Bis zu 12 Beratungstage, 80 % Zuschuss, ein verbindlicher Handlungsplan: INQA-Coaching ist eines der attraktivsten Förderprogramme für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen. So läuft es ab – Schritt für Schritt.
What is INQA Coaching?
INQA Coaching is an advisory programme run by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and funded through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus). It supports small and medium-sized enterprises in shaping digital change in a participative way – that is, together with their employees rather than over their heads.
Who is eligible for funding?
- Companies with fewer than 250 employees
- Annual turnover of no more than €50 million or a balance-sheet total of no more than €43 million
- at least one full-time position subject to social-security contributions
- registered office and place of work in Germany, and active on the market for at least two years
You can check whether your business meets the criteria in two minutes using our Funding Check. A binding determination is made by a regional INQA advisory centre (IBS) – free of charge.
How the coaching works
1. Initial consultation and eligibility
It all begins with a no-obligation conversation: does your objective fit the programme? The IBS then confirms your eligibility for funding and issues the advisory voucher.
2. The coaching itself
Up to 12 consulting days within a maximum of 7 months. The work is carried out in an agile manner, in iterations: setting goals, testing, evaluating and adjusting – during ongoing operations and with the involvement of your employees. Typical topics include processes and digitalisation, staff and qualification, leadership, new business models or getting started with AI.
3. Conclusion and action plan
The outcome is a binding operational action plan: what will you implement, how, and who is responsible? A closing meeting with the IBS secures the results.
What does it cost you?
80% of the consultant's fee is funded, up to a maximum of €1,200 net per consulting day. Your own contribution: 20%. You initially pay the fee up front, and reimbursement is made after completion via the approving authority.
The next step
Take the Funding Check – or arrange a free initial consultation straight away. In 30 minutes we will clarify whether INQA Coaching is right for your business.
As at July 2026. Binding information on funding is provided by your regional INQA advisory centre.


