Funding for Transformation Consulting for Automotive Supply Industry Companies (Grant Transformation Consulting Automotive Suppliers Lower Saxony)

Automotive supplier companies in Lower Saxony receive support for transformation processes to secure their future viability at the location. The program aims to assist the industry in transitioning to CO2-neutral energy sources, digital business models, and the qualification of employees, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.

This funding program supports location-specific consulting carried out by consulting companies accredited by the Lower Saxony Transformation Agency. The funding covers the development of corporate strategies, new business models, the digitalization of business processes, crisis management, the further development of corporate culture, and the qualification of personnel to secure the future viability of the automotive supply industry.

The program offers a non-repayable grant for individual consulting services. The maximum funding is €10,000 per consultation, with the grant having to be at least €2,500 and can be claimed once.

Specific conditions must be met for eligibility, including a prior needs analysis and recommendation by the Lower Saxony Transformation Agency, the engagement of an accredited consulting company, and compliance with De minimis regulations. Furthermore, consulting may not begin before receipt of the grant approval notice.

Applications must be submitted to the Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank) before the start of the project, no later than November 15, 2024. Required documents include a fully completed application form, a De minimis declaration, the consulting recommendation from the Transformation Agency, and a draft of the consulting contracts. Payment is made after verification of the proof of use.

The legal basis of the funding program is the guideline on the granting of subsidies for the promotion of transformation consulting for companies in the automotive supply industry, which was issued by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs on April 16, 2024. This guideline regulates the support of the automotive supply industry in Lower Saxony in its transformation processes.