Request funding for digitalization: instructions & tips

Request for digitalization – many companies want to use grants, but fail at application and formalities. Go ahead.

Step 1: Find a Matching Program

Short: There are numerous programmes (go-digital, regional funding, EU, industries).

There are numerous programmes (go-digital, regional funding, EU, industries). Check which program fits your project and size.

##STR2## Check conditions

Each program has its own criteria: enterprise size, industry, location, type of project. Check the funding policy exactly before you invest time in the application.

Step 3: Prepare your application

Collect documents (e.g. sales, number of employees, project description, cost estimate). Many programs require an application before project start – so do not apply until the work is done.

Step 4: Submit with Partner

Short: Often an approved consultant or translator submits the application together with you.

Often an approved consultant or translator submits the application together with you. An experienced partner knows the formalities and increases the chance of consent.

Common Errors

Short: Request too late, do not fulfill conditions, unclear project description or missing evidence.

Request too late, do not fulfill conditions, unclear project description or missing evidence. Avoid this through early planning and professional support.

Financial: Funding is worthwhile – if application and billing are sitting. We support you with fund advice from program selection to billing.## Overview of the most important funding programs 2026

Bundesebene: go-digital (BMWi) supports SMEs in consulting and implementing digital business processes, digital market development and IT security. Digital Now (BMWi) supports digitalization with grants for hardware and software as well as training.

The KfW Digitalization Credit offers cheap loans for investment in IT and digitalization. Each program has its own target groups, funding levels and application deadlines – advice is worthwhile to find the appropriate program.

** Country level:** Digitalbonus Bayern offers grants up to €50,000 for digital projects from companies. Digital Premium Berlin supports up to €17,000. NRW.Digitalization voucher supports up to €15,000.

Niedersachsen Digital is relevant for companies in Lower Saxony – also for Groenewold IT as an East Frisian company. The conditions and priorities differ according to the federal state; we will check with you what programs fit your project.

Frequent questions about funding for digitalization (FAQ)

Short: Can I combine several funding programmes?

Can I combine several funding programmes? Often yes, if the programmes are not mutually exclusive. Cumulative rules are laid down in the respective directives. .How high is the own contribution?

Depending on the programme, typically 50% or more of the eligible costs. The exact quota is set out in the Funding Directive.

They also receive ongoing costs? Most investment and project-related advice are encouraged; pure transit time costs (e.g. monthly SaaS fees) often only in exceptional or limited amounts.

Can I apply for retroactive funding? Usually no. The application must be submitted before the start of the project or before the first eligible expenditure.

** Helps Groenewold IT to submit your application?** Yes. We support you in arranging your project, selecting the appropriate program and preparing the application documents. Talk to us.

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On the numbers: Survey and market figures without an inline footnote follow common public reports (e.g. Bitkom) and official statistics (Destatis). Practical examples: Groenewold IT internal data, 2026.

References and further reading

Short: The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• European Commission – Digital strategy
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium

"Mobile apps need clear offline and security models alongside UX—trust collapses without both."

— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions