Up to 80% of your ISO consulting can be funded.
Many SMEs don't realise that ISO consulting can be subsidised — through BAFA, state programmes and EU funds. I check your options in the free initial consultation and handle the application for you.
What is funding for ISO consulting?
The German federal government, state governments and the EU subsidise business consulting services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal of these programmes is to support SMEs in building professional management systems — and thereby strengthen competitiveness, quality and sustainability.
ISO consulting typically qualifies as a subsidisable business consulting service. This means: a portion of the consulting fee is covered by the state — between 30% and 80% depending on the programme.
The critical point: most funding applications must be submitted before consulting begins. Waiting means losing the entitlement. This is why I check funding options with you in the very first meeting.
Note: These programmes are primarily designed for companies with German operations. International clients should enquire about equivalent programmes in their home country.
Request a Free Consultation
I'll get back to you within 24 hours — no obligation, personal response.
Thank you!
I'll get back to you personally within 24 hours.
- ✓No obligation
- ✓BAFA funding may apply
- ✓Response within 24 hours
The key funding programmes.
There is no universal programme — the optimal funding depends on your federal state, company size and consulting content. I combine programmes to achieve the maximum funding rate.
BAFA Business Consulting Subsidy
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) funds consulting services for SMEs nationwide. The subsidy rate is 50% (western states) or 80% (eastern states + Berlin) on eligible consulting costs up to €3,500 — giving a maximum subsidy of €1,750 or €2,800 respectively.
- ·Companies existing for at least 2 years
- ·SME under EU definition
- ·Application before consulting start
SAB Saxony — SME Consulting Subsidy
The Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) funds business consulting for Saxon SMEs with up to 70% — significantly higher than the federal BAFA programme.
- ·Company registered in Saxony
- ·SME under EU definition
- ·ERDF co-financed
ESF+ & ERDF — EU Funding Programmes
EU structural funds (ESF and ERDF) flow through state programmes into funding for business consulting and training. Eastern Germany in particular benefits from high co-financing rates.
- ·Training and qualification
- ·Consulting and process optimisation
- ·Applied through state authorities
GRW — Regional Economic Development
The federal programme for improving regional economic structure (GRW) enables significantly higher funding rates in structurally weak regions including Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg.
- ·Eastern German states prioritised
- ·Structurally weak regions
- ·Combined with state programmes
TAB, IFB, L-Bank & other state banks
Other states have their own development banks with similar SME consulting programmes: TAB (Thuringia), IFB (Hamburg), L-Bank (Baden-Württemberg), NBank (Lower Saxony).
- ·State-dependent
- ·Often combinable with BAFA
- ·I check your specific options
I combine programmes for you
Maximum funding is often achieved by combining multiple programmes. I check which apply to your company, submit the applications and coordinate the process.
Request a funding checkHow funding works in practice.
The funding application must be submitted before consulting begins. This is why every project starts with a check of your funding options.
Initial consultation & funding check
In the free initial consultation we clarify your needs and check directly which funding programmes apply to you.
Application submission
I submit the funding applications before consulting begins. This is the critical prerequisite for all programmes — without this step, funding is forfeited.
Funding approval received
Once the approval notice arrives, consulting begins. Approval takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the programme.
Consulting & certification
ISO consulting runs from gap analysis to passed certification audit. You initially pay the full fee.
Subsidy paid out
After submitting the final invoice, the funding body reimburses the approved amount — directly to your account.
Funding FAQ
Can I apply for funding retrospectively?
No. Almost all funding programmes require an application to be submitted before the consulting service begins. Starting consulting without a prior application means funding is lost completely. This is the main reason we check funding options already in the first meeting.
Can I use multiple funding programmes at the same time?
In principle yes, but cumulation rules apply — total funding must not exceed the permitted state aid threshold (de-minimis rule: max. €300,000 over 3 years). In practice two programmes can often be combined without violating cumulation rules. I check this for your specific case.
Does the funding advisory cost extra?
No. Checking your funding options and submitting the application are part of my service and cost nothing extra. The initial consultation is already free — including the funding check.
Let's talk.
Tell me where you stand and what you need. Within 24 hours you receive a first assessment and a concrete meeting proposal — free and without commitment.
- ✓Reply within 24 hours
- ✓Free first consultation, no strings attached
- ✓BAFA funding eligibility checked for you
Thank you!
Your enquiry has been received. You'll hear back from me personally within 24 hours.