Employee retention and engagement are key factors for success, especially during challenging times. However, targeted investments are necessary to achieve both. The good news is that in Germany, companies do not have to manage this on their own; instead, they can benefit from two funding programs that complement each other effectively in practice:

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

BAFA Funding for Entrepreneurial Expertise

Through the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), small and medium-sized enterprises can receive grants for external consulting services. Funding is available for consulting services related to economic, organizational, and strategic issues.

Typical areas of consultation include, for example:

  • Business Process Optimization
  • Digitization of processes and structures
  • Organizational Development
  • Financial Management and Efficiency Improvements
  • Strategic Development of the Company

Funding is provided in the form of a grant toward consulting costs. The exact funding rate depends on the size and location of the business. The program is intentionally designed to be flexible and is particularly well-suited for traditional business management and organizational consulting projects. However, funding is limited to a maximum fee of €3,500 (50–80% of which is covered by the grant) (80% is available in selected regions).

For more information, please visit here. We would be happy to assist you personally Rita Strassburg or Robert Simon will be happy to assist you.

INQA Coaching – Subsidized Consulting Focused on Work Organization and Transformation

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

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

The focus is particularly on:

  • Further development of work organization and processes
  • Implementation and Integration of Digital Systems
  • Human Resources Development and Skills Management
  • Adjustment 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 consultation days
  • up to €1,200 net per consulting day
  • 80% grant, 20% company contribution
  • Project duration of 4 to 7 months

For more information, please visit here or by consulting with the experts Rita Strassburg or Robert Simon.

Funding programs such as BAFA and INQA Coaching demonstrate that companies in Germany do not have to tackle necessary changes on their own. With the right support, key initiatives such as digitalization, organizational development, and employee development can be successfully implemented.

All information is provided without guarantee—please check the current eligibility requirements directly with the funding agencies.