Consulting Program Economy NRW (BPW)

The Economic Advisory Program NRW (BPW) offers subsidies in North Rhine-Westphalia for independent business management consulting services related to start-ups, business takeovers, and the transition from part-time to full-time self-employment. Funding is provided for consulting on economic, financial, personnel, and organizational issues within the innovation fields of the Regional Innovation Strategy NRW. With a funding duration of up to 12 months and a subsidy ranging from 50% to 90% of the flat daily rate (€510 per consulting day), the program sustainably supports founders and successors in implementing their projects. Applications can be submitted continuously until June 30, 2027, via the ERDF Online Portal; an application must be submitted prior to the start of the consulting service.

Eligible applicants are natural persons aged 18 and over who are newly founding a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise in North Rhine-Westphalia, starting a full-time freelance activity, taking over a company or company shares, or transitioning to full-time self-employment. Additionally, individuals with a migration background and recognized disabilities are given special consideration. Prerequisites include a prior consultation at an approved contact point and the submission of the following documents: application form, confirmation of the consultation, consultant profile, and a coherent business concept. Consultations on general legal, insurance, or tax matters, architectural and engineering services, as well as qualification measures, are not eligible for funding. The innovative focus on regional innovation fields and the consideration of structural inequalities enhance the quality and diversity of start-up and takeover projects in NRW.