Find an INQA coach: How to recognize an authorized coach

The INQA-Coaching is only funded if the coaching is carried out by an authorized INQA coach. Authorization is a funding requirement, not just a quality seal: coaching by a provider without authorization is excluded from the 80% funding.

The first step is to contact the advisory center

Unlike many funding programs, you do not first choose a provider and then submit an application. With INQA-Coaching, the order is reversed:

• Initial consultation at an INQA advisory center – it checks whether your company is eligible for funding
• Issuance of the INQA-Coaching voucher – only this voucher makes the coaching eligible for funding
• Selection of the coach – You decide which authorized coach fits your project
• Implementation – up to twelve coaching days, participation-oriented within the company
• Closing meeting – together with the advisory center

The advisory center is therefore a neutral intermediary between the company and the coach. A reputable coach will explain this process to you proactively, rather than offering you a direct commission.

How to recognize a suitable coach

Authorization is the minimum requirement – but it says nothing about whether the coach is a good fit for your project. These questions are worth asking in the initial consultation:

• Does the coach have in-depth expertise in your topic – such as AI and process automation – or do they provide generic advice on change processes?
• Are they familiar with businesses of your size, or does their experience come from large corporations?
• Does he actually work with the employees, or does he end up delivering a concept paper?
• How does he handle data protection and GDPR when AI tools are introduced?
• How far is the travel distance – and how many appointments actually take place on site?

Why a participatory approach is not a side issue

INQA-Coaching is explicitly participatorydesigned. Solutions should not be imposed from the outside, but developed and tested together with employees within the company. That is the reason for the format of several coaching days over a longer period instead of a compact consulting block.

In practical terms, this means: between appointments, the team tries out the solutions developed in day-to-day work; at the next appointment, adjustments are made based on real experience. A coach who does not describe this approach has not understood the program.

bettersorted as an authorized INQA coach

bettersorted UG is authorized INQA coach based in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The focus is on the practical introduction of AI and automated processes in small and medium-sized enterprises – from the AI telephone assistant to internal knowledge assistants and structured digital filing. We coordinate with the advisory center, carry out the coaching, and support the process through to the final meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding an INQA Coach

Can I choose my INQA coach freely?

Yes, as long as they are an authorized INQA coach. The advisory center checks whether your company is eligible for funding and issues the voucher; you choose the coach yourself.

Does the coach have to be from my region?

No, there is no regional requirement. However, since several coaching days take place at the company, a manageable distance is practical – it makes short-notice appointments easier and reduces travel time.

What does the initial consultation at the advisory center cost?

The initial consultation by the INQA advisory center is free of charge for the company. Costs only arise from the coaching itself, of which 80% is subsidized.

How can I tell that a provider is not authorized?

A clear warning sign is when coaching is sold to you directly without any mention of the INQA advisory center or the consultation voucher. If in doubt, explicitly ask whether they are authorized as an INQA coach.

Next step

Whether your company meets the funding requirements is clarified by the Funding check. Details on the program can be found at INQA-Coaching; for an initial consultation, you can reach us via the contact page.

Status: September 2026. Funding rates according to INQA Coaching (BMAS) and BAFA consulting grant. Funding conditions may change – we check the current status before each application.