Business grant consultancy: define the right commission
Advice can identify programmes and prepare an application. It does not award funding or replace current programme rules. Project type, location, stage and commitments already made affect which possibilities can be considered.
Distinguish search, application and support
Clarify programme search, assessing a known opportunity, application help or supporting an approved project. Give the exact project count. A list without justified fit is insufficient, as is an application without sound foundations.
Match the project to the funding purpose
Research, process innovation, energy projects and regional development can follow different funding logic. Location, organisation and partners may matter. Ask for justified selections and exclusions. Not every investment or new business automatically receives a grant.
| Check | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Which activities and effects are supported? |
| Participants | Which organisations and partners are required? |
| Location and stage | Does the project fit the area and stage? |
Check project-start rules before commitments
Some programmes require approval or an agreement before starting. Orders or work already begun may therefore matter. Check the specific rule and possible exceptions before making new commitments. Advice is not retrospective funding approval.
Prepare application foundations together
Objectives, benefits, work plan, responsibilities and justified costs may be needed later. Financing evidence and partner contributions must fit the programme. The enquiry needs none of these confidential files. Agree who supplies facts, prepares the application and approves it.
Clarify own contributions and parallel support
Funding may cover only certain costs or partner work. Assess own contributions, other financing and potential duplicate support separately. An award does not necessarily mean immediate payment. Include payment conditions and evidence duties in project planning.
Compare advisory fees separately
Compare search, drafting, revision and reporting with defined deliverables. Clarify fixed versus time fees, further rounds and success-fee terms. Fees may remain payable without approval. Regional support rules do not make every advisory commission free.
| Service | Specify in the quote |
|---|---|
| Search and assessment | Reasoned selection and documented limits |
| Application | Drafts, evidence, approval and revisions |
| Support | Changes, reports and accounting |
Plan duties after the decision
Approved projects may require reports, cost evidence and notification of material changes. Agree inclusion and who tracks deadlines. Advice, submission and legally challenging a decision are different commissions. A refusal should receive a clear assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does advice guarantee funding?
No. The responsible body assesses the application.
Is every investment eligible?
No. Purpose, location, stage and other conditions must fit.
Can a started project still be assessed?
Yes, state the stage. This does not promise retrospective support.
Do I need a research partner already?
It depends on the programme. Advice can clarify requirements and partner search.
Is application work free after rejection?
Not automatically. Fees follow the agreed work and remuneration terms.
Does the enquiry require confidential project files?
No. Theme, stage and scope suffice. Secure exchange is agreed later.
