Digitalisation funding in Germany in 2026: what small businesses can still get
Many small businesses in Germany look for a grant for a website, software or automation, and mostly find outdated lists. The well-known federal programmes Digital Jetzt and go-digital no longer accept new applications. What remains is mainly BAFA's consulting support and programmes run by the federal states. This overview reflects October 2026. Always check the official programme page before applying, because funding conditions often change at short notice.
Federal: BAFA support for business consulting
BAFA subsidises consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises, including on digitalisation. The guideline runs until 31 December 2026. The assessment base is €3,500 per consultation; the grant is 50% (max €1,750) in the former western states and 80% (max €2,800) in the eastern states. Up to two consultations a year and five in total are eligible.
The order matters: apply first and wait for the information letter, then start the consultation. Even signing the consulting contract counts as starting. The grant covers the consulting itself, not the later implementation such as development or software purchases.
States: examples from Bavaria and NRW
Bavaria has relaunched its Digitalbonus; according to the City of Munich it runs until 31 December 2027. The standard Digitalbonus is up to €7,500, the Digitalbonus Plus for especially innovative projects up to €30,000. Eligible items include digital technology investments, process digitalisation and IT security. Applications are online and require an ELSTER business account.
In North Rhine-Westphalia the MID digitalisation voucher covers 50% of costs, up to €15,000. Since 2026 it only applies to developing marketable digital products using technologies such as AI or data analytics; purely internal digitalisation is no longer eligible. Places are allocated by lottery: in spring 2026, according to the chamber of commerce, 260 applicants competed for 17 places. Other states have their own programmes; your IHK or chamber of crafts knows the current status.
The most common application mistakes
Most applications fail not on the idea but on formalities.
- Starting the project before approval, which usually rules out funding.
- Confusing a consulting programme with an implementation programme.
- Double funding of the same measure from several public programmes.
- Quotes without a clear scope description that the funding body accepts.
- Missing deadlines for the proof of use.
Is it worth waiting for funding?
Do the maths soberly. If a website or automation brings enquiries or saves working hours every month, waiting months for an uncertain grant often costs more than the grant brings. Where a programme fits and you meet the conditions, use it, but plan the project so it pays off without funding too.
We are not funding consultants and do not file applications. If you apply for funding, we provide quotes with the scope description funding bodies usually require and align the project start with your approval.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there funding for a company website in 2026?
- Some state programmes allow digital investments that can include websites, such as the Digitalbonus in Bavaria. Whether your project qualifies is decided by the funding body under the current guidelines.
- Can I start the project and apply for funding later?
- Usually not. Almost all programmes require that the project starts only after application or approval. A signed contract often already counts as the start.
- Where do I find the programmes in my state?
- Ask your IHK or chamber of crafts and check the federal funding database. Always verify on the funding body's own page, not only on overview articles.
Sources
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