The funding program "Support for Business Consulting Services for SMEs" offered by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and administered regionally by the NBank aims to improve the performance, competitiveness, and adaptability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as self-employed professionals. The central objective is to encourage self-help and professional development during the start-up or stabilization phase of a business.

The program provides partial reimbursement of costs for external business consulting services. This support is available to young businesses (up to one year on the market), established businesses, and self-employed professionals. Eligible topics include economic, financial, personnel, and organizational issues. Additionally, specialized advice on recruiting and retaining skilled labor, gender equality, age-appropriate work design, sustainability, and environmental protection may also be covered.

Consultations must be carried out as individual sessions and are subject to various conditions, such as proof of an informational meeting for young enterprises. The choice of consultant is free. However, entities such as tax advisors, lawyers, auditors, or similar professions offering consulting services themselves are excluded from funding. Other ineligible applicants include those already acting as consultants within this funding scheme, insolvent businesses, or organizations affiliated with public law bodies or religious communities.

Funding is granted as a non-repayable grant. Eligible consulting costs are capped at 3,500 euros. The reimbursement rate depends on the location of the business:
- In the new federal states (including Lüneburg and Trier, excluding Berlin and Leipzig): 80%, up to a maximum of 2,800 euros.
- In the old federal states (including Berlin and Leipzig, excluding Lüneburg and Trier): 50%, up to a maximum of 1,750 euros.

Each applicant can receive support for a maximum of two independent consultations per year and no more than five during the entire validity period of the funding directive. Applications must be submitted online through the platform of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).