„Digital Jetzt“ - Investment support for small and medium-sized enterprises
In the current situation, everything is a bit difficult and complicated. Nevertheless, you would like to invest in a new project, but are wondering how the financing is to be managed? We have the answer: With the new funding program "Digital Now" you get up to 50% funding rate!
Digitisation is the key point to make your own company even more successful. Simplification of communication, improvement of customer service or cost savings can be of considerable benefit. Some companies are ahead of the game and are already investing in digitisation departments that focus exclusively on introducing or optimizing digital structures at their own sites. Since 2020, the profession of "digitalisation management clerk" has even been a separate training program.
In the German sector, however, there is still talk of a digitisation gap that needs to be closed. The federal government therefore wants to actively provide support for digitisation. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) has therefore launched the new program „Digital Jetzt“ for all small and medium-sized enterprises. The program supports companies in their investments in digital technologies and the qualification of employees. Business processes are to be improved, as are competitive and innovative capabilities or IT security in the companies themselves - also and especially in economically structurally weak regions.
„Digital Jetzt“
We have compiled the most important key data for you
Name of the support program
„Digital Jetzt - Investment promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises”
Supported by the
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
On the 15th of each month, a contingent of new registrations is activated for the application tool
Runtime
07.09.2020 until 31.12.2023
Who is supported?
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- From all sectors, incl. craft enterprises and liberal professions
- With 3 to 499 employees
Requirements for the promotion
- Permanent establishment or branch in Germany
- Submission of a digital plan (describe the entire digitalisation project, type and number of qualification measures, actual and target state of digitalisation in the company, presentation of the concrete advantages for the company through better digitalisation)
- The funding project was not started before receiving the funding approval
- The project must have been implemented no later than 12 months after the grant was awarded
- The company must be able to provide evidence of how the funding was used
Which investments are supported?
The funding modules:
Module 1 „Investment in digital technologies"
Hardware and software, especially for the internal and external networking of the company
Digital technologies and related processes
Examples: Data-driven business models, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud applications, big data, sensor technology, 3D printing and IT Security and data protection
Module 2 „Investing in the qualification of employees"
Train employees in the use of digital media,
especially in the development and implementation of a digital strategy in the company, as well as IT security and data protection, but also basic digital work and the necessary basic skills (must be documented by certification according to ISO 9001 or accreditation according to AZAV)
Good to know: Companies can apply for funding in one or both modules
How is it promoted?
- There is a grant that does not have to be repaid
- The company has 12 months to implement the digitisation project
- The grant is paid out after successful verification of the use of the funds
Funding amount per project
- Based on company size: currently up to 50%.
- The funding rate (in % of the investment costs) is graded according to the size of the company
- Max. 50.000 € per company
- For investments in value chains and/or networks, up to €100,000 per company can be applied for
- Due to the Corona pandemic, all funding quotas have been increased by 10%. As of 01.07.2021, the funding quotas for all projects will decrease again by 10%.
- Up to 50 employees: up to 50% (40%)
- Up to 250 employees: up to 45% (35%)
- Up to 499 employees: up to 40% (30%)
You can also find more information in the FAQ on the website of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Here are a few examples of funding genannt.
We would be happy to advise and support you in your current project and work with you on the funding application. Simply tell us your request by e-mail or give us a call.
