Compass promotion

Your advantages of Kompass support

Financial relief through high subsidies.

Support in selecting suitable further training courses.

Coaches have sound specialist knowledge and experience in consulting

Tailor-made coaching content for your needs and requirements

What is Kompass support?

KOMPASS funding is a state program that supports solo self-employed people in Germany with further vocational training. It offers financial grants of up to 90% of the costs of further training (maximum 4,500 euros) and aims to strengthen the economic stability and competitiveness of the self-employed.

Target group and requirements

The funding is aimed exclusively at solo self-employed persons who meet the following criteria:

Place of residence and activity: The place of residence and business must be in Germany.
Self-employment: The activity must be carried out full-time (at least 51% of income).
Duration of self-employment: The activity has existed for at least two years.
Number of employees: A maximum of one full-time employee or a corresponding part-time equivalent may be employed.
De minimis rule: No aid in excess of 200,000 euros (or 100,000 euros in the road transport sector) may be received within three fiscal years.
Qualification check: A qualification check from a COMPASS contact point is required.

Eligible further training

The subsidized further training courses must:

Include at least 20 hours.
Completed within six months of the qualification voucher being issued.
Be professionally relevant and contribute to securing or further developing the professional existence.
Be carried out by a recognized provider that meets quality standards (e.g. certifications or legal recognition).

Application process: step-by-step guide

1st consultation

Arrange a free initial consultation at a COMPASS contact point (in person or virtually).
Your individual training needs will be determined during the interview and you will receive recommendations for further training courses that are eligible for funding.

2. registration in the Z-EU-S funding portal

Register on the Z-EU-S funding portal and submit your expression of interest.
The contact point supplements this with a consultation protocol and returns it to you digitally.

3. qualification check

After checking your documents, the contact point will issue a qualification voucher. This entitles you to take part in subsidized further training.

4. participation in further training

Select a course from the recommended offers.
Pay in advance and complete the training within the specified time frame.

5. application and reimbursement

After completing the training, submit the project application to the approval authority (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Knappschaft-Bahn-See).
Required documents: Qualification check, certificate of participation, proof of costs and identity.
After a successful examination, you will be reimbursed up to 90% of the costs.

Important notes

The entire process requires precise documentation, especially for applications and billing.
It can take several weeks before an appointment is available at a contact point – plan accordingly in good time.
The funding cannot be combined with other programs that pursue similar purposes.