Guide
Consulting subsidiesfor SMEs in Hesse
The federal government and the state of Hesse subsidise consulting for small and medium-sized businesses. The order is important: the application almost always comes before the consulting contract.
In short
Small and medium-sized businesses in Hesse can receive grants towards consulting costs from the federal government (BAFA, funding of management consulting for SMEs) and from the state of Hesse (consulting subsidy via RKW Hessen). For BAFA, the grant in Hesse is 50% of at most €3,500 net; under the current guideline, applications can be made until 31 December 2026. Whether a project is funded is decided by the funding body.
The most important programmes
As of October 2026. Please check the current conditions with the relevant body.
| BAFA: funding of management consulting for SMEs | Federal programme. In Hesse a 50% grant, assessment basis up to €3,500 net per consulting project, so up to €1,750. Up to two consulting projects per year. Online application via a coordinating office before the contract is concluded. Applications under the current guideline until 31 December 2026. |
| State of Hesse: consulting subsidy via RKW Hessen | For businesses with premises in Hesse. Depending on the topic, 50% or 75% of the daily fee, capped per day of work. Handled by RKW Hessen, which also selects the consultants. The guideline runs until 2031. |
There are further programmes for specific topics, for example coaching on work organisation or grants for digitalisation projects. Funding for consulting services is often excluded there.
The right order
- 01
Clarify the project
What should the consulting achieve? A short conversation with the consultant helps to describe the topic.
- 02
Check funding
Clarify with the funding body or RKW Hessen which programme fits and which conditions apply.
- 03
Submit the application
Before signing the consulting contract. A contract concluded beforehand can rule out funding.
- 04
Receive consulting and provide evidence
After the consulting, submit the report, invoice and proof of payment.
What to look out for
- Submit the application before the contract
- Pay the invoice by bank transfer, not in cash or by offsetting
- The consulting must be neutral and must not serve to sell products
- Not every consultant is approved for every programme, so ask
- Funds are limited and there is no entitlement
- Legal, tax and insurance questions are generally not funded
Our note
Whether consulting by FNLY Consulting can be funded is something we clarify with you before you commission us. We cannot promise funding; the funding body decides.
Last updated:
Further reading
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much is BAFA funding in Hesse?
Hesse is one of the former West German states. There the grant is 50% of the consulting costs with an assessment basis of at most €3,500 net, so up to €1,750 per consulting project. The higher rate of 80% is only available in the former East German states.
Does the BAFA application have to be submitted before the consulting?
Yes. The application must be submitted before the consulting contract is concluded. You only start the consulting once you have received the information letter.
Will BAFA funding continue in 2027?
Under the current guideline, applications can be made until 31 December 2026. Whether there will be a successor programme had not been published as of October 2026.
How does the state of Hesse's consulting subsidy work?
It runs via RKW Hessen. The contract is concluded there between the business and RKW; RKW selects a suitable consultant and settles the funding.
Consulting subsidies in Hesse
Have your situation assessed
In the initial call we look at your specific situation. 20 minutes, free of charge.