDERSBERATER:INNEN
• LOK – Gründungsberatung der LOK.a.motion mbH in Berlin 
• Berliner Beratungsdienst e.V. – Wirtschaftssenioren

2. There are numerous professional associations in the various sub-markets of the cultural and creative industries - some of them provide a Fachkundige Stellungnahme (for a fee). In the brochure "Alles nur kein Unternehmer?" (BMWK) you will find a selection of associations for the various cultural and creative sectors (p. 67 ff).

3. If you want to start your own business as a freelance artist or creative worker, the IFB − Institut für Freie Berufe, which is located at the University of Erlangen, is the right place to go.

4. In addition, there are general contact points that you can contact for a Fachkundige Stellungnahme:

• Chambers of Industry and Commerce (for commercial start-ups)
• Chambers of crafts
• Professional chambers (e.g. the chambers of architects)
• Credit institutions
• Business incubators
• Tax and business consultants

In most cases, costs are incurred for the preparation of a Fachkundige Stellungnahme. As a rule, these costs range between €50 and €150 (net).

Since the time required varies from one professional institution to another, it’s not possible to make a general statement. For example, the IFB − Institut für Freie Berufe states a processing time of 14 days on its website. In any case, you should allow sufficient time for this examination process and contact one of the above-mentioned offices in good time.

These documents must be submitted:

• Your business plan and a copy of your application for a start-up grant or start-up allowance.

This is what the experts look for when examining the documents:

• Do you have sufficient knowledge of the industry?
• Do you possess entrepreneurial know-how?
• Is the business idea able to compete?
• Are your estimated costs and revenues realistic?
• Are the estimated capital requirements for the start-up realistic and are there sufficient financial reserves of your own to be able to bridge any lean periods?
• Is the expected profit sufficient to sustainably finance you and your self-employment?

The Fachkundige Stellungnahme must be submitted to your employment agency or job centre together with all the necessary documents for applying for the start-up grant or start-up allowance.