The "Go Digital" program in Hamburg is a state-funded initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Hamburg metropolitan region in their digital transformation. Here is some information about the program:
The program is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and implemented by the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg).
The program promotes consulting services designed to help SMEs digitize their business processes and improve their competitiveness in the digital economy.
Eligible companies can receive up to 50% of the costs of the consulting service, with a maximum funding amount of 16,500 euros.
The program is open to all medium-sized companies based in the Hamburg metropolitan region, including start-ups and established companies.
Companies with fewer than 100 employees and an annual turnover or an annual balance sheet total of less than 20 million euros are eligible to participate.
The program covers a wide range of digitization topics, including e-commerce, digital marketing, cyber security and cloud computing.
To apply for the program, companies must submit an online application form and provide supporting documents such as a business plan and financial statements.
Required documents for the application:
To apply for the "Go Digital" program in Hamburg, you must submit several documents as part of your application. The specific documents required may vary depending on the consulting services you are applying for and the unique circumstances of your business, but here are some of the documents you may be required to submit:
Business registration documents: This includes your business registration, trade license or other documents that prove the legal form of your company.
Financial Reports: You may be required to submit your company's balance sheet, income statement, or other financial documents that provide an overview of your company's financial condition.
Business Plan: You may be required to provide a detailed business plan outlining your company's goals and growth strategies.
Digitization concept: You must submit a digitization concept that outlines the digitization needs of your company and the specific consulting services you have requested.
Cost estimate: A cost estimate with a breakdown of the costs and estimated consulting hours must be submitted for the requested consulting service.
In addition to these documents, you may have to provide further evidence, such as B. a proof of your company’s industry or information about your current degree of digitization. It is important to carefully review the application guidelines and provide all required documents to ensure your application is processed quickly and efficiently.
Information about the sponsor:
In Hamburg, the “Go Digital” program is supported by the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg), a state development bank that promotes and advises small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hamburg. The IFB Hamburg is responsible for the implementation of the "Go Digital" program in Hamburg and works closely with consulting service providers to ensure that companies receive high-quality and effective consulting services.
The IFB Hamburg offers a few other funding and consulting programs for Hamburg's medium-sized companies, including funding for innovation projects, internationalization, and energy efficiency as well as consulting services for start-ups and established companies. The bank is committed to promoting sustainable economic development in Hamburg and supporting SMEs in their efforts to grow and compete in the global market.
Applications for the Go Digital program in Hamburg, Germany may be rejected if they do not meet the eligibility criteria or if the required documents and information are not provided correctly.
Some common reasons for denial of applications are:
- Incomplete or incorrect information: If the application form is incomplete or contains incorrect information, it may be rejected. It is important to provide all required information and ensure it is accurate and up to date.
- Ineligible Company: If the company does not meet the eligibility criteria for the program, the application may be rejected. For example, companies that do not have a physical presence in Hamburg or do not belong to the eligible industries may not be eligible.
- Insufficient justification: If the digitization concept or the cost estimate does not sufficiently justify the requested consulting services, the application can be rejected. It is important to clearly explain how the consulting services will help the company improve its digital capabilities and competitiveness.
- If your application is rejected, you may be able to reapply once you have resolved the issues that led to the rejection. It is important that you review the rejection letter carefully and take the necessary steps to improve your application before applying again.
The term of the "Go Digital" grant in Hamburg is up to 6 months. This means that the consulting services provided under the program must be completed within 6 months from the date the scholarship was awarded. The scholarship period begins on the date of the scholarship notification and ends 6 months later.
During this period, the scholarship holder must provide the agreed consulting services and submit all necessary documents to the program administration. If the consulting services are not provided within the approval period, the approval can be revoked or reduced.
It is important to note that the eligibility period may be extended under certain circumstances, e.g. B. if the consulting services are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances or if additional time is needed to complete the project. However, all extensions must be approved by the program administrator and may require additional documentation or justification.
In addition to the "Go Digital" program, there are other funding opportunities for companies in Hamburg, especially in the field of digitization. Some of the most important programs are:
Digitalbonus Hamburg: The Digitalbonus Hamburg supports small and medium-sized companies in introducing digital technologies into business processes. Subsidies of up to 50% of the eligible costs (maximum 10,000 euros) can be applied for.
Innovationsstarter Fonds Hamburg: The Innovationsstarter Fonds Hamburg promotes innovative start-ups and young companies with equity capital. Up to 1.5 million euros can be made available per company.
Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft: The Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft offers various funding programs and consulting options for creative companies, especially in the areas of design, film, and music.
Digital Hub Logistics Hamburg: The Digital Hub Logistics Hamburg is a platform for companies, start-ups, and research institutions in the field of logistics and offers, among other things, support in the digitization of business processes and networking with other players.
Hamburg Invest: Hamburg Invest is the business development agency of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and offers a variety of funding programs and consulting services for companies, especially in innovation and internationalization.
The exact conditions and requirements of the individual programs can be requested from the respective providers.
Sources:
https://www.ifbhh.de/foerderprogramm/hamburg-digital
https://www.alstercloud.de/go-digital/
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/FAQ/go-digital/faq-go-digital.html
