50% or 80% subsidy for your AI consulting
is the German federal funding programme for SMB consulting. The rate depends on your company's location — we check eligibility and prepare the application with you.
Important: Apply BEFORE the consulting starts
Retroactive BAFA applications are not possible. The application must be filed online via the BAFA platform AND approved before the consulting contract is signed and the consulting begins. The eligibility check in the initial call does not count as the start of consulting.
How the funding works
Check eligibility
In 10 minutes we check whether your company meets the requirements — SMB definition, registered office, location (for the funding rate), prior subsidies.
Prepare the application
You file the application online via the BAFA platform — we prepare all documents and walk you through the portal step by step.
Wait for approval
4-8 weeks processing time. Only after approval may a consulting contract be signed and the consulting started — retroactive applications are excluded.
Run the consulting
After approval we start the AI consulting — max. 5 consulting days, to be completed within 6 months.
Receive the subsidy
Submit the proof of use online and document full payment of the consulting fee — the subsidy is paid out directly to you after BAFA's final check.
What to know about the programme
Three hard limits we make transparent up front — clients usually only discover them just before applying:
Max. 5 consulting engagements per company
across the entire programme period (until 31 Dec 2026). Lifetime cap depending on location: 5 × 1,750 € = 8,750 € (standard region) or 5 × 2,800 € = 14,000 € (boost region).
Max. 2 consulting engagements per year
What counts is the date of application — those who file two applications in Q4 still have two slots free in the new year.
Max. 5 consulting days per engagement
Longer engagements may need to be split across separate applications with clearly distinct topics.
Complete consulting within 6 months
From the approval date you have 6 months for delivery and proof of use. We plan the timeline together in the initial call.
Frequently asked about the funding
Who can apply for BAFA funding?
Micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the commercial economy as well as members of the liberal professions, in line with the EU SMB definition, with a registered office or branch in Germany. Non-profits are excluded.
How much is the subsidy?
Funding is regionally tiered: 50% of the consulting cost (max. 1,750 € subsidy) in the old federal states without Lüneburg region and Trier region — which also applies for Hameln, Hannover, Hildesheim and Bielefeld. 80% (max. 2,800 €) in the new federal states (excluding Berlin and Leipzig region), Lüneburg region and Trier region.
Do I have to apply myself?
The application must formally be filed by your company online via the BAFA platform. We check eligibility, prepare all documents and walk you through the application and the later proof of use. Important: the application must be filed before the consulting starts — retroactive applications are excluded.
How long does approval take?
Typically 4-8 weeks after the application is received. Consulting can only start after approval.
Does the funding also cover AI projects?
Yes. BAFA funds management consulting that improves competitiveness — AI consulting is explicitly included.
Quick check
Are you eligible?
Six questions, one direct verdict with a concrete funding rate and maximum subsidy. Runs live in your browser, no enquiry needed. If you qualify you can book an initial call right away.
1.How many people work at your company?
2.Is your registered office in Germany?
3.Has your company been active on the market for at least one year?
4.Is your company part of a group or linked to other companies that together employ more than 250 people?
5.Do you specifically want AI consulting (analysis, concept, roadmap)?
6.Where is your company located? (determines the funding rate)
The Lüneburg region is the former Lüneburg district (eastern Lower Saxony). Hameln, Hannover, Hildesheim and Bielefeld belong to the standard region.
Verdict
Answer all six questions
Once all six questions are answered, your verdict appears here with the concrete funding rate and maximum subsidy.
Non-binding preliminary assessment based on the main BAFA criteria (BMWE publication June 2025 + BAFA leaflets 1 Jan 2023). No guarantee of funding — the final decision rests with BAFA as the approving authority during the application process. Consulting for close relatives within the meaning of § 11 (1) no. 1 German Criminal Code (spouses, civil partners, siblings and their partners, foster parents/children) as well as for the company's own shareholders or staff is generally excluded. Not legal advice.
Registered and listed as a BAFA consultant
KaaTai has been officially listed as a consulting firm in the BAFA programme „Funding of business consulting for SMBs“ since 8 June 2026 (status `GELISTET`). In your application you name us as the consulting firm using the following BAFA consultant number (UBF = Unternehmensberatungsförderung):
Check eligibility now
In 10 minutes you'll know whether your business qualifies. Free and no commitment.
Start the funding check