INQA Coaching

What is INQA-Coaching?

INQA-Coaching is a consulting programme of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) as part of the New Quality of Work Initiative, funded by federal funds and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). It supports the accompaniment of small and medium-sized enterprises in personnel policy and work organization changes associated with the digital transformation in the company – for example, the introduction of AI.

Unlike a classic consultancy, INQA-Coaching does not provide a ready-made concept from outside. An authorized coach accompanies a learning and development process in which the employees are involved. This is not a recommendation, but a requirement of the funding guideline.

What does INQA coaching cost – and how high is the subsidy?

Up to twelve consulting days of eight hours each are funded, with a daily rate of no more than €1,200 net. The subsidy amounts to 80 % per consulting day, nationwide. The company covers 20% of the eligible fee itself.

• 4 consulting days: €4,800 fee – €3,840 grant – €960 own contribution
• 8 consulting days: 9,600 € fee – 7,680 € grant – 1,920 € own contribution
• 12 consulting days: 14,400 € fee – 11,520 € grant – 2,880 € own contribution

Is your company not eligible for input tax deduction, VAT is also eligible for funding. Travel costs and materials are not eligible for funding. Important: The funding follows the reimbursement principle – you first pay for the coaching in full and receive the grant reimbursed after completion and review.

Requirements in detail

Eligible applicants are legally independent companies, members of the liberal professions, and non-profit organizations with registered office and place of business in Germany, who

• as SMEs are considered: fewer than 250 employees (in annual work units) and no more than €50 million in revenue or €43 million in total assets,
• for the initial consultation since have been established on the market for at least two years— a change in legal form, ownership, or a business takeover has not been detrimental since the June 2026 directive, provided the business itself has existed for two years,
• in the last completed fiscal year and at the start of the coaching at least one full-time position subject to social security contributions – trainees, mini-jobs and management are not counted; part-time positions are counted proportionally.

Not eligible for funding include, among others:

• Companies that have already participated in INQA-Coaching – the funding is only available once,
• companies with at least 25% public-sector ownership,
• companies in insolvency or enforcement proceedings,
• consulting firms that themselves advise on personnel policy or work organization,
• economic sectors excluded by the De minimis Regulation, such as fisheries and aquaculture.

The three phases of coaching

The coaching follows a defined agile method with a steering committee made up of management and employees and a lab team, which develops the solutions.

• Initial phase: Define topics and objectives, appoint the lab team, kick-off workshop.
• Innovation phase: The work program is implemented in defined work phases – each with a moderated planning and review session.
• Learning phase: Evaluate the results together so that the company can continue the process independently.

The coaching usually takes place on site at the company; digital appointments are possible as long as no employees are excluded as a result. It must be completed within seven months of the coaching voucher being issued. Three to six months later, a closing meeting with the advisory center follows.

How do I find an INQA advisory center?

The starting point is always the free initial consultation at an INQA advisory center (IBS). It checks whether your company meets the requirements and is ready for a participatory process, and issues the INQA coaching voucher. The advisory centers are distributed across Germany – often at chambers, employers’ associations, educational institutions, or Arbeit und Leben. The current list is available on the map of INQA advisory centers; which office in your city offers the initial consultation can also be found in our city articles further below.

What is an INQA coach – and how do I find one?

An INQA-Coach is a consultant who is authorized is. Only authorized coaches may conduct funded coaching sessions; subcontracting to unauthorized persons is excluded. The advisory center may not recommend any specific coach; you choose yourself from the INQA coach map. bettersorted is an authorized INQA coach with a focus on digitalization and AI.

How long does the program run?

According to the guideline of 12 June 2026, coaching vouchers until 30 June 2028issued; later only with the approval of the BMAS. The coaching must be completed by 31 December 2028 – anyone who starts late may therefore have less than seven months.

INQA coaching or BAFA consulting funding?

The BAFA consulting fundingsubsidizes a short individual consultation up to €3,500 in costs – at 80% only in the new federal states and the Lüneburg and Trier regions, otherwise at 50%, and only for applications submitted by 31.12.2026. INQA-Coaching supports a longer, participation-oriented process nationwide at 80%. Both programs may not be used for the same consultation. The appropriate path is shown by the funding check.

Status: September 2026. Source: INQA-Coaching guideline of 12.06.2026 (BAnz AT 22.06.2026 B2) and inqa.de. Only the version currently in force shall be authoritative.