Becoming self-employed means putting your desire for independence and self-realization into practice. Perhaps you too dream of launching your own idea on the market and making a difference. Along the way, however, you will not only encounter inspiration and a thirst for action, but also questions about the right planning, financing and the necessary formalities. In this article, you will find out what you should consider when setting up a company and which tool will help you to successfully advance your start-up step by step.

Hand points to Post-Its on a white board

Every business start-up starts with a business idea. To turn an initial inspiration into a viable concept, it is worth taking a structured approach. A good starting point is to ask yourself a concrete problem that you can solve with your offer. Then check whether there is actually a demand for this solution - a market analysis will help you to realistically assess the opportunities and potential.

In the next step, you should clearly define what makes your offer unique: Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). This will ultimately determine which niche you can occupy and which target group you want to address. This is how you turn a vague idea into a solid foundation for your future company.

If you want to set up a company, choosing the right legal form plays a key role. For individual founders, the sole proprietorship is often the best option - uncomplicated and inexpensive, but with full personal liability. If you are founding a company together with others, a civil law partnership (GbR) is an option. This is also easy to set up, but requires at least two founders and also means personal liability.

Two people stand at a table while a contract is being signed

If you want to limit the risk, you can set up a Unternehmergesellschaft (UG) - a limited liability variant with low start-up costs, also known as a “mini-GmbH”. The classic GmbH enjoys a high reputation, protects private assets and requires a share capital of 25,000 euros. There are also other legal forms such as the Aktiengesellschaft (AG), the Offene Handelsgesellschaft (OHG) or the eingetragene Kaufmannsunternehmen (e.K.), but these are mostly considered for special constellations.

To turn a business idea into a functioning company, you need a well thought-out business model. The Business Model Canvas is a proven tool for this. It helps you to structure all the important building blocks of your company at a glance. First of all, focus on the question of your target group: Who do you want to reach with your offer? Based on this, you define your value proposition - i.e. the specific benefits that your products or services offer.

The sources of revenue and the right pricing strategy are just as important, as they form the basis for profitability. The model is rounded off by the channels through which you distribute your offer and how you build long-term customer relationships. This creates a clear picture of how your company creates added value and asserts itself on the market.

Colleagues sit in front of a laptop and look at statistics

A business plan is more than just a document - it is your roadmap as you set up your company. You use it to record your ideas in a structured way, check the feasibility of your project and show potential investors or partners that you have thought your business project through. In the following sections, you will learn step by step which elements a complete business plan contains and what you should pay particular attention to at each point.

The executive summary briefly and concisely summarizes your business idea, objectives and planned approach. It should be so clear and convincing that potential investors or partners immediately understand what it is about and what added value your company offers.

A thorough market analysis helps you to realistically assess opportunities and risks. Examine trends, the demand for your offer and the most important competitors. This will help you recognize where you can differentiate yourself and how you can strengthen your position in the market.

Describe your product or service in detail. Explain what benefits it has for your customers and why it differs from existing offers. A clear focus on the added value will also make marketing and sales easier later on.

This section shows how you want to reach your target group and retain them in the long term. Explain which channels you will use to distribute your offer, which means of communication you will use and how you will build your brand.

Financial planning forms the basis for the profitability of your project. Make a realistic estimate of all costs, calculate expected sales and check when your company will start operating profitably. Sound financial planning includes costs, turnover and profitability.

In the appendix, you can provide additional information that complements your business plan and underlines your professionalism. This includes CVs of the founders, references or clear graphics that visualize figures and processes.

The right financing is a decisive factor for the successful launch of your company. Equity capital often forms the basis and also signals confidence in your project to potential lenders. In addition, bank loans - for example via your house bank or special development banks such as KfW - can be used to finance larger investments.

Two women sit opposite each other and talk

In addition, when you set up a company, there are various funding programs available to you, for example from BAFA, EXIST or the employment agency via the start-up grant. For innovative or high-growth projects, business angels or venture capital investors can also be considered, who not only provide capital, but also experience and networks. Finally, in some cases crowdfunding or crowdinvesting can be used to obtain financial resources and to test the market response directly.

Before you can officially start, you need to register your business. The first step takes you to the Gewerbeamt, where your company will be officially registered. The Finanzamt then contacts you, assigns a tax number and clarifies whether you are eligible for the small business regulation. Depending on the sector, membership of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) is also mandatory.

Also check your obligations to the professional association and social insurance to be on the safe side legally. Additional permits may be required for certain activities, such as in the skilled trades or catering sector.

Successful marketing is crucial to making your company known and gaining customers. But before you take any marketing measures, you should know your target group exactly. A target group analysis and the creation of buyer personas will help you to understand the typical needs, challenges and wishes of your potential customers. With this knowledge, you can select the appropriate marketing measures in a targeted manner.

  • Online marketing (SEO, SEA, social media): Use digital channels to increase your reach. Optimize your website for search engines, place targeted ads and actively engage with your target group on social media.
  • Content Marketing & Newsletter: Provide valuable content that informs or entertains. This builds trust and strengthens the long-term loyalty of your customers.
  • PR & media relations (press releases, interviews): Publications and interviews in traditional media (e.g. startup magazines, trade journals, regional newspapers and radio stations) will raise your profile and position you as an expert in your industry.
  • Guerrilla marketing / events / trade fair visits: Creative campaigns and personal encounters are memorable. Whether unusual campaigns, events or trade fair appearances - such measures create direct customer experiences.

Successful networking and strategic partnerships can make all the difference for your start-up. Incubators and co-working spaces offer not only a place to work, but also the opportunity to meet like-minded people and exchange ideas. Industry events and meetups are ideal opportunities to make new contacts and learn about current trends.

Three businessmen sit around a table and work together

You can also become active online: LinkedIn and XING allow you to expand your professional network in a targeted manner. Collaborations with start-ups or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) open up opportunities for joint projects and mutual support. In addition, there are special start-up networks and communities, such as the Startup Association, which offer valuable resources, mentoring and exchange opportunities.

When you start your business, you need a tool that gives you structure and supports you step by step. With SeaTable, you can keep track of all ideas, tasks, documents and figures in one central location and work efficiently and transparently right from the start.

SeaTable covers all the essential steps:

  • Idea development & business model: Visualize your business model canvas, review markets and capture your unique selling proposition.
  • Business plan & financial planning: Plan costs, sales and funding opportunities digitally and keep versions, attachments and tasks to hand at all times.
  • Organization & Formalities: Manage appointments, deadlines and applications centrally and never miss any important deadlines thanks to the calendar and timeline function.
  • Marketing & Growth: Record key performance indicators (KPIs) for reach, customer acquisition or costs and evaluate them clearly with dashboards.
  • Collaboration & transparency: Work in real time with co-founders, advisors or investors on the same information - without version chaos.

The decisive advantage is that SeaTable grows with you. What you use at the beginning for business plan, financial planning and organization, you can later expand into a comprehensive system for project management, CRM, reporting and team organization. This means you have a tool at your side right from the start that supports your start-up and accompanies you in the long term.

How do you set up a company?

When you found a start-up, you start with a business idea, develop a business model and create a business plan. You then choose the right legal form, take care of the financing and officially register your business. This is followed by tax registration, any necessary permits and the establishment of marketing and sales structures.

What costs will I incur if I want to become self-employed?

When you set up your own company, costs are an important issue. They depend on the legal form and the sector. Typical items are fees for business registration, notary and commercial register costs, possible contributions for share capital, expenses for insurance, advice and initial marketing measures. There are also ongoing operating costs such as rent, technology and personnel.

What do I need to consider when setting up a sole proprietorship?

All you need is a business registration with the relevant office. Setting up a sole proprietorship is inexpensive and uncomplicated, but you are liable with all your private assets. You should clarify your tax obligations at an early stage and set up proper bookkeeping.

What do you need to set up a company?

When you start a business, it is useful to have a checklist so that you don’t forget anything. The following points should be on it:

  • Develop a business idea and business model
  • Choose legal form
  • Create a business plan
  • Secure financing
  • Register business and complete tax registration
  • Clarify insurance and memberships
  • Plan marketing and sales strategy
  • Set up organization and accounting

How do you set up a company without equity?

If you cannot use your own capital, there are various options open to you. You can fall back on funding programs, start-up grants, bank loans or microloans. Business angels, venture capital or crowdfunding also offer opportunities to raise capital without your own investment. It is important that you present a convincing business plan in order to convince investors and funders of your idea.

TAGS: Build Your Business