BAFA Funding for Your ERP Implementation – Up to 50% Subsidy
Implementing an ERP system like Odoo is an investment in your company's future. The German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) supports small and medium-sized enterprises with business consulting funding – and can reimburse up to 50% of your consulting costs. This guide explains how you can use the funding.
What is the BAFA Business Consulting Funding?
The BAFA business consulting funding is a federal subsidy program that subsidizes external business consulting for SMEs. The aim is to make professional consulting more accessible to small and medium-sized companies – for example, for digitalization, process optimization, or ERP implementation.
The funding covers consulting services provided by approved, eligible consultants. We have experience helping clients navigate the BAFA funding process for their Odoo implementations.
Who is Eligible for Funding?
Eligible are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) according to the EU definition:
- Employees: Fewer than 250 employees
- Revenue: Annual revenue under €50 million OR balance sheet under €43 million
- Independence: The company may not be more than 25% owned by a non-eligible company
- Location: Headquarters in Germany
- Market presence: At least one year in the market
GmbHs, sole proprietorships, and partnerships can apply for the funding.
How High is the Funding?
The funding rate is up to 50% of eligible consulting costs. The subsidy is granted as a proportion of the costs actually incurred and documented.
Example: An Odoo implementation with consulting costs of €22,000 could be subsidized with up to €11,000 – you effectively pay only €11,000.
The exact funding amount depends on the region (funding areas sometimes have higher rates) and the type of consulting. Current information can be found on the official BAFA website.
How Does the Application Process Work?
- Before commissioning: Check your eligibility and the eligible services.
- Submit application: The application must be submitted to BAFA before the start of the consulting. A subsequent application is not possible.
- Commission consultant: Only after approval of the application can you commission the consultant.
- Implementation: The consulting is carried out. Invoices and proof of use are collected.
- Proof of use: After completion, you submit the proof of use to BAFA.
- Payout: BAFA reviews and pays out the subsidy.
Important: Talk to us before submitting the application. We have experience supporting clients with application preparation and can help you gather the required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About BAFA Funding
Can I use the funding for an Odoo implementation?
Yes. Consulting services as part of an Odoo implementation – analysis, concept, project management, training – are eligible. Pure software licenses or hardware are not eligible.
Must the application be submitted before commissioning?
Yes. The application must be submitted to BAFA before the start of the consulting. Subsequent funding is excluded.
How long does approval take?
BAFA processing typically takes several weeks. Plan accordingly.
Is there a maximum funding amount?
Yes. There are maximum funding amounts per project and per company. The exact amounts can be found in the current funding guidelines at bafa.de.
Can I combine the funding with other programs?
Generally not. Combining with other federal or EU funding programs for the same measure is often excluded. BAFA will advise you on this.
Request Free BAFA Consultation
Would you like to check whether your Odoo implementation is eligible for funding? We are happy to advise you without obligation and support you with the application.