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Government Funding Overview
Regulatory requirements such as GDPR, NIS-2, ISO 27001, or the EU AI Act present small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with complex organizational challenges.
This is precisely where state support comes into play: Through the BAFA funding program "Promotion of Business Consulting for SMEs", your company has the opportunity to receive a grant covering up to 80% of eligible consulting costs (depending on the region and the company's registered seat) for qualified advisory services.
As a BAFA-registered consulting firm, aigner business solutions GmbH focuses entirely on the technical and operational success of your project. We gladly support you in identifying your key areas of action, professionally executing the consulting deliverables within your organization, and finally preparing the mandatory, BAFA-compliant consulting report for your proof of use.
Overview
Key Facts About the Grant
The most important key parameters of the official federal program at a glance.
Funding Program
Official federal program "Promotion of Business Consulting for SMEs" by BAFA.
Program Objective
Targeted strengthening of the competitiveness, adaptability, and future viability of SMEs.
Financial Benefit
Grant covering up to 80% of eligible consulting costs (location-dependent).
Multiple Funding Claims
Up to 2 consultations per calendar year, up to a maximum of 5 consultations within the program duration.
Consulting Duration
A maximum of 5 consulting days or 40 hours are eligible for funding per consulting project.
Qualified Partner
aigner business solutions is officially registered and approved as a consulting firm with BAFA.
Range of Services
Eligible Consulting Areas
BAFA provides funding for individual, conceptual management consulting. Within the scope of our core competencies, we advise you on the following key areas:
Information Security & Management Systems (ISMS)
- Design and implementation of an ISMS according to ISO/IEC 27001, TISAX®, or BSI IT-Grundschutz
- Readiness assessments and preparation for certification audits
- Implementation strategies for regulatory and legal mandates (e.g., NIS-2, DORA)
Data Protection & GDPR Organizational Consulting
- Review and optimization of existing data protection organizations and processes
- Execution of data protection audits and creation of risk analyses
AI Governance & AI Management Systems
- Establishment of governance structures for the safe and compliant use of Artificial Intelligence (EU AI Act)
- Preparation for certifications according to ISO/IEC 42001 (Artificial Intelligence – Management Systems)
Compliance Management & Whistleblower Systems
- Setup and further development of structured Compliance Management Systems (CMS)
- Integration of legally compliant internal reporting channels according to the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG)
Corporate Security Awareness & Culture
- Development of customized awareness concepts and training strategies to embed a sustainable security culture within your organization
Prerequisites
Eligibility Criteria (SME Status)
BAFA funding is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that fulfill the criteria of the official EU SME definition:
Number of Employees
Fewer than 250 employees
Financial Thresholds
Annual turnover of no more than €50 million OR an annual balance sheet total of no more than €43 million
Registered Seat
Legally independent enterprise with registered seat and business operations in Germany
Corporate Group
If applicable, data from partner or linked enterprises must be taken into account
* Additional Requirements: Further exclusion criteria and eligibility conditions set by BAFA apply and must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Step by Step
Structured Process of Your Funded Project
A clearly defined process creates transparency and ensures that consulting is carried out and documented according to official requirements.
01
Free Initial Consultation
Joint clarification of your consulting needs and discussion of essential prerequisites for potential funding under the BAFA program.
02
Application Prior to Project Start
The funding application must be submitted online by the applicant company via the BAFA portal prior to starting the consultation. The consulting project may only begin after approval/confirmation.
03
Execution & Documentation
Customized execution of the agreed consulting project by our expert team, along with the preparation of the required formal consulting report.
04
Proof of Use & Disbursement
Submission of all relevant documents (e.g., proof of payment, final report) by the company within 6 months. Upon audit and approval, the grant is paid out.
Funding Structure & Reimbursement Rates
The grant amount is determined by the location of the operating business. The maximum eligible consulting cost basis is €3,500.
Up to 80% Reimbursement
New Federal States (Neue Bundesländer)
Funding Rate
80 %
Maximum Grant Amount
€2,800
Up to 50% Reimbursement
Old Federal States (Alte Bundesländer)
Funding Rate
50 %
Maximum Grant Amount
€1,750
Legal Notice Regarding Funding Advisory: All information provided on this page regarding funding rates, eligibility criteria, and general framework conditions is based on the current guidelines of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) for the "Promotion of Business Consulting for SMEs". All information is provided without guarantee. There is no legally binding entitlement to the granting of funding; the final decision rests exclusively with the responsible approving authority (BAFA).
Turn Regulatory Requirements into a Competitive Advantage
FAQ – BAFA Funding
Which timing is decisive for the application submission?
The application must strictly be submitted online to BAFA prior to starting the consulting service and prior to signing any legally binding consulting contract.
Are ongoing support services or retainers eligible for funding?
No. BAFA funding applies exclusively to time-limited, conceptual consulting projects. Routine operational tasks or ongoing support functions (such as continuously acting as an external Data Protection Officer or Information Security Officer) are excluded from funding.
Is the initial consultation subject to a fee?
No. The initial consultation to align project contents and review formal BAFA eligibility criteria is completely free of charge and non-binding for your company.
Is pure software or hardware acquisition eligible for funding?
No. BAFA funding focuses exclusively on advisory, conceptual, and organizational services. However, the further development of your processes and systems in preparation for acquisitions or certifications is fully eligible for funding.