BAFA funding for business consulting: grant for SMEs

Requirements

Who can use BAFA consulting funding?

BAFA funding for consulting subsidizes business consulting on economic, financial, personnel and organizational questions of company management. The grant is non-repayable and financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the European Social Fund Plus. As listed BAFA advisors, we support you with the application, the consulting and the report.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as defined by the EU are eligible. Within the guideline, each company can receive funding for a maximum of five consultations, and no more than two per year. The date of the application is decisive.

Young companies founded less than one year ago must also hold an information meeting with a regional contact, at the earliest three months before applying.

Since November 15, 2025: companies that are not entitled to deduct input VAT receive the grant based on the gross invoice amount paid.

Process

How BAFA funding works

1. Apply online: The application is made exclusively digitally via the portal; only company data is required.
2. Wait for the information letter: The consulting may only start afterwards. Even signing the contract with the advisor counts as the start.
3. Carry out the consulting: The advisor prepares a consulting report.
4. Submit the proof of use: at the latest six months after receiving the information letter, including the consulting report, invoice and bank statement.
5. Review and payout: The central office checks the documents, BAFA approves and pays out the grant.

Support

What we take care of for you

As listed BAFA advisors, we first check with you whether your project is eligible, guide you through the application and the consulting, and prepare the consulting report for your proof of use.

The guideline is valid until December 31, 2026. Current conditions can be found at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).

More programs can be found in the funding programs overview.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about BAFA funding

How many consultations can a company have funded?
Within the guideline, a maximum of five consultations, no more than two per year. The date of the application is decisive.

When may the consulting start?
Only after receiving the information letter. Even signing the contract with the advisor counts as the start of the consulting.

How long do I have for the proof of use?
At the latest six months after receiving the information letter.

What applies to young companies?
Companies founded less than one year ago must hold an information meeting with a regional contact before submitting the proof of use.