Digitalisation is no longer a topic of the future for small and medium-sized enterprises. Rising costs, a shortage of skilled labour, new customer requirements and growing regulatory obligations are forcing companies to rethink their processes, communication and business models.
This is precisely where the SME digitalisation funding programme comes in. As an Austria-wide funding programme for digitalisation, it supports SMEs in their digital development. The focus is deliberately not on the purchase of software or hardware, but on qualified advice. After all, if you want to digitise, you should first know what makes sense and what doesn't.
The most important facts in brief: How does KMU.DIGITAL work - and what happens after the consultation?
- DIGITAL is a Digitisation funding in Austria for small and medium-sized enterprises. Funding is provided for Consultingnot the implementation.
- Objective of the funding: check the level of digital maturity, prioritise fields of action and derive a realistic digitalisation strategy.
- The procedure is: Select a certified counselling partner → Submit application before starting → Carry out counselling → Billing/payment.
- EPUs can in principle also benefit, provided they fulfil the EU SME criteria and meet the other requirements.
- After the subsidised consultation comes the crucial part: Implement prioritised measures (e.g. website, SEO, content, campaigns) We support you as an implementation partner.
What is KMU.DIGITAL?
SME.DIGITAL is a digitalisation campaign launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. The aim of the programme is to introduce small and medium-sized enterprises to digital topics in a structured manner and to create a sound basis for decision-making. The funding programme for digitalisation is valid until 31.12.2026.
Funding is provided for consultancy services that help companies to do this,
- assess their level of digital maturity,
- identify specific areas for action and
- develop a realistic digitalisation strategy.
It is important to note that this digitisation promotion is not a sales platform for IT solutions, but a neutral introduction to the topic of digitisation. This improves the competitiveness of companies and provides important growth and employment stimuli for Austria as a business location.
Who can take advantage of the subsidy?
Funding for digitalisation is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Austria that meet the EU definition of an SME.
Consultancy services for companies are subsidised,
- that are considered SMEs within the meaning of the EU,
- who have their registered office or a permanent establishment in Austria and
- for which the respective advisory service has not yet been utilised as part of a comparable subsidy.
As one-person companies (EPU) generally also fall under the EU definition of SMEs, they can also benefit from this SME funding, provided that all funding requirements are met.
Which digital consultations are subsidised?
The programme has a modular structure. Depending on the initial situation, companies can use different counselling formats, such as
Status and potential analysis: This analysis answers the fundamental question: Where does my company stand digitally?
Existing processes, IT structures and digital competences are analysed. The result is a compact overview of strengths, weaknesses and possible next steps.
Strategy consulting: Building on the analysis, the focus here is on the specific orientation:
- Digital business models
- E-commerce and online marketing
- IT security and data protection
- Digital processes and organisation
Consultancy provides the basis for decision-making, not the implementation itself. This is precisely what makes it so valuable: wrong decisions can be avoided at an early stage.
How much digital funding is available in Austria?
Consultancy services are largely subsidised. A certain percentage of the consultancy costs is covered, up to a fixed maximum amount. The company remains responsible for its own share.
Costs that are not eligible for funding under this SME funding programme are consultants' expenses, services and costs incurred before the application was submitted, consultancy costs that are not directly related to a digitalisation project, companies with a business location outside Austria, costs that have already been supported by other projects and VAT.
How does the KMU.DIGITAL application work?
The process is clearly structured:
- Selection of a certified consulting partner
- Online application
- Implementation of the counselling
- Settlement and payment of the grant
A key point here is that the application must be submitted before the consultation begins.
If you skip this step, you risk losing your entitlement to a subsidy. A classic mistake that is easy to avoid.
How we support your company with digitalisation
Many SMEs use the funding to gain clarity - but the implementation remains open afterwards. Important: We are not a certified KMU.DIGITAL consulting partner and do not accept any applications.
What we offer: As Digital and B2B marketing agency we implement the results of the subsidised consultancy in a structured, measurable way and with a clear project plan.
Typical implementation modules after the consultation:
- Development of a digital Content-Strategy and creation of relevant content (e.g. white papers, articles, etc.) to strengthen visibility and positioning in the market.
- Development or relaunch of Websites and landing pagesthat are technically, design- and SEO-strong and function as a digital sales channel.
- Performance-Marketing and Social media-campaignsto generate targeted leads and increase reach.
- Graphic and web designthat makes your brand visible and presents digital offers in a user-friendly way.
- Production of Video and audio contentthat conveys content emotionally and creates trust.
- Audits & Checkswhich identify weaknesses in the digital presence and provide prioritised recommendations for action.
You choose subsidised consulting with a certified partner - we then take over the implementation of the prioritised measures, from the initial concept to measuring success: Enquire now
Typical questions about the digital funding programme from the field
- Does digitalisation funding in Austria also make sense for traditional industries?
Companies without extensive digital experience in particular benefit from a neutral position assessment. - Are implementation measures also subsidised?
Funding for digitalisation focuses on advice. There are other funding instruments for implementation. - Is it possible to combine several modules?
In many cases yes - depending on the programme status and funding guidelines.
Why KMU.DIGITAL is worthwhile right now
Digitalisation costs time, money and attention. A subsidised consultation reduces the risk of expensive mistakes and provides clarity before investments are made. This is an advantage that should not be underestimated, especially in difficult economic times. For many companies, this is a strategic and pragmatic starting point towards SME digitalisation without flying blind.
FAQ on SME.DIGITAL funding
What is supported by KMU.DIGITAL - and what is not?
Funding is provided for consultancy services (e.g. status and potential analyses, strategy consulting). The implementation itself is generally not part of the funding and must be organised separately.
Who can take advantage of the KMU.DIGITAL funding programme?
The funding is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises with their registered office or permanent establishment in Austria that fulfil the EU SME definition. One-person companies (EPU) may also be eligible, provided that all requirements are met.
How does the application for digitisation funding work?
Typically: choose a certified counselling partner, apply online, carry out counselling, then settlement and payment. Important: The application must be submitted before the counselling begins.
How does B2IMPACT provide support after the consultation?
We are not a certified KMU.DIGITAL consulting partner and do not take over the application process. We support the implementation of prioritised measures after the funded consultation - e.g. website/SEO, content, campaigns and tracking.
