Funding for companies

Bavaria provides ideal starting conditions for investment projects. Do you want to tap new markets? Are you planning a new location or to expand the existing one? Perhaps you are working on your own research and development projects? With state funding, you can approach your goals more quickly. Here is an overview of the programmes available and their requirements.

Innovative spirit is at home here: Bavaria attracts companies and investors from around the world. This is not only because of the global players and hidden champions from numerous key industries based here and the important location factors such as the research landscape, specialist staff and infrastructure that play a major role; the political climate is also very favourable – as shown, for example, by the wide range of promotion programmes.

Support in tapping new markets
Bavaria is the gateway to Germany and Europe for export-oriented companies from Asia, North America and other regions. But companies based in Bavaria who want to push their export business on an international level also receive active support. Companies benefit from delegation visits and tours for businesspeople, the trade fair participation programme for national and international trade fairs and more than 20 representative offices around the world.

Start-up assistance for new locations or location expansions
The Bavarian regional investment grant programme for commercial enterprises (BRF) provides funding of up to 30 per cent – depending on the company size and location – to promote investment in machines, buildings, etc. that creates or secures jobs.

Research and development projects
As a state with a high industrial density and many important players in the ITC sector, Bavaria is also a big step ahead in terms of digitalisation; the ideal environment for innovators. Wherever new technologies, products or services are created, up to 50% of the costs eligible for funding will be covered, depending on the conditions.

There are also topic-specific funding programmes, such as for electromobility, microsystems technology and energy technology.

What needs to be considered?
Bavarian funding is only available to companies based or operating branch offices in Bavaria, and must be used predominantly within the state of Bavaria (exception: tapping new markets).
In many programmes, the size of the company is decisive in determining eligibility for funding. Companies are classified in accordance with the SME definition of the European Commission.
For research and development projects in particular, a project outline containing the most important information, such as the investment amount, realisation period and a brief description of the project's content, must be provided. Important: The application must be filed before the project commences. It is therefore advisable to establish contact with the project sponsor early on.

The range of products extends from non-repayable subsidies to low-interest loans and even the provision of guarantees.

Additional information is contained in the new funding brochure (PDF-Download), published by Invest in Bavaria.

The Business Promotion Agency of the State of Bavaria advises investors in advance, provides orientation on funding options and establishes helpful contacts. The service is free of charge and covers everything from the planning phase to finding a suitable location, getting started and much more.