Digitalisation 2027: New Free Support for SMEs — What You Need to Know Now
Germany's main SME digitalisation advisory network is being restructured from January 2027. At the same time, two key funding programmes are ending in 2026. Here is what is changing — and what mid-sized companies should do before year-end.
Companies planning to invest in digitalisation or AI in 2027 face a favourable backdrop — but also a concrete window of action. From January 2027, Germany's Mittelstand-Digital network, run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), relaunches with a new structure: stronger focus on AI and cybersecurity, clearer regional coverage. The core service remains free and vendor-neutral.
At the same time, two established programmes are ending in late 2026. That is not cause for alarm — but it is a clear signal for anyone with projects still eligible this year. Those planning for 2027 can count on the redesigned network and the continued Digitalbonus Bayern.
The New Mittelstand-Digital Network from January 2027
The current network of over 26 centres winds down through the end of 2026. The new network starts on 1 January 2027 with six supra-regional centres, each covering two to three federal states with at least one physical contact point per state. From May 2027, eleven sector- and topic-specific centres join — covering trades, construction, logistics, retail, and cross-cutting themes like automation and cybersecurity. All services remain free and vendor-neutral.
- 6 supra-regional centres from January 2027: each covering 2–3 states, at least one physical location per state
- 11 topic-specific centres from May 2027: trades, construction, logistics, retail, automation, cybersecurity
- New focus areas: dedicated AI trainers and cybersecurity trainers joining the advisory offering
- Rural coverage: mobile and temporary formats to serve areas without a physical centre
- Free and vendor-neutral: core services (consulting, workshops, demo projects) remain 100% free
Act Before Year-End: BAFA Advisory Grants and ZIM
Two programmes are ending in 2026. The BAFA advisory grant — which subsidises external consulting costs for digitalisation — accepts applications until 31 December 2026. For Bavarian companies, this means 50 percent of eligible consulting costs covered, up to €1,750. No successor programme has been announced. The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) closed on 7 July 2026; a reopening in early 2027 is being targeted, but remains subject to the federal budget.
- BAFA advisory grant: apply by 31 December 2026 — Bavaria: 50%, up to €1,750
- ZIM Innovation Programme: closed since 7 July 2026 — reopening early 2027 planned, budget-dependent
- KfW Digitalisation Loan (511/512): ongoing — low-interest loans for software, hardware, training
- Mittelstand-Digital Centres: currently active until end 2026, new network starts January 2027
Digitalbonus Bayern: Running Until End of 2027 — With Stricter Application Rules
For companies based in Bavaria, the Digitalbonus Bayern is the most accessible funding option: it runs until 31 December 2027 and subsidises digitalisation investments with a 50 percent grant. Since May 2025, however, one important restriction applies: applications must be filed through the company's own ELSTER business account — third-party consultants can no longer apply on a company's behalf. A monthly application contingent also applies; those applying too late in a month must wait until the next.
- Standard: up to €7,500 for ERP, CRM, DMS, cybersecurity, webshops
- Plus: up to €30,000 for projects with significant innovation content (e.g. AI integration)
- Grant rate: 50% of eligible costs
- Eligibility: operational site in Bavaria, fewer than 50 employees, annual turnover below €10 million
- Critical rule: application must be submitted before signing contracts or starting implementation — acting first and applying later forfeits the grant
What to Do Now
The transition window until end 2026 is short. Companies with planned digitalisation projects should now assess which programmes can still be used — and which will restart in 2027. This is the right moment for a structured IT assessment and technology evaluation: planning the grant before defining the project captures the maximum subsidy. In the area of AI integration and automation, 2027 will also bring new free advisory services that can be combined effectively with a concrete project objective.
- BAFA this year: if external digitalisation consulting is planned, apply by 31 December 2026
- Digitalbonus Bayern: always apply before signing contracts; set up your ELSTER business account in advance
- Mittelstand-Digital: from January 2027, use the new regional contact points — free initial advisory for AI adoption and cybersecurity
- KfW loan: ongoing, covers hardware, software and training at low interest
- Planning: sketch your 2027 projects now so grant options can be factored in from the start
Public funding programmes rarely get simpler — but the new Mittelstand-Digital network is a clear step in that direction. Knowing the restructuring avoids gaps in the transition.
Which AI investments make sense for your business right now — regardless of funding — is covered in our guide AI consulting for mid-sized companies in Munich. Curious which measure pays off most for your situation? We are happy to discuss this in a no-obligation initial conversation.
This article was created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
