Digital transformation is essential for companies to remain competitive. But acquiring new technologies can be expensive. Government subsidies for digitalization offer financial support to help companies invest in digital solutions such as digital signage, cloud applications or
IT security measures. In this article, you will find out which funding programs are available, who is eligible and how to apply for funding.
Digital signage refers to the use of digital screens to display multimedia content such as videos, images and text. This technology replaces traditional advertising and information methods such as posters or signs and offers numerous advantages:
Real-time updates, interactive content and greater audience attention. A digital signage system consists of hardware, such as displays, and suitable software.
For example digital citizen information systems and digital showcases in municipalities facilitate communication by displaying announcements and events in real time. The retail trade also profits from digital steles, whether for customer guidance, flexible pricing or to advertise current promotions. Government subsidies help to reduce the acquisition costs for these technologies and implement the digital transformation efficiently.
The digitalization of companies includes not only standard operating systems or office software, but also innovative technologies such as digital signage. Digital displays enable efficient customer communication and optimize operational processes.
However, the introduction of digital solutions can be costly. Funding programmes for digitalization help companies to make these investments. With state
support, costs for hardware and software can be reduced, while at the same time sales and reach are increased through digital advertising measures .
Most funding programmes for digitalization are aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with up to 250 employees. In many cases, craft businesses, the self-employed and start-ups are also eligible to apply.
In principle, the following applies:
Company type Employees Annual turnover Annual balance sheet total
Kleinstunternehmen < 10 max. 2 Mio. Euro max. 2 Mio. Euro
Kleine Unternehmen < 50 max. 10 Mio. Euro max. 10 Mio. Euro
Mittlere Unternehmen < 250 max. 50 Mio. Euro max. 43 Mio. Euro
There are two main types of funding:
Which model is most suitable depends on the financial situation of the company and the planned investment.
Most eligible projects include:
✔ Investments in hardware and software, including digital signage displays for marketing or corporate communications.
✔ Cloud applications that improve data exchange and storage.
✔ Improving IT security to protect companies against cyber attacks.
Big data analyses to better understand customer behavior.
✔ Training and further education to strengthen digital skills in the company.
Some of the previously popular nationwide programs such as "go-digital funding" and "Digital Jetzt Förderung" are currently no longer being funded. However, there are still funding opportunities at federal level, particularly via the KfW Bank or regional business development agencies.
KfW funding programs for digitalization
✔ Funding amount: Variable, depending on program and company size
✔ Funded by: KfW Bank
✔ For whom? Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
✔ What is funded? Investments in IT security, digital business models, cloud solutions and digital signage
✔ S pecial features: KfW mainly offers low-interest loans, in some cases with repayment subsidies.
As there are currently only limited direct funding opportunities at federal level, many federal states offer their own state programmes for digitization . These can include grants or low-interest loans.
Baden-Württemberg: Digitization Premium Plus
Funding level: 12-50%, maximum €12,000 grant or low-interest loan with repayment subsidy
✔ S upported by: L-Bank (Landesbank Baden-Württemberg)
✔ For whom? SMEs with up to 250 employees
✔ What is funded? Digitalization of production, IT security, digital business models and digital signage
✔ S pecial features: Combination of grant and loan possible
Bavaria: Digitalbonus Bayern
✔ Funding amount: 30-50% of the costs, maximum €50,000 (Digitalbonus Standard: up to €10,000, Digitalbonus Plus: up to €50,000)
✔ Funded by: Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs
✔ For whom? Small companies with up to 50 employees
✔ What is funded? IT security, cloud applications, digital signage systems and process automation
✔ S pecial features: Digitalbonus Plus requires a particularly innovative digitization project.
North Rhine-Westphalia: MID digitization
Funding amount: 30-50% funding rate, maximum €15,000
✔ Funded by: Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy NRW
✔ For whom? SMEs with up to 250 employees
✔ What is funded? Digitization strategies, digital products and services
✔ S pecial features: High funding rate for small companies.
In addition to the funding programmes in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia , other federal states also offer special digitization bonuses and grants . For example, there are funding programs in Lower Saxony, Saxony and Hesse that support investments in digital signage , among other things.
Companies should therefore obtain information directly from the respective state development banks or ministries of economics in order to find the right funding for them.
Applying for a digitalization premium or digital bonus involves several steps:
The first step is to find the right program. Here you should check which measures are eligible for funding and which conditions must be met.
Most programs require an online application via a portal of the Ministry of Economic Affairs or a regional development bank. Companies must submit a detailed project description . Submit the funding application in good time and in full.
Create a detailed project plan that describes the objectives, measures and costs of your digital signage project.
Once the application has been submitted, it will be checked by the relevant authorities. This can take several weeks. If the decision is positive, companies receive a funding commitment.
The funded digitization project must be implemented within a specified period of time - usually a maximum of 12 months . The measures must be documented.
After implementation, companies must submit proof of the investment. The subsidy or repayment grant is then paid out.
Government subsidies for digitization offer companies a unique opportunity to use modern technologies such as digital signage solutions at low cost. Digitization bonuses can help to reduce the costs of hardware and software and drive the digital transformation forward.
If you inform yourself in good time and apply for the right funding, you can secure your long-term competitiveness. Take advantage of these opportunities to optimize your business processes and invest in a digital future.
What is a digital support program?
A digital funding program is government support for companies to facilitate investment in digital solutions . There are grants that do not have to be repaid as well as low-interest loans with repayment subsidies.
How long does it take to process a funding application?
The processing time varies depending on the program. It can take several weeks for nationwide funding, while some state programs are approved more quickly. It is therefore advisable to apply early.
Can I apply for funding retroactively?
Most programs require the application to be submitted before the start of the investment. Retroactive funding is generally not possible. It is therefore important to find out about funding opportunities for digitization in good time.
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