BAFA consulting subsidy
Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU (BAFA)
Assessment base €3,500 per consultation. Leipzig region and Berlin: 50% = max €1,750. Other eastern German regions: 80% = max €2,800. Up to 5 consultations in total until end of 2026, max 2 per year.. Provided by BAFA (ESF Plus).
Key facts
- Amount
- Assessment base €3,500 per consultation. Leipzig region and Berlin: 50% = max €1,750. Other eastern German regions: 80% = max €2,800. Up to 5 consultations in total until end of 2026, max 2 per year.
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Voucher
- Who receives it
- Company
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- Yes
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Business seat in Germany
Who can apply
- KMU incl. sole proprietors and freelancers
- Young firms (< 1 year on market) need a free info talk with a regional contact first (≤3 months before applying)
- Apply online before signing the consultant contract
What usually blocks applicants
- Leipzig region counts as 'western' rate (50%) — less than founders expect
- Consultant must be independent; you pre-pay
Why founders miss it
Low effort, works for Einzelunternehmer, and stacks with other programs. Use it for e.g. a pricing/go-to-market consultant before the guideline lapses.
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 31 December 2026
Current guideline runs until 31 Dec 2026; apply before then. A follow-up programme has not been announced yet.
Frequently asked
How much does BAFA consulting subsidy pay?
Assessment base €3,500 per consultation. Leipzig region and Berlin: 50% = max €1,750. Other eastern German regions: 80% = max €2,800. Up to 5 consultations in total until end of 2026, max 2 per year.
Who can apply for BAFA consulting subsidy?
KMU incl. sole proprietors and freelancers Young firms (< 1 year on market) need a free info talk with a regional contact first (≤3 months before applying) Apply online before signing the consultant contract
When is the BAFA consulting subsidy deadline?
Current guideline runs until 31 Dec 2026; apply before then. A follow-up programme has not been announced yet.
Where do I apply for BAFA consulting subsidy?
On the official page: https://www.bafa.de/DE/Wirtschaft/Beratung_Finanzierung/Unternehmensberatung/unternehmensberatung_node.html. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back BAFA consulting subsidy or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for BAFA consulting subsidy?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
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