I'm an organisational consultant and coach with a tech background, based in Hamburg. Since 2020 I've been supporting companies and start-ups in developing structures that hold – without bureaucracy that gets in the way. I know the situations where growth overtakes the organisation, leadership becomes a bottleneck and coordination takes more time than the actual work. As a BAFA-registered consultant, I guide you through the entire process: from checking your eligibility to submitting the application to implementation.
BAFA-Funded Business Consulting Hamburg
Solid structures, effective leadership and good collaboration – funded with up to €1,750.
You need external support but the budget is tight? The BAFA funding programme covers part of the consulting costs. I guide you through the entire process: from checking whether you are eligible, to the application, to implementation.
What brings companies in Hamburg to me
Growth that has outpaced existing structures. Leadership that has become a bottleneck. Collaboration that costs more energy than it creates. These are the situations in which companies in Hamburg may benefit from BAFA-funded consulting.
Typical reasons:
Organisational development: The structure no longer fits the growth. Who decides what? Where are processes getting stuck? What needs to change fundamentally to get things moving again.
Leadership and role clarity: Leaders are overloaded, delegation isn't working, nobody knows who is actually responsible.
Change processes: A change process is on the horizon – restructuring, a new understanding of leadership, cultural change – and you need a solid concept to make it work.
Processes and collaboration: Coordination takes more time than the actual work, responsibilities are unclear, decisions get stuck.
These are exactly the kinds of topics that can be addressed through the BAFA funding programme for business consulting.
What is the BAFA funding programme
If you need external consulting but the budget has its limits: the BAFA funding programme covers part of the costs. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) funds conceptual business consulting for small and medium-sized companies. The programme runs until the end of 2026 and allows up to five funded consultations per company, with a maximum of two per year.
What does this mean in concrete terms for companies in Hamburg?
The maximum consulting costs recognised by the BAFA are €3,500. For companies in Hamburg and the western federal states, the funding rate is 50 %. That corresponds to a grant of up to €1,750 per consultation. Companies in the eastern federal states receive up to 80 %, up to a maximum of €2,800. The exact funding amount depends on the company's location and approval by the BAFA.
You pay upfront and receive the grant after submitting the required documentation.
As a BAFA-registered consultant, my services are eligible for funding under this programme subject to certain conditions.
Who is the funding for?
Companies eligible under the EU SME definition:
- Fewer than 250 employees
- Annual turnover below €50 million or balance sheet total below €43 million
- Registered office or branch in Germany
Companies in their first year after founding need a free preliminary meeting with a regional partner. I'm happy to help you with that.
How does BAFA-funded Consulting work
Step 1: Initial conversation
We clarify your situation and check together whether BAFA funding is a realistic option for you.
Step 2: Submit the application – before the consulting begins
The application is completed entirely online via the BAFA portal. You enter your company details – no further documents, no business plan, no project description. The application typically takes under 30 minutes. You will usually receive the information letter with the non-binding indication of funding by email within 24 hours of submitting your details.
Only then may the consulting begin.
Step 3: Consulting
We work through your topic in a structured way – systemic, practical, with a focus on what will actually hold up in your organisation. What this looks like in practice depends on your situation. We'll discuss it in the initial conversation and I'll put together a tailored proposal.
Step 4: Submit proof of use
After the consulting is complete, you submit the following documents via the BAFA portal:
- Completed proof-of-use form
- EU SME and de minimis declaration
- Consulting report
- Invoice
- Proof of payment
I'll be by your side for every step.
Moin, I'm Nina Siessegger
Frequently asked questions about BAFA funding
No. The BAFA reviews every application on the basis of its guidelines – nobody can guarantee funding. I'll give you an honest assessment upfront of whether your situation fits, so you don't waste any time.
That depends on two things: my consulting proposal and the funding rate, which is based on your company's location. The BAFA assessment basis is a maximum of €3,500. For companies in Hamburg and the western federal states, the funding rate is 50 %, which corresponds to a maximum grant of €1,750. What this means in practice for your project is something we'll work out together in the initial conversation.
The application typically takes under 30 minutes: you enter your company details online and don't need any further documents at this stage. You'll usually receive a response within 24 hours by email.
For the application itself: none – just your company details in the online portal. For the proof of use after the consulting, you'll need: proof-of-use form, de minimis declaration, consulting report, invoice and proof of payment. I'll walk you through every step.
Until the end of 2026, a maximum of five consultations per company can be funded, with no more than two per calendar year.
The programme funds conceptual consulting on economic, personnel and organisational questions of business management. In my practice, these include: organisational development and structures, leadership and role clarity, processes and collaboration, conception of change processes and cultural development. Important: what is funded is the conceptual consulting – analysis, diagnosis and concept development. Workshops and group formats are not eligible for funding, but can take place as a separate measure afterwards. Legal, tax and insurance consulting as well as operational activities are also excluded.
INQA Coaching is significantly more extensive: a structured process over 4 to 6 months with up to 12 consulting days, in which the team actively participates and various formats such as workshops, interviews and reflection sessions are possible. The total volume is €14,400 net, of which €11,520 is funded, leaving your contribution at €2,880 net. The BAFA programme is leaner: the maximum assessment basis is €3,500, and in Hamburg you receive €1,750 in funding and cover €1,750 yourself. Which programme suits your situation is something we'll figure out together in the initial conversation.
Want to find out whether BAFA funding could work for your project? In a free initial conversation we'll look at what's possible together.
Book a conversation