BAFA Central Office: How to apply for funding for business consulting

Introduction and Overview

The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) provides funding for business consulting services for SMEs, a key instrument for strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. An important component of this BAFA funding program is the so-called lead agencies. They play a crucial role in the application process – from the formal review and communication with the Federal Office to the approval and disbursement of the grant.

What do BAFA lead agencies do in the funding program?

Approved lead agencies review the formal eligibility requirements, guide the application process, and support applicants with organizational questions related to business management. They receive the forms, evaluate the documents, and forward them to BAFA for a decision. They are also available as contacts for submitting the proof of expenditure or for any questions regarding the consulting agreement

The funding is aimed at commercial enterprises that require business consulting on economic, personnel, or organizational issues. Completed consulting projects are eligible for funding, provided they meet the requirements and are conducted by qualified consultants. The annual balance sheet total and the industry sector also play a role in eligibility.

Eligible Companies and Requirements

Companies that are based in Germany, belong to the commercial sector, and do not exceed certain size criteria are eligible for funding. Formal funding requirements, such as compliance with the de minimis regulation or proof of a qualified consulting firm, play a particularly important role. The consulting must be conducted by qualified consultants listed with the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Funding can only be granted if the application is submitted before the consulting begins.

Selecting the lead agency – what is important for funding?

A major advantage: The choice of the central office is free. There is no obligation to contact a regionally responsible partner. Those who wish can still have an informational meeting with a regional contact person or use the central office’s list of regional partners for guidance. Further information is also available there for consultants who are new to the system.

Among the best-known agencies is the Federal Central Office for Business Development Funding, based in Cologne. But organizations such as DIHK – Service GmbH, the ZDH, BBG, and INTERHOGA also process numerous applications annually and support both companies and consultants in preparing and submitting the documents

Apply for a grant from the BAFA funding program

Funding is provided through a non-repayable grant. Companies receive reimbursement for a portion of their consulting costs – provided the documents have been submitted correctly and the funding for business consulting has been approved. For this grant to be disbursed, all steps – from selecting the consulting firm to the final invoice – must be properly documented and completed on time.

For companies planning to engage an external consulting firm, it is therefore advisable to find out early on about suitable lead agencies, the correct form, and the information sheet content and requirements. The role of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as the political steering body should also be considered.

Further information on funding and application

The most important forms, information on the proof of expenditure, and the current information sheet are available on the lead agencies’ websites or directly from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Companies using qualified consultants can download and submit all documents there. For further information, it is also recommended to consult the respective lead agencies’ websites – including contact details and FAQs.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about BAFA Funding via Lead Agencies

What is a BAFA Coordination Office?

A Coordination Office is an organization approved by BAFA that accepts, reviews, and forwards applications for funding for business consulting services to the Federal Office. It also handles communication with applicants and ensures a smooth process.

Which Coordination Office is responsible for my company?

You are free to choose your Coordination Office. There is no fixed allocation by federal state or region. Companies can also voluntarily schedule an informational meeting with a regional contact person to clarify any open questions.

Which companies can apply for BAFA funding?

Companies in the commercial sector that meet the criteria for funding business consulting services are eligible for funding – these include, among other things, size, annual balance sheet total, and type of consulting.

How much funding is granted?

Depending on the federal state and type of consulting, between 50% and 80% of the consulting costs are subsidized. The grant is approved and disbursed after a positive review by BAFA.

Where can I find forms and information sheets?

You can find the necessary forms and the information sheet for the funding either at your chosen coordinating office or directly on the website of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control.

Who is authorized to provide advice?

Only qualified consultants listed by BAFA are permitted to work within the program. The consultation must be thematically eligible and complete in scope.

Will my consulting firm be listed automatically?

No. Companies with qualified consultants must actively register. Registration is done upon application via the BAFA electronic portal.

If you would like to become a consultant yourself or need support with your application, you will find   all relevant information on BAFA funding, forms, procedures, and contact points at bafa-berater-werden.de – clearly presented, practical, and regularly updated.