AI and digital consulting·Funding · Digitalisation · Consulting
Funding for digital consulting: what still applies in 2026.
Funding for digital consulting in Germany in 2026 comes mainly through one programme: the BAFA subsidy for business know-how, with a 50 percent grant in Berlin on up to 3,500 euros of consulting costs, limited to 31 December 2026. Most other programmes have ended. This is what applies, what no longer applies and what you have to do.
What applies.
BAFA, Förderung unternehmerischen Know-hows: a grant for business consulting to small and medium companies. Assessment base 3,500 euros per consultation, in Berlin and the western states 50 percent, up to 1,750 euros, in the eastern states 80 percent. At most two consultations per year, five until the guideline ends on 31 December 2026. Digitalisation and AI are eligible topics. The consultant must be listed with BAFA.
KfW, ERP-Förderkredit Digitalisierung: no grant, but a low-interest loan through your bank for software, systems and AI projects, also for sole traders and freelancers, with no minimum amount.
What no longer applies.
The federal go-digital programme: no applications since early 2025. Digitalprämie Berlin: closed. Berlin InvestitionsBONUS: discontinued, no relaunch. Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Berlin: ends on 30 September 2026. Anyone still reading 80 percent for Berlin or go-digital 2026 online is reading old pages.
What you have to do.
Apply to BAFA before the consulting starts, through the regional partner, in Berlin the IHK. Consulting may only begin after confirmation. After completion, submit report and invoice. I tell you in the first call whether your project and my status fit, before you apply for anything.
Steps with funding.
- 01
First call
Project, company size, topic. Does it fit the guideline.
- 02
Application
To BAFA through the regional partner. Before consulting starts.
- 03
Consulting
After confirmation. Report at the end.
- 04
Payout
Submit invoice and report. Grant to your account.
Questions
- How high is the BAFA grant in Berlin?
- 50 percent of consulting costs up to 3,500 euros, so up to 1,750 euros per consultation. Since November 2025 the gross amount applies for companies without input tax deduction.
- Who can apply?
- Small and medium companies based in Germany, freelancers included. Young companies under one year need an information meeting with the regional partner first.
- Does go-digital still exist?
- No. The programme was not continued beyond 2024.
- Does the consultant have to be listed?
- Yes. Without a BAFA listing of the consultant there is no grant. Ask before the start, me and anyone else.
Have your project checked.
Write me your company size and topic. You get an honest answer on whether funding is possible.