Support program: Digital Now – Grant for investment in digitization 

• More investment by medium-sized companies in digital technologies as well as employee qualification and know-how
• More cross-industry digitization processes for SMEs and craftsmen
• Improved digital business processes in companies
• More opportunities through digital business models
• Strengthening the competitiveness and innovative capacity of SMEs
• Empowering employees to recognize the opportunities offered by digitization and to initiate new investments in the digitization of their company
• Higher IT security in companies
• Strengthening of companies in economically structurally weak regions

Which investments are supported?

Funding module 1: “Investment in digital technologies”

• Investments in software and hardware, especially for the internal and external networking of the company
• Funding is available for investments in digital technologies and related processes and changes in the company.
• Exemplary reference topics: Data-driven business models, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud applications, big data, sensors, 3D printing, IT security and privacy.

Promotion module 2: “Investment in employee qualification”

• Training of employees in the use of digital technologies.
• Funding is available for investments that improve the qualifications of the company’s employees – particularly in the development and implementation of a digital strategy within the company and in IT security and data protection, but also fundamentally on digital working and the necessary basic skills.
• The quality level of the training providers must be documented by certification according to ISO 9001 or accreditation according to AZAV.

Important: Companies can apply for funding in one or both modules.

Application procedure

The application is made exclusively via the electronic application form. The application is possible from 07. September 2020.

Required are

• Company data
• Information on previous grants (de minimis certificate),
• A company-specific digitization plan, which, among other things, presents the specific information on the planned investment project in a structured manner.
• Information on the planned investments (offer(s) from external suppliers / service providers)
• Information on the applicant’s own contribution

Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

Application possibility for startups

Start-ups can apply for funding if a significant business operation with sufficient revenues can already be identified. The company must be founded and a first annual financial statement should be available. “Companies in formation” are excluded from the application. Investments that are used to establish a business model or operation for the first time (including the procurement of initial basic ICT equipment) are not eligible for funding.

Further information on the program

For further information: Click here to go to the BMWi website

FAQ about the program: Click here for the FAQ

• Are you looking for investment grants for digitization measures? You want to invest in hardware or software or the digitization of an entire business area? You want to support your employees in the area of IT security or in general for digitization measures?
• Then we are the right contact!
  We can help you with all aspects of applying for the “Digital Now!” funding program.
• We provide detailed advice on the possibilities of the “Digital Now” program!

You are welcome to contact us via our office email info@thierhoff-consulting.de or by phone at 0221 / 430 75 680.
We look forward to hearing from you!