"Go Digital" is an initiative in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) that aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation efforts. The program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and implemented by the NRW Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy in cooperation with local chambers of commerce and industry.
Through the "Go Digital" program, eligible SMEs can receive free consultations from qualified IT experts on how to optimize their business processes through the use of digital technologies. The program focuses on three areas: online marketing, digitalized business processes, and digitalized business models. Participating companies can receive up to three days of consultation services, which can include analyzing the company's current situation, identifying areas for improvement, and developing a digitalization strategy.
In addition to the consultation services, the "Go Digital" program also provides funding for the implementation of digitalization projects. Eligible companies can receive up to 16,500 euros in funding for projects such as developing a new website, setting up an online shop, or implementing digital payment systems.
Overall, the "Go Digital" initiative aims to help SMEs in NRW to improve their competitiveness and adapt to the digital age.
Here are some other important details about the "Go Digital" initiative in NRW, Germany:
- Eligibility: To participate in the program, companies must have a maximum of 100 employees and an annual turnover of up to 20 million euros. In addition, the company must be based in NRW.
- Digitization projects: The program supports digitization projects in three areas: online marketing, digitized business processes and digitized business models. Examples of eligible projects are the development of a new website, the implementation of a new customer relationship management system and the creation of a new online sales channel.
- Funding: The funding of the program covers up to 50% of the eligible costs for digitization projects, up to a maximum of 16,500 euros per company. The rest of the costs must be borne by the company itself.
- Eligible costs: Eligible costs that can be funded through the program are costs for consulting services and costs for the implementation of digitization projects. This includes costs such as the purchase of software and hardware as well as personnel training costs.
- Consulting services: The program funds consulting services to support companies in identifying and planning digitization projects. Delivered by accredited consultants, these services can help companies develop a roadmap for their digitization efforts.
- Application process: Companies can apply for the “Go Digital” program via the website of their well-known Chamber of Commerce and Industry. After the application has been reviewed and approved, the company will be connected to a qualified IT consultant.
- Duration: The program currently runs until the end of 2023 but can be extended depending on the availability of funding.
- Benefits of Digitization: The program aims to help SMEs reap the benefits of digitization, including increased efficiency, improved customer retention and the opportunity to reach new markets. By supporting SMEs in digitization, the program aims to support economic growth and job creation in the region.
- Impact: The "Go Digital" program has already helped thousands of SMEs in NRW to improve their digital skills and remain competitive in their respective markets. The program has also had positive economic impacts such as increased sales, increased efficiency, and the creation of new jobs.
Required documents for the application:
The specific documents required to apply for the Go Digital program in NRW, Germany may vary depending on the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry administering the program. However, in general, companies will likely need to provide the following documents:
Business registration documents: These include proof of the legal form of the company, such as B. the trade license or the articles of association.
Financial Reports: The company must provide financial reports showing its annual turnover and other financial information relevant to the digitization project it is proposing.
Project Proposal: The company must submit a detailed project proposal that outlines the proposed digitization project, including the project's objectives, timeline, and budget.
Vendor Quotations: If the project requires the purchase of new hardware or software, the Company must submit vendor bids for those items.
Bank Account Information: Company must provide bank account information for the account that will receive the funding program if accepted into the program.
Other evidence: Depending on the specifics of the project and the application requirements, the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce may request additional evidence.
It is important to carefully review the application requirements and guidelines from your local Chamber of Commerce and Industry before applying. This ensures that the application is complete, and the company has the best chance of being accepted into the program.
Information about the sponsor:
The "Go Digital" program in NRW is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The ERDF is a fund set up by the European Union to support economic development and reduce regional disparities between EU member states.
The ERDF provides funding to support a wide range of projects and initiatives, including those focused on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalisation. Funds made available through the ERDF are intended to complement other sources of finance and funding and to support projects that have the potential to generate economic growth and job creation.
In the case of the "Go Digital" program, the funding from the ERDF and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is intended to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digitizing their company. The program promotes consulting services and digitization projects with the aim of helping SMEs to improve their competitiveness and efficiency in the digital age.
It should be noted that ERDF funding for the Go Digital program is subject to certain rules and regulations, including those related to the eligibility of companies and the type of digitization projects eligible. The program is also monitored and evaluated to ensure that funds are being used effectively and efficiently.
There are several other programs and applications that help small and medium-sized businesses go digital. Here are a few examples:
Digital Now: Like "Go Digital", this program offers funding for digitization projects and consulting services. It is offered by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and is available to small and medium-sized companies nationwide.
Mittel stand Digital: This program promotes and supports digitization projects that are specifically aimed at small and medium-sized companies in Germany. It offers a range of services including funding for advisory services and digitization projects, as well as access to online resources and networking opportunities.
HubSpot: HubSpot offers a range of tools and resources to help businesses improve their digital marketing efforts. This includes tools for managing social media, creating email campaigns, and optimizing website content.
Canva: Canva is a graphic design tool that makes it easy for businesses to create professional-looking marketing materials. It offers a range of templates and design tools that you can use to create anything from social media posts to business cards.
Trello: Trello is a project management tool that companies can use to manage digitization projects. It allows teams to collaborate on projects and track progress in real-time, making it easier to stay organized and on track.
These are just a few examples of the many programs and apps that support small and medium-sized companies in digitization. It is important to carefully review the options available and select the ones that best suit your specific needs and goals.
Applications for the "Go Digital" program in NRW, Germany may be rejected as the program has certain eligibility criteria and requirements that companies must meet to receive funding. Some common reasons why a request may be denied are:
The company is not based in North Rhine-Westphalia: The "Go Digital" program is only available to small and medium-sized companies based in North Rhine-Westphalia, so companies based outside the state would not be eligible.
The project does not meet the eligibility criteria: The program has specific eligibility criteria for digitization projects, and if a project does not meet these criteria, it can be rejected. For example, projects that focus on hardware rather than software may not be eligible for funding.
Project proposal is incomplete or does not meet program requirements: Companies must submit a detailed project proposal that outlines the scope, objectives and expected results of the project. If the proposal is incomplete or does not meet the program requirements, it may be rejected.
The company has received funding from other sources: The "Go Digital" program is intended to complement other sources of funding and funding. Therefore, if a company has already received funding for the same project from another source, its application may be rejected.
It is important to carefully review the program's eligibility criteria and requirements before applying, and to ensure that the project proposal meets all program requirements. If an application is denied, companies may have an opportunity to revise and resubmit their proposal, or they may need to explore other funding options.
The duration of the "Go Digital" grant in NRW, Germany, depends on the specific digitization project being funded. The program promotes consulting services and the implementation of digitization projects. The duration of the consulting services depends on the scope and complexity of the project and can range from a few weeks to several months.
When implementing digitization projects, the duration depends on the specific project and its goals. Companies are expected to complete their projects within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 12 months of grant approval. However, the program recognizes that some projects may require more time, and companies may receive extensions in certain cases.
It is important to note that the Go Digital program currently runs through December 31, 2023, although this date is subject to change. Companies must complete their projects and submit all required documentation prior to the program end date to qualify for funding.
Sources:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Artikel/Digitale-Welt/foerderprogramm-go-digital.html
https://www.nrwbank.de/de/foerderung/foerderprodukte/15771/go-digital.html
Informationen zur Digitalisierung in Deutschland vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie: https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Dossier/digitalisierung.html
