BAFA consulting grant: how German SMEs get up to 80 % of consulting fees subsidised

The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, BAFA) subsidises management consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. Based on a fee base of up to 3,500 euros per consultation, the grant is 50 % (up to 1,750 euros) in the former West German states and 80 % (up to 2,800 euros) in the former East German states, according to the chambers of commerce. The current guideline runs until 31 December 2026 according to BAFA, and you must apply before signing a contract with the consultant.

What is covered

The programme (“Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU”) supports consulting on economic, financial, staffing and organisational questions of running a business, for example strategy, organisation, financing or HR. The consultant must meet the requirements of the guideline; the Leitstelle and BAFA check this during the process. At the end, you need a consulting report signed by both the consultant and your company, plus an invoice.

Grant by region

According to the chambers of commerce (IHK), the fee base is capped at 3,500 euros per consultation for all companies. Since 15 November 2025, BAFA calculates the grant on the gross invoice amount for applicants who cannot deduct input VAT; otherwise the net amount applies.

A round-number example: a company in Bavaria hires a consultant for 4,000 euros net. Only 3,500 euros count, and 50 % of that gives a grant of 1,750 euros. In Saxony (outside the Leipzig region), it would be 80 % of 3,500 euros, or 2,800 euros.

How often you can use it

• At most five completed consultations during the guideline’s whole term.
• At most two per year, counted by the date of application.

The process step by step

1. Apply online with BAFA. Applications go only through the BAFA online portal. You enter your company data; no further documents are needed at this stage.
2. Pre-check by a Leitstelle and BAFA. A Leitstelle (an accredited processing office) and BAFA check the formal conditions and the consultant’s eligibility.
3. Information letter. You receive a non-binding information letter (Informationsschreiben) with the result, conditions and the deadline for the proof of use.
4. Hire the consultant and carry out the consulting. Only now may you sign the contract. The contract signature already counts as the start.
5. Submit the proof of use (Verwendungsnachweis). No later than six months after receiving the information letter, submit it electronically. The pre-filled form is printed, signed and uploaded; only the signed form meets the deadline.
6. Review and payment. The Leitstelle reviews the documents and sends a recommendation to BAFA, which decides on approval and payment.

Because the grant is paid after the proof of use, you need to pre-finance the fee.

The Leitstellen

According to BAFA, the following organisations act as Leitstellen: BBG Bundesbetriebsberatungsstelle GmbH, Förderungsgesellschaft des BDS-DGV mbH, DIHK Service GmbH, Leitstelle für Gewerbeförderungsmittel des Bundes, INTERHOGA and the Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH).

Special rule for young companies

Companies less than one year old at the time of application (Jungunternehmen) must hold an information meeting with a regional contact. It may take place no earlier than three months before the application and must happen before the proof of use is submitted. The contact’s confirmation is part of the proof of use. Founders may also want to look at EXIST and other start-up programmes, covered in a separate guide.

Common pitfalls

• Signing too early. The most common avoidable mistake: wait for the information letter.
• Missing the six-month deadline. Delays in the consulting can quickly eat up the time.
• Unchecked SME status. Linked and partner enterprises count, which matters for subsidiaries of international groups. See the EU SME definition.
• Topic outside the scope. The grant covers questions of running the business. If unsure, ask the Leitstelle first.

Planning consulting costs

The grant covers only part of the fee, and the fee base is capped. How consultants typically charge and what to put in the contract is explained in our guide to grant consultant fees. For selection tips, see how to choose a grant consultant, or browse the grant consulting category.

Sources

• BAFA: Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU
• IHK Gießen-Friedberg: BAFA consulting grant for SMEs
• IHK zu Rostock: Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen

This guide does not replace tax or legal advice; the funding guideline and the funding body’s decision are binding.