Bavaria's diverse economic environment makes it an attractive location for startups and investors to establish a business. However, it's not just the existing infrastructure that ensures prosperous companies; there are also numerous funding opportunities for startups in this country. Established companies and investors also benefit from the numerous funding programs.
Last year, the LfA Förderbank Bayern alone provided companies with low-interest development loans worth €2.1 billion. But the possibilities are even more diverse: Whether it is a start-up, acquisition, or modernization – the needs-based offers are one of the essential building blocks for the success of Bavaria as a business location. The measures range from non-repayable grants and low-interest loans to the assumption of guarantees and coaching workshops. In addition to the initiatives of the Free State and its institutions themselves, investors and founders also have the opportunity to benefit from funding within the framework of various EU programs, for example through the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency.
Eligibility requirements for funding
The eligibility requirements for the various funding programs vary depending on the initiative. What they all have in common is that only projects planned in Bavaria are eligible for funding, and applications must, in most cases, be submitted before the actual project start. Detailed information about the project, including details on the timeframe, investment amount, financing plan, and a brief description of the project's content, are an integral part of the funding applications.
Selection of various funding programs
There are a large number of Bavarian funding programs.
For founders:
- Bavarian funding program to facilitate the transition to entrepreneurship (FLEDGE): Support for start-ups from universities
- Growth Fund Bavaria: Financing of investments and working capital within the framework of an investment project following initial round financing
- BayStartUP: Business plan competitions, workshops, coaching, contact to the financing network with business angels and venture capitalists
- ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Bavaria: Support for projects for the commercial use of space technologies and infrastructures
To develop new markets:
- Trade fair participation program Bayern Innovativ GmbH or the Bavaria International GmbH: Taking over the trade fair organization and cost sharing at trade fairs in Germany or abroad at the Bavarian company joint stand
- Delegation and business trips: Support through political guidance in entering new markets, through building networks in the export business, and through on-site visits to associations, ministries, organizations, and trade fairs
Own research and development projects:
- Bavarian program to promote technology-oriented start-ups: for technology-oriented founders or companies that have existed for less than six years and meet SME criteria
- Bavarian Technology Promotion Program: Support in the development of technologically new products and processes and their application
- Innovation vouchers: On cooperation with research institutions and industrial partners
- Bavarian Research Foundation – Advanced technologies for the 21st century: technologies, processes and services from a wide range of fields – from life sciences and materials science to process and production engineering
- Topic-specific programs: Electromobility, New Materials, electronic systems, Information and communication technology, medical technology, energy research, biotechnology and genetic engineering
Do you have individual questions about funding and financing options in the Free State of Bavaria? Then contact invest in bavaria.
