Can I get funding for Ads & CRO consultancy?

Yes, consultancy on ads and conversion rate optimisation can be eligible for funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether you are eligible and for how much depends on the scheme, your location, and whether it involves consultancy or implementation.

Consultancy or implementation

The BAFA programme “Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU” funds strategic, tailored consultancy covering situation analysis, identifying weaknesses, and actionable recommendations. According to the IHK, the funding rate is 50% in the western federal states and 80% in the eastern states; the guideline applies from 2023 to 2026. The implementation of digital measures is more likely to be funded by regional state programmes; in Bavaria, the Digitalbonus covers up to 50% of eligible expenses with a maximum grant of €7,500 in the standard variant.

Process

Applications must be submitted and approved before any work is commissioned; retroactive funding is excluded. You pay upfront and are reimbursed the subsidised share once proof of completion has been submitted. You should allow several weeks to months for preparation and approval. The DELUCKS funding check provides an initial assessment in just a few minutes based on BAFA criteria. It is not legally binding: the decision rests with the approval body.

Limitations

Funding amounts, deadlines, and conditions are subject to change. Verify them with the grant provider before applying. Whether ad media spend is eligible depends on the programme and must be clarified beforehand.