80% funding for consulting: Which programs actually pay it – and where

For small and medium-sized enterprises, there are currently two programs with an 80% funding rate for consulting services: INQA-Coaching with up to €11,520 – nationwide – and the BAFA consulting subsidy of up to €2,800, however only in structurally weak regions. The difference in funding volume is therefore more than fourfold.

The two programs in direct comparison

• INQA-Coaching – 80% nationwide, up to €11,520 grant, €2,880 own contribution, up to twelve coaching days, participatory introduction within the team, program until 2028
• BAFA consulting subsidy – 80% only in structurally weak regions (up to €2,800), otherwise 50% (up to €1,750), assessment basis €3,500, traditional management consulting, program limited until 31.12.2026

Where the 80% actually applies at BAFA

This is where most overviews become inaccurate. BAFA structures the funding rate by region:

• 80% in structurally weak regions – the new federal states and Berlin, i.e. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Saxony, for example
• 50 % in the remaining regions – e.g. Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria

So if you are based in Hamburg or Lübeck and are looking for 80% funding, you will not find it from BAFA, but from INQA-Coaching – whose funding rate is uniform nationwide.

Requirements for the 80% under INQA-Coaching

• Fewer than 250 employees
• Annual revenue of no more than €50 million or annual balance sheet total of no more than €43 million
• At least one full-time position subject to social security contributions
• For at least two years in the market
• Registered office and place of work in Germany – including liberal professions and non-profit organizations

The two-year limit excludes young start-ups, and the 250-employee limit excludes larger mid-sized companies. Between these two, the group of eligible applicants is intentionally defined broadly – including liberal professions and non-profit organizations.

What “80%" means in practice

A common misconception: 80% does not mean that 80% of any arbitrarily high invoice will be reimbursed. Both programs have an upper limit, and the funding is calculated on a defined assessment basis.

• INQA Coaching: 80% of a consulting value of up to €14,400 → maximum €11,520 grant, €2,880 own contribution
• BAFA in structurally weak regions: 80% of a maximum of €3,500 → maximum €2,800 grant, €700 own contribution

In both cases, the money is not paid out in advance: the consulting is carried out, the proof of use is prepared, and then the grant is paid out. The own contribution must be borne by you in any case.

Frequently asked questions about the 80% funding for consulting services

Which program pays 80% nationwide?

INQA-Coaching. It is a program of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, funded by the European Social Fund Plus, and does not have any regional tiering of the funding rate.

Can I combine both programs?

Yes, one after the other and for different, clearly defined topics. Double funding for the same service is excluded. In structurally weak regions such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, both are funded at 80%.

Do I have to pay upfront?

Yes, to a certain extent. The grant is paid out after the consulting has been completed and the proof of use has been reviewed; the company remains responsible for its own contribution.

Is there 80% funding for software or hardware as well?

No, both programs fund consulting services, not investments. For digitalization investments, there are state programs – in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, the Digitalization Funding MV with 50% for SMEs in manufacturing, crafts, or tourism.

Next step

The Funding Check assigns your project to the appropriate program in just a few minutes. The program pages in detail: INQA coaching, BAFA consulting subsidy, Digitalization funding MV.

As of September 2026. Funding rates according to INQA-Coaching (BMAS) and BAFA consulting funding. Funding conditions may change – we check the current status before each application.