AI is no longer a topic for the future for small and medium-sized enterprises, but a competitive factor in the here and now; however, many lack a structured entry point. In the Talk of our Sustainability x AI series, Janika Ofterdinger speaks with Dr. Britta Frommeyer (Nextra Consulting) about how SMEs can start with AI: manageable, structured, and funded. The focus is on two consecutive workshop modules that lead from the initial idea to a concrete roadmap.
Typical hurdles for SMEs
A lack of AI or data departments, limited time in day-to-day business, and caution regarding investments with unclear benefits hold many SMEs back. This is compounded by a confusing data situation and an oversupply of tools without guidance. A frequently cited MIT study (State of AI in Business, 2025) shows: around 95% of AI pilot projects deliver no measurable effect – mostly due to a lack of integration into existing processes, not because of the technology itself.
Potential analysis for a sound start
In a half-day workshop, we can answer the question of where AI can actually provide meaningful help within the company. Using AI capability maps, the term “AI” is broken down into specific capabilities such as capturing, structuring, analyzing, or predicting, and linked to real pain points along business processes. The result is a prioritized shortlist including an impact/complexity matrix featuring the biggest quick wins.
From idea to roadmap
In a second module, the prioritized ideas are developed into concrete use-case concepts – including factsheets on required data, expansion stages, and necessary skills. A structured complexity checklist regarding data availability and integration effort makes the assessment reliable. This results in an implementation-oriented roadmap spanning approximately 12 months, in which quick wins are deliberately addressed first.
BAFA funding: up to 80% grant
Both modules are eligible for funding through the BAFA “Business Consulting for SMEs” program. Depending on the location, the grant covers 50% or 80% of the consulting costs. The personal contribution thus starts at around €700 per module. The correct sequence is crucial: the funding application must be submitted before the start of the consultation, otherwise the grant will be forfeited.
What you will learn in this talk
- Categorize typical hurdles for SMEs – from resource scarcity to an unclear data situation
- Identify and prioritize AI fields of application with a potential analysis
- Develop concrete use-case concepts and a 12-month roadmap from prioritized ideas
- Correctly apply for BAFA funding for both modules
- Avoid typical pitfalls during the application process
All future and past webinars can be found at: nextra-consulting.com/webinars.
You can find more about the workshop formats here.
