State Program Economy 2021–2027 – Digitization Measures in Small Enterprises (DKU)
Grant for low-threshold digitization measures in small businesses in Schleswig-Holstein. Funding in two modules (consulting and implementation) with up to 40% subsidy. Applications possible until 31.12.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for small commercial enterprises in Schleswig-Holstein in the planning and implementation of digitization measures to improve IT security, resource efficiency, process optimization, and climate protection within the framework of the state program Economy 2021–2027.
Eligible expenses
- external consulting services
- hardware (servers, storage and peripheral devices)
- software (license costs, SaaS, cloud rental)
- installation and customization services
- data migration
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Non-eligible expenses
- Standard hardware and software for office equipment
- self-developed hardware and software
- pure replacement acquisitions without digitalization progress
- used devices and equipment
- maintenance and software upkeep
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- EU SME definition with headquarters or branch in Schleswig-Holstein
- Use of the funded hardware and software in the company in Schleswig-Holstein
- For the Consulting module: Consulting service providers must be licensed for the federal go-digital consulting and prepare a written implementation report
- For the Implementation module: previously successful Consulting module or go-digital funding within the last 18 months
- Projects in the Implementation module must enable substantially improved digital positioning and support climate protection and resource efficiency goals
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Documents required for application
- Project description
- Offer/proof of certified consulting company
- List of consulting companies licensed for go-digital
- Positive and negative list
- Application calculation DKU module 2
- Scoring table for cross-sectional objectives
- Sample power of attorney (in case of representation)
- Data protection information
Evaluation criteria
- Substantial progress in digitalization
- Contribution to climate protection and resource efficiency
- Compliance with cross-cutting objectives (sustainable development, equality, non-discrimination)
- Degree of innovation of the digital solution
Description
Under the umbrella of the joint task "Improvement of the Regional Economic Structure (GRW)" and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the state of Schleswig-Holstein supports the funding instrument "Digitalization Measures in Small Enterprises (DKU)" through the State Program Economy 2021–2027. The aim is to assist small enterprises with up to 50 employees and an annual turnover of a maximum of €10 million in planning and implementing climate-friendly digitalization projects. The funding is divided into the Consulting Module – including external consulting services for process analysis, IT security, and the development of viable digital strategies (40% up to €20,000) – and the Implementation Module, which subsidizes investments in hardware, software, installation and adaptation services, as well as qualification measures for employees with a flat 20% personnel cost share (40% up to €200,000).
Small enterprises from Schleswig-Holstein carry out their projects within eight months (consulting) or 18 months (implementation) and demonstrate a tangible digitalization progress in the areas of resource efficiency, process optimization, and climate protection. Non-eligible costs include, for example, standard office equipment, pure replacement acquisitions without digitalization progress, or online marketing measures. Evaluation is based on the degree of innovation, contribution to cross-cutting objectives such as equality and sustainability, as well as climate protection impact. Applications can be submitted continuously until December 31, 2027, via the digital service portal. The program offers small businesses an effective lever to enhance their competitiveness through modern IT solutions.
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