{"id":9382,"date":"2026-07-06T14:11:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T12:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextra-consulting.com\/ai-workshops-sme-potential-analysis-roadmap-bafa\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T14:21:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T12:21:09","slug":"ai-workshops-sme-potential-analysis-roadmap-bafa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextra-consulting.com\/en\/ai-workshops-sme-potential-analysis-roadmap-bafa\/","title":{"rendered":"AI for SMEs \u2013 Potential Analysis and Roadmap with BAFA Funding"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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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<\/strong>, Janika Ofterdinger speaks with Dr. Britta Frommeyer (Nextra Consulting) about how SMEs can start with AI<\/strong>: manageable, structured, and funded. The focus is on two consecutive workshop modules that lead from the initial idea to a concrete roadmap. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Typical hurdles for SMEs<\/span><\/h6>\n

A lack of AI or data departments, limited time<\/strong> in day-to-day business, and caution regarding investments<\/strong> 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)<\/a><\/span> shows: around 95% of AI pilot projects deliver no measurable effect<\/strong> \u2013 mostly due to a lack of integration into existing processes, not because of the technology itself. <\/p>\n

Potential analysis for a sound start<\/span><\/h6>\n

In a half-day workshop, we can answer the question of where AI can actually provide meaningful help within the company<\/strong>. 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<\/strong>. The result is a prioritized shortlist including an impact\/complexity matrix featuring the biggest quick wins. <\/p>\n

From idea to roadmap<\/span><\/h6>\n

In a second module, the prioritized ideas are developed into concrete use-case concepts<\/strong> \u2013 including factsheets on required data, expansion stages, and necessary skills. A structured complexity checklist regarding data availability and integration effort makes the assessment reliable<\/strong>. This results in an implementation-oriented roadmap<\/strong> spanning approximately 12 months, in which quick wins are deliberately addressed first. <\/p>\n

BAFA funding: up to 80% grant<\/span><\/h6>\n

Both modules are eligible for funding through the BAFA “Business Consulting for SMEs” program<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Depending on the location, the grant covers 50% or 80% of the consulting costs. The personal contribution thus starts at around \u20ac700 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. <\/p>\n

What you will learn in this talk<\/span><\/h6>\n