Depending on your establishment’s location, 50% or 80% of up to €3,500 in eligible net costs may be covered, capped at €1,750 or €2,800. The limits are two consultancies per calendar year and five across 2023–2026.

The higher rate applies in the eastern federal states excluding Berlin and the Leipzig region, plus Lüneburg and Trier. Other eligible regions receive 50%.

We will check your German base and operations, SME size, business activity and previous funding. Limits: fewer than 250 employees; no more than €50 million turnover or €43 million balance sheet total. Linked enterprises may need to be counted.

Certain consulting professions, non-profit organisations and insolvency cases are excluded. Stand-alone workshops, predominantly legal, tax or grant advice, and consultancy receiving duplicate public funding are also ineligible.

First come the eligibility check and online application, then the positive information letter. Only then may you sign the contract and start. Afterwards come the report, full bank payment of the invoice including VAT, and proof of use. The six-month deadline runs from the information letter. BAFA then decides on the grant and pays your business.

Your founding date, location, business details, consulting goal and previous funding help us prepare. Bring any letters received. Representation requires a power of attorney. Businesses less than a year old also need a free meeting with a regional partner.