4eBusiness GmbH – home
Consultation with a laptop at a meeting table

Funding options for your digital project

Grants, development loans and tax incentives: see which federal, state and EU programmes fit our services – and what you need to keep in mind.
Federal, state & EUFiltered by serviceWith conditions & links
Updated
Reading time
9 min

Funding programmes by service

Choose a service to see the matching programmes. Each card names the funding, the key conditions and links to the funding body's page. We only list programmes that are currently open and that let you fund work by an external provider like us – or that offer free support. As an alternative, you will find leasing, hire purchase and loans through our financing partners.

Service

Funding type

28 funding programmes

Development loanNationwide

ERP Development Loan for Digitalisation (511/512)

KfW

FundingLow-interest loan for up to 100% of costs, plus an optional ERP grant

Funds digitalisation projects such as ERP and CRM roll-outs, apps, process automation, cloud migration, IT security and AI using company data – including external staff and consulting costs.

Key conditions

  • Commercial companies and freelancers with a project in Germany
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • Level 1 (basic) for SMEs only, after the free KfW digitalisation check
  • Standard software with built-in AI features does not count as an AI project
  • Customary bank collateral required

Fits

To the programme
Development loanNationwide

ERP Development Loan for Innovation (513/514)

KfW

FundingLow-interest loan, plus an optional ERP grant

For developing new digital products, apps, platforms and AI applications – explicitly including development commissioned from a provider.

Key conditions

  • SMEs and mid-sized companies with up to €500m group turnover
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • For simple product improvements (level 1a) at least 5 years on the market

Fits

To the programme
Development loanNationwide

ERP Development Loan for SMEs (365/366)

KfW

FundingLow-interest loan for investments and working capital

A broadly usable development loan for SMEs: software, consulting, staff and marketing costs are explicitly eligible.

Key conditions

  • SMEs as defined by the EU, regardless of company age
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • Variant 366 with 50% liability release, from two completed financial years
  • No grant, but particularly favourable for young companies

Fits

To the programme
Tax incentiveNationwide

Research allowance (Forschungszulage)

Certification office (BSFZ) and tax office

FundingFor SMEs 35% of eligible expenses, commissioned research partly eligible

Tax incentive for research and development, a legal entitlement without a budget cap. Development commissioned from a provider in the EU counts in part.

Key conditions

  • All companies taxable in Germany, regardless of size and sector
  • Genuine R&D only: novelty, technical risk, systematic approach – no standard applications
  • First a certificate from the BSFZ, then the claim with the tax office
  • Can be applied for during or after the project
  • For commissioned research, the client applies

Fits

To the programme
Free supportNationwide

Mittelstand-Digital centres

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

FundingFree, vendor-neutral support

Initial advice, workshops, AI trainers and practical projects for SMEs – a good first step before a digitalisation project starts.

Key conditions

  • For small and medium-sized companies
  • No funding for services, but advice and knowledge transfer
  • A new network with an added focus on cyber security starts on 1 January 2027

Fits

To the programme
Development loanBaden-Württemberg

Digitalisation financing with digitalisation bonus

L-Bank Baden-Württemberg

FundingLoan from €10,000, for SMEs up to 5% repayment grant (state digitalisation bonus)

Successor to the Digitalisierungsprämie Plus. Funds ERP roll-outs, process automation, interfaces, cloud migration, IT security, training and AI integration.

Key conditions

  • SMEs and mid-sized companies with a project in Baden-Württemberg
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • 5% state bonus for projects of €25,000 to €250,000, once only and not after an earlier digitalisation bonus
  • AI projects must use the company's own data
  • Free L-Bank AI check available for AI projects

Fits

To the programme
Development loanBaden-Württemberg

Innovation financing

L-Bank Baden-Württemberg

FundingLoan from €10,000, for SMEs up to 2% repayment grant

For new products, digital business models and AI development – also when the solution is developed on the company's behalf.

Key conditions

  • SMEs and mid-sized companies based in Baden-Württemberg
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • The technology must be new to the company, no replacement investments

Fits

To the programme
GrantBaden-Württemberg

Innovation vouchers (BW, Hightech BW, Start-up BW)

Ministry of Economic Affairs Baden-Württemberg, L-Bank

Funding50% grant, max. €7,500 or €20,000

For pre-market research and development services such as feasibility studies, design studies and prototypes – for example an AI feasibility study or a UX prototype.

Key conditions

  • SMEs headquartered in Baden-Württemberg, max. 100 employees and €20m turnover
  • Standard programming services and commissioned development are not eligible
  • The provider is named in the application and approved case by case
  • Place the order only after the grant notice
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
Free supportBaden-Württemberg

Regional digital hubs

Ministry of Economic Affairs Baden-Württemberg

FundingFree initial advice, digital checks and AI potential analyses

Twelve regional contact points, including the Digital Hub Region Stuttgart, connect companies with providers and experts.

Key conditions

  • For companies in Baden-Württemberg
  • No funding for services, but advice and networking

Fits

To the programme
GrantBavaria

Digitalbonus Bayern

Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs

Funding50% grant, max. €7,500 (standard) or €30,000 (plus)

For software, process digitalisation, AI and IT security in small companies. Consulting counts for up to half of the eligible costs.

Key conditions

  • Small commercial companies with a site in Bavaria (fewer than 50 employees)
  • At least €4,000 eligible costs
  • Apply before placing the order, only by the company itself via ELSTER
  • Monthly quota – best to apply at the start of the month
  • Standard software and marketing websites are not eligible

Fits

To the programme
Development loanBavaria

Innovation loan (Bavaria)

LfA Förderbank Bayern

FundingLoan with repayment grant, ERP grant possible from level 2

For product, process and business model innovation, up to AI development.

Key conditions

  • Companies with a site in Bavaria
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • Level 1 repayment grant drops from 2 to 1% for commitments from 1 December 2026

Fits

To the programme
Development loanBerlin

Berlin Innovativ PLUS

Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB)

FundingLoan from €100,000 to €3m, fixed interest

For investments and working capital of companies that meet innovation, digitalisation or creative criteria.

Key conditions

  • SMEs, start-ups, freelancers and small mid-caps in Berlin
  • Apply through your bank
  • 70% liability release for the bank

Fits

To the programme
GrantBrandenburg

Brandenburg innovation voucher BIG-Digital

ILB Brandenburg

Funding50% grant for consulting, training and implementation

For software, project-related hardware and consulting in digitalisation projects.

Key conditions

  • Profit-oriented SMEs and crafts businesses based in Brandenburg
  • Initial consultation with the Brandenburg economic development agency (WFBB) before applying
  • Apply before signing the contract
  • Standard websites and online marketing are not eligible

Fits

To the programme
Development loanHamburg

Hamburg-Kredit Digital

IFB Hamburg

FundingLoan from €25,000, plus a city grant of up to 12% (max. €20,000)

For software, ERP and CRM integration, cloud, IT security, training, digital business models and AI.

Key conditions

  • SMEs, freelancers and sole traders in Hamburg
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
Development loanHesse

HessenFonds innovation loan

WIBank Hessen

FundingLoan from €100,000 to €10m, up to 2% interest advantage

Funds tangible and intangible investments and working capital, explicitly including digitalisation – for larger projects.

Key conditions

  • Commercial companies and founders in Hesse
  • Apply through your bank before the project starts
  • Minimum amount €100,000

Fits

To the programme
GrantMecklenburg-Western Pomerania

AI funding Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Technologie-Beratungs-Institut (TBI)

Funding50% grant, max. €50,000

For AI solutions in process automation, quality assurance, logistics, sales and IT security, including the hardware and software needed.

Key conditions

  • Commercial SMEs with up to 100 employees in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
  • Minimum spend €15,000 or €20,000
  • Start only after the application is confirmed, complete within 12 months
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
GrantNorth Rhine-Westphalia

Mittelstand Innovativ & Digital – Digitalisation (NRW)

NRW.BANK

Funding50% grant, max. €15,000

For developing marketable digital products with key technologies such as AI, machine learning or AR/VR.

Key conditions

  • SMEs based in North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Monthly lottery, then 28 days to apply
  • Internal process digitalisation such as ERP roll-outs is not eligible
  • Order only after approval; providers based in the EU are accepted
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
GrantNorth Rhine-Westphalia

Mittelstand Innovativ & Digital – Digital Security (NRW)

NRW.BANK

Funding50% grant, max. €15,000

For analysing and fixing IT security weaknesses with an external provider.

Key conditions

  • SMEs based in North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Monthly lottery
  • Providers based in the EU are accepted, no subcontracting
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
Development loanNorth Rhine-Westphalia

NRW.BANK.Invest Zukunft

NRW.BANK

FundingLoan for up to 100% of costs, up to 20% repayment discount for small companies

For AI and machine learning, business software such as ERP and CRM, digital process integration and cyber security.

Key conditions

  • Companies and freelancers in North Rhine-Westphalia; repayment discount for SMEs only
  • Apply through your bank before starting, after registering in the NRW.BANK customer portal
  • Application deadline end of 2027

Fits

To the programme
GrantRhineland-Palatinate

Innovation voucher Rhineland-Palatinate

ISB Rheinland-Pfalz

Funding50% grant, max. €20,000

For development contracts for new products, processes or services, such as an AI prototype or an innovative software solution.

Key conditions

  • SMEs with a site in Rhineland-Palatinate
  • Apply before signing the contract, complete within 12 months
  • The provider does not need to be based in Rhineland-Palatinate
  • Standard implementations are not eligible
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
GrantSaxony

Digitalisation grant Saxony

Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)

FundingUp to 60% grant, depending on company size

For planning, design, implementation and roll-out of digital solutions, including custom software and ERP systems.

Key conditions

  • SMEs with their seat or a site in Saxony
  • Currently only available in Leipzig, the district of Leipzig and Nordsachsen
  • Start the project only after the application has been acknowledged
  • At least €5,000 eligible costs; maintenance contracts are not eligible

Fits

To the programme
Development loanSaxony

Digitalisation loan (Digi-D) Saxony

Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)

FundingLoan of €30,000 to €250,000, interest from 1.5% p.a.

Funds external planning, design and implementation of digital solutions including software and training – throughout Saxony.

Key conditions

  • SMEs and freelancers based in Saxony
  • Apply before the project starts – a signed contract already counts as the start
  • Term up to 6 years, 1 year repayment-free

Fits

To the programme
GrantSaxony-Anhalt

Sachsen-Anhalt DIGITAL INNOVATION

Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt

Funding50% grant, max. €70,000

For innovative digitalisation projects with software, AI, IT security and external services.

Key conditions

  • SMEs based in Saxony-Anhalt
  • Next application window from 16 November 2026, closes after 90 applications
  • Project costs €3,000 to €200,000, no start before approval
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
GrantSchleswig-Holstein

Digitalisation in small companies (Schleswig-Holstein)

WTSH / IB.SH

Funding40% grant, max. €8,000 (consulting) or €80,000 (implementation)

For consulting and the roll-out of ERP, CRM and DMS systems, cloud, migration and training.

Key conditions

  • Small companies in Schleswig-Holstein (under 50 employees), no freelancers
  • Apply before signing the contract
  • According to WTSH, custom software is not eligible
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
GrantThuringia

InnoInvest (Thuringia)

Thüringer Aufbaubank

FundingFlat-rate grant of €2,500 to €200,000, depending on the investment

Successor to the Digitalbonus Thüringen: funds innovative investments in software, licences and installation services.

Key conditions

  • SMEs in Thuringia from manufacturing, trade, crafts, hospitality and the creative industries
  • Start at the earliest one day after applying
  • Training and own work are not eligible
  • De minimis aid

Fits

To the programme
Free supportEU

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH)

European Commission and German states

FundingFree or discounted testing, advice and training

“Test before invest”: have AI and digitalisation ideas tested and assessed before investing. There are 16 hubs across Germany.

Key conditions

  • For SMEs in the EU
  • Services are provided by the hub partners themselves, no funding for external providers
  • Counts as de minimis aid

Fits

To the programme

As of October 2026

Funding programmes change frequently and budgets may be exhausted. This overview is for guidance only and is not funding or legal advice. The guidelines and information of the funding bodies are binding; for loans, your bank will advise you.

No funding fits? Finance software in instalments

Custom-developed software can also be leased or financed by hire purchase or a loan – with monthly instalments instead of a lump sum. We work with financing partners for this. This usually makes sense from a project volume of around €25,000.

More about leasing, hire purchase and loans

Four steps to a funded project

1. Define the project. We discuss the goal, scope and cost of your project with you. This shows which programmes are an option.

2. Prepare the documents. You receive a quote and a project description with current and target state from us – the basis for almost every application.

3. Apply. You apply to the funding body or through your bank. Important: for almost all programmes, the application must be submitted before you place the order.

4. Implement the project. Once approved or acknowledged, we start. We issue invoices and records the way you need them for the proof of use.

Frequently asked questions

Will you file the funding application for us?

You file the application as a company yourself, or through your bank for loans. Some programmes even explicitly rule out the provider filing it. We supply all the documents you need from us: quote, project description and cost breakdown.

Why can't I place the order before applying?

Funding is meant to enable projects that would not happen without it. That is why most programmes treat a signed quote as the start of the project – after that, funding is no longer possible. Talk to us early, and we will time the quote and start to fit your application.

Does the provider have to be based in my state?

We found no such requirement for the programmes listed here. Some guidelines, for example in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, explicitly accept providers from other states.

Can I combine several programmes?

In part. The same costs usually may not be funded twice, and many grants count as de minimis aid with a cap over three years. Whether, for example, a development loan can be combined with a grant or the research allowance is best clarified with the funding body or your bank.

Can I combine leasing with funding?

Usually not for the same costs. Development loans generally require you to acquire the software yourself, and some grants such as the Digitalbonus Bayern explicitly exclude leasing and hire purchase. Leasing is therefore a good choice mainly when no funding programme fits or things need to move quickly.

What happened to go-digital and the Digitalisierungsprämie Plus?

Both programmes have ended: go-digital in 2024, the Digitalisierungsprämie Plus in Baden-Württemberg in June 2025. In Baden-Württemberg, L-Bank's digitalisation financing with a digitalisation bonus as a repayment grant is the successor.

Didn't find your question?Get in touch

We clarify scope and cost with you and provide the documents for your application – free of charge and without obligation.

Planning a project that could be funded?

More guides

Team discussing a software project at a screen

3 min read

Software in instalments instead of all at once

With leasing, hire purchase or a loan, you finance your custom software in monthly instalments – together with one of our financing partners.