Loan for Starting a Cleaning Company: Your Path to Financing
23 Jul 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Are you dreaming of owning your own cleaning company, but financing seems to be a hurdle? A solid plan and knowing the right contacts will pave the way. This guide shows you how to convince banks and successfully apply for your start-up loan.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A detailed business plan is the most important requirement for obtaining a loan to start your cleaning company.
Combine traditional bank loans with government funding programs like KfW-StartGeld to optimize financing.
A business liability insurance is essential to protect yourself and your company from compensation claims and is viewed positively by banks.
The business plan: your most important document for the loan application
A compelling business plan is the foundation for any bank meeting. It demonstrates that you have thought through your venture in detail. For starting a cleaning company, you do not need to provide any special qualifications. However, the bank expects a professional plan that covers at least the next three years. This plan should include a detailed market analysis and a clear description of your services. A common mistake is the vague definition of the target audience. Decide whether you will be targeting private customers or businesses with up to 20 employees. A well-structured plan increases your chances of obtaining a loan by more than 50 percent. This turns an idea into a fundable project, leading you to the next step: the precise calculation of capital requirements.
Calculate capital requirements realistically: What does starting a business cost?
A detailed list of all costs prevents financial shortages during the start-up phase. Plan not only for one-off start-up costs but also for ongoing expenses for the first six months. For a solid basic setup, you should expect to spend at least €5,000 to €15,000. Remember that a reliable company van often represents the largest individual expense. Here is an exemplary breakdown of the initial costs:
Professional cleaning equipment (industrial vacuum cleaner, steam cleaner): €2,500
Basic cleaning supplies: €500
Used small van: €8,000
Marketing (website, flyers): €1,000
Business registration and consulting fees: €300
Many founders underestimate ongoing costs by up to 30 percent. Therefore, an accurate budget calculation for the loan application is essential. With a clear breakdown of costs, you can specifically target suitable financing sources.
Smartly combine financing options: Utilize KfW loans and guarantees
Rarely is a start-up realized with just a single source of finance. A mix of equity, bank loans, and public subsidies is often the best solution. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers special programs for founders. The ERP Start-up Loan - StartGeld (067) finances up to 125,000 euros without any equity requirement. KfW assumes 80 percent of the credit risk, which facilitates approval by your bank. If collateral is lacking, guarantee banks step in and can secure up to 80 percent of a loan amount. A start-up loan for young entrepreneurs becomes significantly more accessible with these instruments. The right combination of these components strongly depends on your equity.
Equity and Collateral: The Foundation of Your Financing
Banks like to see an equity share of 15 to 20 percent of the total investment. This signals your own confidence and commitment to the business idea. Equity includes not just cash but also contributions in kind, such as an existing vehicle. If you are seeking a loan for start-ups without equity, funding loans are the best option. Life insurance can also serve as security for a loan. For founders with limited capital, there are special microloans often amounting to just 5,000 euros. These are a good starting point to make initial investments. A solid financial foundation is completed by securing business risks.
Minimise risks: Essential insurance for your cleaning company
Comprehensive insurance coverage is an important signal not only for you but also for your lenders. Liability insurance is the most important policy for any cleaning company. It covers damages that you or your employees cause to clients. An incorrect cleaning agent can cause damage worth more than 5,000 Euros to an expensive floor. Without affordable liability insurance, you are liable with your entire assets. The following insurances are also crucial:
Contents insurance: Protects your expensive equipment against theft or destruction by fire and water.
Corporate legal protection: Assists with legal disputes with clients or employees.
Commercial vehicle insurance: Secures your fleet.
Banks often check whether basic risk management is in place. A well-thought-out insurance package is a sign of your professionalism. This ensures you are well-prepared for the final step, the loan application.
The application process: Step by step to success
A well-prepared application speeds up the credit decision by several weeks. With all documents at hand, you appear professional and focused. A business loan for freelancers follows a clear process. Follow these five steps for a smooth application:
Finalize business plan: Check all figures and forecasts for plausibility.
Gather documents: This includes the business plan, CV, credit report, and cost estimates.
Schedule bank appointments: Consult at least two to three different banks.
Present professionally: Practice your presentation and be prepared for critical questions.
Compare conditions: Take your time to select the best offer.
A complete submission can reduce processing time from six to three weeks. With the credit approval in hand, you can finally get started.
Request a personalised risk analysis now
The path to starting your own business can be successfully navigated with careful planning and protection. A solid financing plan and the right insurance will shield you from unforeseen events and ensure your long-term success. Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive concrete optimization suggestions.
More useful links
KfW provides detailed information about the ERP StartGeld Entrepreneur Loan, an important funding product for start-ups and young companies.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides press releases that may contain relevant data on business start-ups or economic development.
The Start-up Portal of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action offers comprehensive information and useful tools for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The German Guarantee Banks provide information on their role in securing loans for businesses, particularly when collateral is lacking.
The Federal Employment Agency offers information on the start-up grant, which can facilitate the path to self-employment for the unemployed.
The Building Service Contractors provide an industry report that may contain valuable market data and trends for the cleaning industry.
The Federal Ministry of Finance offers a brochure on taxation from A to Z, containing important information for business founders.
GEFMA (German Facility Management Association) is the website of the German Facility Management Association, relevant for service providers in the building sector.
FAQ
What should be included in a business plan for a cleaning company?
A business plan should include your business idea, a market analysis, your target audience (e.g., private or business customers), your pricing strategy, and a detailed financial plan. The financial plan encompasses a capital requirement calculation, a profitability forecast for three years, and a liquidity plan.
How do I register a cleaning company?
You must register your cleaning company with the relevant trade office. Afterwards, you will receive a tax number from the tax office. Depending on the service (e.g., glass cleaning), registration with the Chamber of Crafts may also be necessary.
What is the best legal form for a cleaning company?
Most founders start as sole proprietors because it is straightforward and cost-effective. If you are founding with partners or wish to limit liability, a civil law partnership (GbR) or an entrepreneurial company (UG) might also be considered.
What happens if my loan application is rejected?
Analyse the reasons for the rejection. It is often due to an unconvincing business plan or lack of collateral. Rework your plan, consider alternative financing such as microloans, or seek support from a guarantee bank to compensate for the missing collateral.
Why is contents insurance important for my cleaning company?
Contents insurance protects your business equipment such as machinery, cleaning products, and office inventory. It provides compensation for damage caused by fire, water leaks, storms, or burglary, thus ensuring the continuity of your business if your equipment is damaged.
Can I receive funding for start-up consultancy?
Yes, the costs for professional start-up advice to assist you with creating the business plan are eligible for funding. The federal government and states offer grant programs that often cover up to 80 percent of the consultancy costs.
