Funding
How the funding works
Explained plainly: the German BAFA programme for business consulting (‚Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU‘), who can use it and how the process works. BAFA is Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control.
In short
For small and medium-sized businesses, business consulting can be subsidised – in Baden-Württemberg at 50% of at most €3,500, i.e. up to €1,750. An application and BAFA's approval to start the consulting are required.
Who is eligible
SMEs as defined by the EU (fewer than 250 employees, registered office and business operations in Germany). Advisory professions and companies in insolvency, among others, are not eligible.
The process in four steps
Initial conversation
We clarify whether your project fits.
Apply
Apply before any contract is signed – the signature alone counts as the start.
Consulting and report
Consulting and a written report.
Payout
Pay the invoice and submit proof of use; BAFA pays the subsidy after review.
What is funded – and what is not
Funded
- conceptual consulting on processes
- digitalisation
- use of AI
Not funded
- implementation
- programming
- ongoing support
- training
Our position
The funded analysis is neutral. Implementation is a separate engagement – with us or with another partner.
Deadline
Applications under the current guideline are possible until 31 December 2026. Whether and how the programme continues in 2027 has not yet been published.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay the subsidy in advance?
Yes, you pay the invoice first; the subsidy follows after review.
Am I entitled to it?
No, BAFA decides within the available funds.
How many consultations are possible?
Up to two per year, up to five in total over the term of the guideline.
No legal or funding advice, no funding commitment. BAFA's guideline and information sheets are authoritative. BAFA programme page (German) (opens in a new window). As of: 17 October 2026
Does your project fit?
Tell us briefly what it is about. In the initial meeting we clarify whether a subsidised analysis is an option for your business.
- 1.Tell us briefly what it is about; the field “Interested in subsidised consulting” is already ticked.
- 2.We usually reply within one working day and clarify in the initial meeting whether your project fits the programme.
- 3.If it fits, you apply to BAFA before anything is signed. We tell you what is needed for that.