Employee retention and engagement are central success factors, especially in challenging times. However, targeted investments are necessary to make both possible. The good news: In Germany, companies do not have to shoulder this alone, but can benefit from two funding programs that complement each other effectively in practice:

While BAFA funding is particularly well-suited for classic business and strategic consulting projects, INQA coaching addresses the organizational and personnel aspects of digital transformation and places a stronger focus on sustainable change processes within the company.

BAFA funding for entrepreneurial know-how

Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive subsidies for external consulting services through the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Funding is available for consulting on economic, organizational, and strategic issues.

Typical consulting areas include, for example:

  • Optimization of business processes
  • Digitalization of processes and structures
  • Organizational development
  • Economic management and efficiency improvement
  • Strategic further development of the company

The funding is provided as a subsidy towards consulting costs. The exact funding rate depends on company size and location. The program is intentionally designed to be open and is particularly suited for classic business management and organizational consulting projects. However, the funding is limited to a fee of max. €3,500 (50-80% of which is a subsidy, with 80% available in selected regions).

You can find further information here. Rita Strassburg or Robert Simon will be happy to assist you personally.

INQA Coaching – subsidized consulting focusing on work organization and transformation

In addition to BAFA funding, the INQA Coaching program offers a more structured funding approach that focuses on HR policy and work organization issues in the context of digital transformation.

The program is supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) and is aimed at SMEs with up to 249 employees.

The main focus areas are:

  • Further development of work organization and processes
  • Introduction and integration of digital systems
  • Human resources development and skill management
  • Adaptation of management and organizational structures
  • Designing sustainable transformation processes

A key feature of INQA Coaching is its structured approach with clearly defined phases, as well as the systematic involvement of employees in the change process.

The funding framework includes:

  • up to 12 consulting days
  • maximum €1,200 net per consulting day
  • 80% subsidy, 20% self-contribution by the company
  • project duration of 4 to 7 months

You can find more information about this here or by getting in touch with the experts Rita Strassburg or Robert Simon.

Funding programs such as BAFA and INQA Coaching show that companies in Germany do not have to tackle necessary changes alone. With the right funding, key topics such as digitalization, organizational development, and employee development can be successfully implemented.

All information is provided without guarantee – please check the current funding conditions directly with the funding agencies.