More than ever, every decision-maker in the working and business world is concerned with the digitization of all conceivable processes in our lives. Everyone – from schoolchildren to retirees – is affected by the ongoing “perm”. Today, digital technologies and the expertise they require determine the competitiveness and future viability of companies.
More and more small and medium-sized companies are recognizing the opportunities they offer. However, the potential is far from being exhausted, especially in the case of smaller companies. Many of those who have suddenly had to work (or have had to have worked) from home recognize the opportunities as well as the risks. The latter concerns the security of company networks as well as home office workplaces.
o ensure that the economic potential of digitization can be fully exploited, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) has set up the “Digital Jetzt – Investment Support for SMEs” program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program offers financial subsidies and is intended to encourage companies to invest more in digital technologies and in the qualification of their employees.
Digitization opens up new economic opportunities. In addition, these technologies enable new business models, intelligent work and production processes and interesting aspects in customer acquisition and networking with customers and suppliers. Today and in the future, digital skills and digitally trained employees are a decisive factor for economic success. Nevertheless, current studies show that there is still a great need for digitization in many companies. In the area of IT security, for example, there is often still a lack of the necessary awareness of how to avert risks.
The newly launched support program is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises as well as crafts enterprises and the liberal professions.
TERM OF THE GRANT
The application tool will be activated on September 7, 2020. The application for funding must be submitted up to and including 2023.
In addition to the funding by the BMWi, there will continue to be funding by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) with the ERP Digitization and Innovation Credit. Here there are low-interest loans with a maximum term of five years with a maximum of one grace year. The call period ends on June 30, 2021.
There are thus different and interesting funding opportunities – get started.
What are grants available for?
- Investment in digital technologies and
- Investing in the qualification of employees on digital topicsIn this context, think in particular of the measures required in the area of your company’s accounting system (e.g. online accounting).
All medium-sized companies are eligible to apply
- from all sectors including craft enterprises and the liberal professions
- with three to 499 employees,
who plan corresponding digitisation projects, such as investments in software and hardware as well as staff qualification.
The company must present a digitisation plan by answering specific questions in the grant application.
This
- describes the entire digitisation project,
- explains the type and number of qualification measures,
- shows the current state of digitisation in the company and the goals that the investment is intended to achieve
- describes, for example, how the organisation within the company is made more efficient, how the company opens up new business areas, how it develops a new business model and/or strengthens its market position.
Further requirements:
- The company must have a permanent establishment or branch in Germany where the investment is made.
- The project must not have started at the time the aid is granted.
- Once approved, it must normally be implemented within twelve months.
- The company must be able to prove that the funds have been used.