Digital funding 2024 - does it still exist?

Find out in this article how you can access the funds and what they can be used for.

Banks are often used as project sponsors for the processing of public digitization funding in craft businesses. The application by the company is usually handled by the house bank or via a business consultant.

The consultants provide support with the application for the respective funding and help with the analysis and check together with the entrepreneurs which processes can be digitized or are eligible for funding. Funding is usually provided either as a low-interest loan or as a grant, sometimes in combination.

What funding programs are currently available?

Nationwide: go-digital

This federal program provides funding for measures in the areas of digitalization strategy, IT security, digitalized business processes, data competence and digital market development. Applications for funding for consulting and implementation of digitalization measures in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can still be submitted until further notice. If the funding requirements are met, they can still be approved up to and including December 31, 2024 within the framework of the available budget funds. The implementation of the approved projects is possible until 2025. The go-digital funding program will not be continued after the current funding guideline expires on 01.01.2025!

Baden-Wuerttemberg: Digitization Premium Plus

The Digitization Premium Plus supports digitization projects and measures to improve IT security in SMEs. With improved conditions, an expanded group of eligible applicants and projects eligible for funding, the Digitalization Premium Plus can place an even stronger focus on the digitalization of the entire value and process chain.

Bavaria: Digital bonus

With the Digital bonus, the Free State of Bavaria wants to support small commercial enterprises once again from July 2024 in equipping themselves for the challenges of the digital world. The digital bonus enables companies to digitize their products, processes and services and improve IT security. Small companies can submit applications again until December 2027. A monthly quota will be released for this purpose.

Berlin: Transfer BONUS

Transfer BONUS supports non-repayable grants for technology and knowledge transfer projects between SMEs and scientific and research institutions.
The aim of the funding program is to make it easier for companies to access science and research for their innovative ideas and to support their commercial exploitation.

Brandenburg: Brandenburg innovation voucher

With this funding program, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy of the State of Brandenburg (MWAE) supports you via the ILB in knowledge and technology transfer measures, in the implementation of innovation projects and in digitization measures. However, you cannot currently submit new applications for this funding program.

Bremen: BAB digitization funding

The BAB development bank in Bremen offers various funding opportunities: Support is available ranging from comprehensive financial advice and consulting funding to research and development funding.

Hamburg: Hamburg Digital

Hamburg supports the digital transformation of small and medium-sized companies in the Hamburg economy with consulting and investment services! The “Hamburg Digital” funding program helps with the transition to new digital systems and business models as well as with increasing security when using information and communication technologies.

Hesse: Funding line 2 - Digital innovation projects

The Hessian funding program is divided into different funding lines. Funding line 2 supports digital innovation projects by SMEs. Funding is provided for digital transformation topics, in particular product and process innovation.

North Rhine-Westphalia: Innovative & Digital SMEs

Here you can receive a grant for the innovative development and digitization of products, services, and production processes, which is given as a voucher in different variants.

Thuringia: Digital bonus Thuringia

The Digital bonus supports companies in the digitalization and automation of operational processes as well as products and services or in the introduction or improvement of solutions in the areas of data processing, data management, data security and cyber security. Please note that applications can only be submitted via the Thuringia funding portal.

Tips for your funding application

• If possible, select funding with the largest possible grant component.
• Check the funding conditions to see whether you can combine different types of funding.
• In addition to applying for funding for your digitalization investment, also apply for technology consulting for operations and training costs for your team if possible.
• When planning your digitalization project, also analyze the objectives of the funding project sponsors. Name and describe the relevant points in detail in your application.
• Apply for funding first and wait for the decision! Only then should you invest in equipment and external services!
• Digitization also includes robotics and artificial intelligence!

Practical examples, tried-and-tested solutions and recommendations for action

Forum A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DIGITALISATION at GaLaBau 2024 in Nuremberg offers you the perfect opportunity over four days to find out about current trends and practical solutions in the field of digitization in gardening and landscaping companies and thus further develop your projects and strategies.

All topics and times of the forum on the individual days of the trade fair as well as detailed information on the practical talks, discussions and exhibit presentations can be found in the event schedule of the Forum A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DIGITALISATION.