Government Funding — Up to 50% Subsidy for Your Marketing
Marketing consulting doesn’t have to be expensive. As a BAFA-certified consulting company, our services are eligible for government funding. You invest in professional marketing — the government covers up to half the costs.
Marketing Consulting with Government Funding
Many businesses don’t know that professional marketing consulting can be subsidized through government funding programs. The BAFA program “Promotion of Entrepreneurial Know-How” specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to use external consulting for digitalization and marketing.
As a certified consulting company, our services in Google Ads consulting, SEO strategy, and AI integration are eligible for funding. This means: You receive professional marketing consulting and the government covers up to 50% of the costs.
Applying for funding sounds complicated? It’s not. We support you through the entire application process — from funding eligibility check to final billing.
Funding Programs Overview
Depending on company size, location, and project, various funding programs may apply:
BAFA — Promotion of Entrepreneurial Know-How
Up to 50% subsidy (max. €17,000) for SMEs and freelancers. Covers strategic marketing consulting, digitalization, and process optimization. Available nationwide in Germany.
go-digital (BMWi)
Specifically for digitalization projects: up to 50% funding (max. €16,500). Modules “Digital Market Development” and “Digitalized Business Processes” cover online marketing.
Digital Bonus (State Programs)
Various German federal states offer their own digitalization funding. In Hesse, for example, the “Digi-Zuschuss” program for small businesses with up to €10,000 in funding.
KfW Development Loans
Low-interest loans for investments in digitalization and marketing. Can be combined with subsidies for maximum funding.
| Program | Funding Rate | Max. Subsidy | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAFA Know-how | 50% | €17,000 | SMEs, Freelancers |
| go-digital | 50% | €16,500 | SMEs up to 100 employees |
| Digital Bonus Hesse | up to 50% | €10,000 | Small businesses |
| KfW ERP Digitalization Loan | Interest subsidy | €25,000+ | All SMEs |
What Is Eligible for Funding?
Not every marketing activity is eligible for funding. The key factor is the consulting nature — pure implementation is usually not funded. Our services are structured so that the consulting component meets funding guidelines.
Eligible Consulting Services
- Digitalization Strategy — Analysis of current state and development of a digital marketing roadmap
- SEO Strategy & Audit — Technical analysis, keyword strategy, content planning
- Google Ads Strategy — Campaign structure, tracking concept, bidding strategy
- AI Strategy — Potential analysis, tool selection, implementation roadmap
- Process Optimization — Automation of marketing workflows, reporting systems
- Training & Coaching — Knowledge transfer for your internal team
Not Eligible
- Pure campaign execution without strategic consulting component
- Ad spend / media budget (Google Ads click costs, etc.)
- Software licenses and tool costs
- Graphic design and content production without strategy component
How Funded Consulting Works
From initial contact to funding payout — we guide you through the entire process.
Initial Meeting & Funding Check
We assess which programs qualify for your business. Company type, size, location, and project determine the optimal funding strategy. This meeting is free.
Application Submission
We assist with compiling all documents and formulating the consulting need. For BAFA funding, the application must be submitted before consulting begins.
Approval & Consulting Start
After approval by the funding body, we begin the agreed consulting. The consulting is documented and complies with funding guidelines.
Proof of Use & Payout
After completing the consulting, we submit the proof of use. The subsidy is paid directly to you — you only pay your co-payment.
Requirements for Funding
BAFA funding targets small and medium-sized enterprises. The key criteria:
Company Size
Fewer than 250 employees and max. €50 million annual revenue or €43 million balance sheet total.
Based in Germany
The company must be headquartered in Germany and registered in the commercial or trade register.
Economic Activity
Commercial or freelance activity. Non-profit organizations and associations are partially eligible as well.
No Pre-Insolvency
The company must not be in ongoing insolvency proceedings (exception: companies in difficulty with special regulations).
Frequently Asked Questions About Funding
How long does approval take?
BAFA applications are typically processed within 4–8 weeks. We recommend submitting the application early, as consulting may only begin after approval.
Can I combine multiple funding programs?
Generally yes, as long as the same service isn’t funded twice. BAFA and state programs can often be meaningfully combined. We advise you on the optimal strategy.
What happens if the application is rejected?
Rejections are rare when the requirements are met. Should it happen, we can revise the application or explore alternative programs. The initial consultation remains free.
Do I have to pay the full amount upfront?
With most programs, yes — you pay the consulting fee in full first and receive the subsidy back after completion. Payout typically occurs within a few weeks of submitting the proof of use.
What documents do I need?
Commercial register extract, recent annual financial statements, de minimis declaration, and a brief description of the consulting need. We help compile all documents.
Is ongoing support also eligible for funding?
Funding covers defined consulting projects, not ongoing support. However, strategic consulting phases (e.g., quarterly reviews) can be funded as standalone projects.
Secure Funding — Start Consulting
Free funding check: We’ll assess in 15 minutes which programs qualify for your business.
Schedule Initial Consultation →