Introduction: Grants – opportunities and hurdles
Funding is a crucial lever for companies to drive innovation and enable sustainable growth. Especially in technologically demanding industries such as deep tech, funding often provides the necessary financial basis to implement projects that would hardly be feasible without support. They open up scope for research and development, allow long-term thinking and give companies the opportunity to explore new paths.
The world of funding is complex and many companies are quickly faced with the question of whether to seek outside help. But not every service available is the same.
So let us take a closer look: grants consulting or grants acquisition?
While grants consulting offers initial orientation and introduction to the funding landscape, it often remains superficial. It outlines the general framework, shows possible programs and provides basic information on the general requirements.
Grants acquisition, on the other hand, goes deeper. It is more than just advice - it means comprehensive, hands-on process support. It is about tailoring a project to the requirements of the funding programs in a targeted and precise manner. It is the difference between a map with signposts and an experienced companion who knows exactly how to avoid the hurdles and stumbling blocks of the funding landscape and bring the project safely to its goal.
The role of grants consulting – an important first step
General consulting is often the first step for companies that want to find their way through the jungle of funding options. It provides an overview of the available programs and clarifies basic questions: What funding is available? What are the basic requirements? What do I need to bear in mind?
This advice helps you plan your first steps and develop an idea of what funding landscape awaits you.
This introduction can be very helpful, especially in order to gain an understanding of how funding works. It is a good way to get a rough overview and to prepare for the start of the application process. The advisory centers provide general assistance, for example on formal requirements and the basics of the application process, and thus provide initial orientation.
But this is where the strengths of general advice end. It often remains on the surface and only offers a generic view of the topic. The individual depth required for a successful application is usually missing. The advice simply cannot cover all programs and requirements in full depth - they may know a few funding pots well, but not the entire range.
All the work - from detailed research, the precise selection of a funding program to the accurate application - remains with the company. It is precisely at this point that crucial aspects are often overlooked. The specific requirements of the individual programs are often lost in the general advice. It is not enough to know what funding is available, but how the application must be tailored to the specific criteria of the funding agency. The general advice only conveys the "what", not the "how" and "why".
In practice, it turns out that many applications end up wasting not only time but also valuable resources because they are not targeted enough. The basic information is a good starting point, but it does not guarantee success in the funding competition.
Grants acquisition – what makes it so challenging?
The key difference between general consulting and grants acquisition lies in the depth and intensity with which the project is delved into. Funding acquisition means concentrating completely on the individual project and the company's goals in order to develop a tailor-made strategy. It's not just about listing funding programs, but about placing the project in the context of the funding landscape and presenting it in such a way that it meets the strict requirements and criteria of the respective programs.
The acquisition begins with a thorough project analysis (or as we like to call it at Arise Innovations: Grants Due Diligence ). This identifies in detail which aspects of the project are worthy of funding, which levels of innovation will be achieved and which strategic goals will be pursued. This forms the basis for the next steps.
This is followed by program research , which is more than just looking up funding opportunities. It is about identifying the programs that not only fit the topic but also offer the best chance of success. There are often overlaps and specific requirements that require a deep understanding of the funding landscape.
Next comes strategic planning. This is where the entire application process is designed: Which program criteria must be met? How must the project narrative be structured so that it shows the selection committees added value? Strategic planning determines how the application is structured and how the level of innovation of the project is presented. It is a tailor-made plan that ensures that every aspect of the application is aligned with the funding objectives.
The actual application is then a creative and at the same time meticulous process. It is about formulating the application in such a way that it is convincing both in terms of content and form. Every word counts, every formulation must be well thought out and every requirement must be met precisely. This requires knowledge from various areas: scientific understanding, economic argumentation and skilful presentation - the "story" of the project must be coherent.
After submission, the process is not yet complete. Follow-up includes contact with the funding bodies, answering any queries and coordinating further steps. This phase is crucial to accompany the application through the entire decision-making process and to ensure that the project has the best possible chance of being approved.
Acquisition therefore requires a high degree of strategy, experience and attention to detail - a difference that often determines success or failure. Companies that turn to professional funding acquisition benefit from this full-service approach. Because it is precisely this approach that significantly increases the chances that the entire process will not only run correctly, but also optimally.
Different consulting approaches in the private sector – What you should know
Choosing the right consulting approach is a crucial factor for companies when it comes to successfully applying for funding. In the private sector, there are various forms of funding consulting that differ greatly in their scope and approach. An overview of these approaches helps you find the right support for your own project.
1. Free advice centers: These advice centers offer an initial insight into the funding landscape and provide information about basic programs and framework conditions. They are helpful for a rough overview and answer some of the typical introductory questions: What funding is available? What criteria should be considered? However, this is usually the only basic introduction.
Advantages: Free, a good first point of contact, provides basic knowledge.
Disadvantages: Very generic, not very individual, no in-depth support. The actual work - from program selection to application - remains with the company.
2. External funding consultants with a limited hands-on approach: These are consultants who offer their services for a fee and have in-depth knowledge of specific funding areas. They analyze the funding landscape, recommend programs and provide general advice and quality checks for the application.
Advantages: Expertise in specific funding areas, advice tailored to the individual company, quality control of the application.
Disadvantages: The approach is often limited because the actual work - from detailed research to application preparation - still lies with the company. The strategic part of the application process often remains untouched and holistic process support is often lacking.
3. Specialized acquisition service providers (full service): Specialized acquisition service providers such as Arise Innovations offer a holistic approach: They take over the entire process, from strategic planning to application submission and follow-up. These service providers understand the funding landscape in depth, know how applications must be optimally structured and strategically aligned, and relieve the company of the time-consuming detailed work.
Advantages: Holistic process support, in-depth market knowledge, high success rate through strategic orientation and detailed coordination of the application with the funding program.
Disadvantages: Higher costs than other approaches because the service is more comprehensive. Requires trust in the service provider because the responsibility for the process is completely outsourced.
Reality check: Why do companies often feel lost?
Many companies that initially rely on general advice or a consultant with a limited approach quickly feel overwhelmed and left alone. It turns out that the "hands-on" aspect is often lacking in practice. The advice is helpful in gaining an overview or determining a general direction, but when it comes to the details, many questions remain unanswered. Without comprehensive process support and a clear strategy, companies quickly lose themselves in the requirements and formalities of the application process.
We are often called in when another consulting approach has already failed. Companies had often previously worked with consultants who only carried out a quality check of the application, or they had tried to master the process themselves on the basis of general advice. However, as soon as they delved into the details - be it special requirements, the precise formulation of the project goals or embedding the project in the funding landscape - it became clear that the full-service approach would have been the right way to go. This shows the value of a specialized acquisition that keeps an eye on the entire process and leads to success in a targeted manner.
Pitfalls in funding acquisition – What really matters
Grants acquisition is challenging and full of pitfalls that many companies - whether startups or established SMEs - often underestimate. The process requires not only a detailed understanding of the individual funding programs, but also a precise strategy that is geared to the specific requirements and nuances. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Underestimating the effort: One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that a funding application can be prepared quickly and with little resources. In reality, the application process is a comprehensive process that requires careful planning from the initial research to the follow-up. Small companies in particular are often not prepared for how much time and expertise must go into a successful application. The effort is often underestimated, which not only leads to time pressure, but also to half-hearted applications that ultimately fail.
2. Lack of knowledge of the specific requirements: Each funding program has its own criteria and priorities, and knowing these is essential. Many companies write their applications too generally and get lost in unclear wording without addressing the specific requirements of the program. This lack of knowledge means that important points are not sufficiently taken into account - a fatal mistake that often leads to the application being rejected. This is about nuances: choosing the right keywords, precisely presenting the degree of innovation and clearly embedding it in the funding objectives.
3. Strategic misalignment: Another common pitfall is the lack of strategic alignment in the application. Many companies tend to adapt their project idea to the supposed requirements of the funding program instead of remaining authentic and presenting the project as it really is. However, this "bending" of the project often seems artificial and inconsistent. Instead, it is crucial to develop a clear story that shows why the project is worthy of funding and how it creates real added value. The right story, which reflects both technical expertise and strategic objectives, can make all the difference.
Why the nuances matter
Experience shows that every detail counts when it comes to acquiring funding. A successful application must convince the jury not only technically, but also emotionally. It must clearly convey how the project meets the goals of the funding program, while at the same time underlining the innovative power of the project. This often involves the "small" things: How do you present the project's willingness to take risks? Which facts are highlighted to emphasize the level of innovation? How does the project fit into the market, and what long-term effects does it have? These details can determine success or failure.
The benefits of a full-service approach – More than just support
A full-service approach to funding acquisition means much more than just support with the application process. It includes the entire strategic direction of the project and precise coordination with the requirements of the funding programs. This approach is about putting the project in experienced hands from start to finish and managing all the crucial aspects so that the funding application is not only formally correct, but also convincing in terms of content.
Holistic support: The full-service approach begins with the strategic planning of the project and goes far beyond mere "assistance". It is a comprehensive outsourcing in which the project is placed at the center and completely aligned with the requirements of the appropriate funding program. This means not only providing guidance, but also thinking through the project from different perspectives. This is where technological expertise, an understanding of the funding goals and the right storytelling come together. The full-service approach ensures that the uniqueness of the project is clearly worked out and presented in the application documents in such a way that it meets the funding body's objectives. This makes the strategy behind the application tangible and success more likely. At Arise Innovations, the fact that our founder herself acts as an assessor for several European projects certainly helps us a lot - we know exactly what is important in the evaluation!
Efficiency and success: An experienced acquisition agent takes on the entire complexity of the process, which often overwhelms companies. From researching suitable funding programs to the final application - the full-service approach covers every step. The experience and routine that a specialized service provider brings with them make the process efficient. Errors that can arise due to ignorance or time pressure are avoided, which significantly increases the chances of the application being successful. The customer is thus relieved of an enormous amount of effort and can concentrate on their core business, while the acquisition agent keeps all the threads in hand.
Realistic and resource-saving: An often overlooked advantage of the full-service approach is the actual time and cost savings. Although the investment in an experienced acquisition agent may initially seem higher than the use of internal resources or a one-off consultation, reality shows that the strategic approach and professional application not only maximize the chances of success in the long term, but also prevent the company from investing time and money in incorrect or unsuccessful applications. The acquisition agent's expertise avoids unnecessary loops and the project is quickly put on the right track. This means fewer resources tied up, fewer risks and a higher probability of receiving the desired funding.
How complete care makes the difference
The customer feels the difference: The process is structured and efficient. Deadlines are met, documents are prepared correctly, and queries from the funding agency are answered quickly and professionally. This leaves the company free to concentrate fully on the actual innovation work. In the end, this approach not only leads to a higher approval rate, but also speeds up project implementation because the company can be sure that it will receive the necessary funds on time and in full.
Conclusion: Consulting or acquisition – making the right choice
The world of funding can play a crucial role in the success of innovation projects - provided you navigate it correctly. While funding advice provides a good initial overview and basic orientation, it quickly becomes apparent that this generic approach is often not enough to overcome the many hurdles of applying for funding. General advice can provide an entry point and tell companies the "what", but more is needed for the "how" and "why".
This is where funding acquisition comes into play: a full-service approach that is characterized by in-depth process support, strategic orientation and individual coordination with the funding goals. Acquisition goes far beyond simple advice, as it deals with the complex details, nuances and subtleties that determine the success or failure of a funding application. It not only relieves the company of the complex process of submitting an application, but also ensures that the project is presented optimally and placed in the right context.
When should you think about professional acquisition?
Companies should think about professional funding acquisition when they are faced with a complex innovation project that requires precise and strategic planning. This is especially true when the internal effort is too high, resources are lacking, or there is a lack of in-depth funding knowledge. A full-service approach is particularly worthwhile when it comes to projects that depend significantly on the right positioning and coherent storytelling. Acquisition is the way to ensure that the project not only meets the formal requirements, but also clearly stands out from the competition.
Final advice
If a company has to choose between general advice and a full-service approach, our advice is: take a critical look at your own resources, knowledge and goals. General advice is good for getting a first impression. But when it comes to actual implementation - precisely navigating the requirements and intricacies of the funding landscape - an experienced acquisition agent is essential. Expertise and strategic planning are the keys to a successful funding application. Only when you look at the entire process as a whole and set it up accordingly will the full potential of the funding opportunities be exploited.
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