Digital transformation is essential for companies to remain competitive. However, the acquisition of new technologies can be expensive. Government funding for digitalization offers financial support to facilitate investments in digital solutions such as digital signage, cloud applications, or
IT security measures. In this article, you will learn about the available funding programs, 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 texts. This technology replaces traditional advertising and information methods like posters or signs and offers numerous advantages:
Real-time updates, interactive content, and increased audience attention. A digital signage system consists of hardware, such as displays, as well as suitable software.
For example, digital citizen information systems and digital display cases in communities facilitate communication by displaying announcements and events in real-time. The retail sector also benefits from digital steles, whether for customer guidance, flexible pricing, or promoting current promotions. Government funding helps reduce the acquisition costs for these technologies and efficiently implement the digital transformation.
The digitalization of companies includes not only common 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 programs for digitalization help companies manage these investments. With government
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 programs 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.
The following generally applies:
Company Type Employees Annual Turnover Total Assets
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:
The most suitable model depends on the company's financial situation 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.
✔ Improvement of IT security to protect companies against cyberattacks.
✔ Big data analyses to better understand customer behavior.
✔ Training and further education to strengthen digital skills within the company.
Some of the previously popular nationwide programs, such as the "go-digital funding" and "Digital Now funding", are currently no longer supported. Nevertheless, there are still funding opportunities at the federal level, particularly through the KfW Bank or regional economic development programs.
KfW Funding Programs for Digitalization
✔ Funding amount: Variable, depending on the 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
✔ Special features: KfW mainly offers subsidized loans, sometimes with repayment grants.
Since there are currently limited direct funding opportunities at the federal level, many federal states offer their own state programs for digitalization. These can include grants or subsidized loans.
Baden-Württemberg: Digitalization Premium Plus
✔ Funding amount: 12–50%, maximum €12,000 grant or subsidized loan with repayment grant
✔ Funded by: L-Bank (Landesbank Baden-Württemberg)
✔ Who is it for? SMEs with up to 250 employees
✔ What is funded? Digitalization of production, IT security, digital business models and Digital Signage
✔ Special 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
✔ Who is it for? Small businesses with up to 50 employees
✔ What is funded? IT security, cloud applications, digital signage systems and process automation
✔ Special features: Digitalbonus Plus requires a particularly innovative digitalization project.
North Rhine-Westphalia: MID-Digitalization
✔ Funding amount: 30–50% funding rate, maximum €15,000
✔ Funded by: Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy NRW
✔ Who is it for? SMEs with up to 250 employees
✔ What is funded? Digitalization strategies, digital products and services
✔ Special features: High funding rate for small businesses.
In addition to the funding programs in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, other federal states also offer special digitalization bonuses and grants. For example, in Lower Saxony, Saxony and Hesse there are funding programs that support investments in digital signage, among other things.
Companies should therefore contact the relevant state development banks or ministries of economic affairs directly to find the right funding for them.
Applying for a digitalization bonus or a digital bonus involves several steps:
First, the right program must be found. 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 goals, measures and costs of your Digital Signage project.
After submitting the application, the relevant authorities will review it. This process may take several weeks. If the decision is positive, companies will receive a funding commitment.
The funded digitization project must be implemented within a specific timeframe, usually a maximum of 12 months. The measures taken must be documented.
After implementation, companies must submit proof of the investment. Subsequently, the funding or repayment grant will be disbursed.
Government funding for digitization offers companies a unique opportunity to implement modern technologies such as digital signage solutions cost-effectively. Digitization bonuses can help reduce the costs for hardware and software and drive digital transformation.
By gathering information early and applying for the right funding, you can secure your competitiveness in the long term. Take advantage of these opportunities to optimize your business processes and invest in a digital future.
What is a digital funding program?
A digital funding program is government support for companies to facilitate investments in digital solutions. It includes grants that do not need to be repaid, as well as low-interest loans with repayment grants.
How long does it take to process a funding application?
The processing time varies depending on the program. For nationwide funding, it can take several weeks, while some state programs are approved more quickly. Applying early is therefore advisable.
Can I apply for funding retroactively?
Most programs require that the application be submitted before the investment begins. Retroactive funding is generally not possible. It is therefore important to find out about funding opportunities for digitization in good time.
In-house design agency at Wedeko: We develop visual content that not only stands out but is also understood.
The city of Aichtal has taken a big step forward in terms of citizen information with a digital signage system from Wedeko.
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