BAFA-funded digitalization consulting for SMEs
Digitalization, process optimization, IT consolidation, and AI implementation with government funding
Many small and medium-sized businesses face the challenge of digitizing their processes, modernizing their IT systems, or making effective use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, there is often a lack of clarity regarding which measures actually make economic sense and which investments will create long-term value.
Dategro helps companies set the right priorities, identify opportunities, and successfully implement digital transformation initiatives.
- BAFA-listed consulting company
- BVMW-certified consulting
- Head of the Digitalization, Processes & AI Competence Forum in the SME Advisory Network
What is the BAFA grant for management consulting?
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) provides funding for consulting services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The goal of the funding program is to support companies with economic, organizational, and strategic issues and to strengthen their competitiveness in the long term.
Depending on the company’s location, grants covering up to 80% of consulting costs may be available.
Funding is not provided for software, hardware, or implementation projects, but rather for the actual consulting services.
Who is eligible?
In general, small and medium-sized enterprises are eligible for funding if they:
- are headquartered in Germany,
- meet the SME criteria,
- are engaged in economic activity,
- apply for consulting services before the project begins.
Eligibility should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What consulting services are eligible for funding?
The following topics, among others, may be eligible for funding:
- Digitization of business processes
- Process optimization
- Organizational development
- IT strategy
- Data strategy
- Automation
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital transformation
- Corporate development
What topics do we advise on?
Digitization of Business Processes
Many companies still rely on manual workflows, Excel-based processes, or data silos between different systems.
We analyze existing workflows and develop practical solutions for digitizing and optimizing business processes.
IT Consolidation and System Landscapes
Legacy IT infrastructures often result in high costs, unnecessary complexity, and inefficient processes.
We provide clarity on existing system landscapes and develop cost-effective target architectures.
Data Strategy and Reporting
Data is the foundation of sound decision-making.
We help companies establish data structures, key performance indicators, and reporting processes that enable faster and more informed decision-making.
AI Consulting and Automation
Not every company needs artificial intelligence. Where AI can be used in a way that makes economic sense, we help assess, prioritize, and implement suitable solutions.
In doing so, we consider not only the technology, but also processes, data quality, and organizational requirements.
Digital Transformation
Digitalization is not an IT project, but a process of change.
We support companies in planning, prioritizing, and implementing their transformation initiatives.
Why Dategro?
Many consulting firms focus exclusively on strategy or exclusively on technical implementation.
Dategro combines both perspectives.
We conduct a comprehensive analysis of processes, data, organization, and systems, and use these insights to develop concrete, cost-effective recommendations for action.
Our focus is on:
- Digitalization in SMEs
- Process optimization
- IT consolidation
- Data strategy
- Automation
- Artificial intelligence
- Organizational transformation
By combining consulting expertise with implementation experience, we create solutions that aren’t just effective on paper but can be successfully implemented in practice.
Here's how the BAFA grant works
1. Non-binding initial consultation
Together, we’ll assess your current situation and identify the challenges and opportunities you face.
2. Eligibility Review
We discuss the basic requirements and determine whether BAFA funding might be available.
3. Application Submission
The funding application is submitted before the consultation begins.
4. Consultation
Once the funding requirements have been met, the actual consultation takes place.
5. Grant
After the consultation is completed, the grant can be applied for and disbursed in accordance with the funding guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions about BAFA Funding
The amount of funding depends on the company’s location.
The grant currently covers up to 80% of the eligible consulting fees.
The maximum base amount is currently 3,500 euros. This results in a maximum grant of up to 2,800 euros per consulting engagement.
Since funding conditions are subject to change, we recommend reviewing the currently valid funding guidelines on a case-by-case basis.
The BAFA grant program helps small and medium-sized enterprises access external management consulting services.
Generally, small and medium-sized enterprises based in Germany that meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Yes. Consulting services related to digitalization may generally be eligible for funding.
Yes. The analysis and optimization of business processes are among the typical areas of consulting.
Consulting services related to the evaluation, implementation, and strategic use of artificial intelligence may generally be eligible for funding.
No. The grant covers consulting services, not software, hardware, or licensing costs.
Yes. As a general rule, you must apply for funding before the consultation begins.
Yes. During an initial consultation, we can discuss eligibility in general.
The duration depends on the scope and objectives of the project in question.
Sie möchten herausfinden, welche Potenziale in Ihrem Unternehmen bestehen, welche Digitalisierungsmaßnahmen wirklich sinnvoll sind und ob eine BAFA-Förderung möglich ist?
Sprechen Sie mit uns in einem unverbindlichen Erstgespräch. Gemeinsam prüfen wir Ihre Ausgangssituation und identifizieren die größten Hebel für Digitalisierung, Prozessoptimierung, Datenstrategie und KI.
Dategro partners with deal teams to conduct targeted technical due diligence that identifies hidden IT risks, quantifies their impact on valuation, and creates clear remediation roadmaps—all within standard deal timelines.
