Programme Overview
go-digital is a federal programme that helps German SMEs become more digital and cybersecure through subsidised consulting. Its sister programme, go-inno, supports process and service innovations through funded innovation consultants. Both programmes pay directly to accredited consultants, making them accessible with minimal administrative burden for the SME.
Who Can Apply?
go-digital: German SMEs with <100 employees and <€20M turnover. go-inno: SMEs with <100 employees and annual turnover <€15M, or annual balance sheet <€13M. Business must be in Germany.
What Does It Fund?
go-digital: digitalisation of business processes, IT security, digital market development. go-inno: innovation management, process innovation, product improvement, and market access for non-R&D SMEs.
Funding Amount & Rates
go-digital: up to €17,000 in consulting subsidies (€515/day × 33 days) covering 50% of consultant fees. go-inno: up to €33,000 total (pro-innovation analysis + Intensivberatung).
Deadlines & Timeline
Application deadline: Rolling — applications processed as received. Maximum 3 go-digital modules per year per company.
Processing time: 2–4 weeks for go-digital. 4–8 weeks for go-inno.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Very fast approval process (weeks, not months)
- Low administrative burden — consultant handles most paperwork
- No minimum company size or sector restriction (within SME definition)
- Direct cash subsidy to the chosen consultant
Limitations
- Must use an accredited consultant — cannot claim own staff time
- Small funding volumes vs R&D grants
- Consulting-only support — no investment in equipment or development
- go-inno focuses on process/service, not deep-tech R&D