Hamburg Digital Check 2026: grant and application deadline
Want to digitalise business processes but unsure which solution makes sense? Hamburg Digital Check supports qualified consulting on digitalisation and information security. Funding can cover up to 50%, to a maximum of €7,500. The result should be an implementable concept. The programme targets legally independent SMEs, craft businesses and self-employed professionals with business premises in Hamburg. IFB Hamburg programme information
Important for planning: complete applications must be received by 16 November 2026. The later end date of the funding guideline does not extend the application deadline.
Checked on: 12 October 2026.
When does Hamburg Digital Check apply?
| Date | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 August 2025 | Start of the current funding guideline |
| 16 November 2026 | Final date for complete applications |
| 31 December 2026 | End of the time-limited guideline |
If funds are allocated earlier, the guideline ends with the final grant approval. There is no entitlement to funding. The deadlines are in Section 8 of the official funding guideline.
On 12 October 2026, IFB still links to the application portal; the checked programme page contains no closure notice. This does not confirm any remaining budget. Clarify the current position directly with IFB before planning. Programme page and contact
Which businesses may qualify?
SME classification generally requires fewer than 250 employees and either annual turnover no greater than €50 million or an annual balance sheet total no greater than €43 million. Shareholdings and linked enterprises must also be assessed; the size of a single location is not always sufficient. IFB information sheet on the SME definition
The consulting and planned implementation must concern the Hamburg premises. Businesses in difficulty and certain businesses with outstanding state aid recovery orders are excluded. De minimis rules apply. Guideline, Sections 2 and 7
What is funded, and what does that mean in practice?
The focus is consulting on information security and digital transformation, together with a concrete implementation concept. This does not imply blanket subsidies for website construction, advertisements, videos or software purchases. Consulting and subsequent implementation must be distinguished. IFB programme description
A fictional example: a business repeatedly transfers orders by hand. Before buying software, it wants to clarify where errors arise, which interfaces are needed and which solution fits the team. A useful consulting question would be: ‘How can we improve this process reliably?’ The example illustrates a possible consulting need, not confirmed funding eligibility.
How much funding is possible?
A maximum of €1,100 per consulting day, excluding VAT, is recognised. Repeated approvals within two years are limited by the maximum grant amount. Other non-repayable grants cannot be combined for the same consulting. Guideline, Sections 4 and 5
Simplified calculation example: If €8,000 is fully recognised as eligible expenditure and 50% is approved, the grant is €4,000. A €4,000 contribution remains payable by the applicant. VAT and other unrecognised costs are excluded from this example. An example calculation does not replace approval.
Payment follows only after completion and a successful review of supporting evidence. You therefore also need to plan for upfront financing. Guideline, Annex 1.4
What requirements apply to the consulting?
The provider must declare its professional suitability and name at least three directly relevant reference projects from the past three years. The self-declaration also requires SME-focused, competitively neutral advice, presentation of alternatives, disclosure of commissions and consideration of relevant quality standards. Mentioning ISO 27001 does not automatically mean every provider must hold that certification. Digitalisation consulting self-declaration
Ask in advance about comparable projects and the specific consulting outcome. A general service description says little about how your own problem will be investigated.
How to prepare your application
- Describe the business problem and desired consulting outcome.
- Check eligibility and the current programme status with IFB.
- Clarify provider qualifications, costs and financing.
- Submit the complete application digitally through the linked IFB portal.
- Wait for approval before commissioning and starting.
IFB provides for work to start after approval . Under the guideline, even entering into a relevant service or supply contract counts as starting the project. Merely submitting an application is therefore not a signal to begin. IFB on the process, Guideline, Section 6
Your next step is to have IFB assess your specific project: Team Digital, 040 / 248 46-176, digital@ifbhh.de. Access to the application process and required documents is available on the official programme page.
This article explains the programme in general terms. IFB Hamburg decides eligibility, grant amount and approval. Check the information again before applying.