The Bavarian state supports internationalization plans with up to 60,000 EUR

Go International: Bayern's Funding Program for International Business Expansion

Bavarian companies are renowned worldwide for their high-quality products and services. That's why the Free State of Bavaria supports the internationalization of companies through the Go International funding program. This blog post provides a compact overview of how to apply for funding through this program.

Why Internationalization is a Top Priority in Bavaria

The Bavarian economy is highly export-oriented, yet many companies—especially SMEs—face obstacles such as lack of market know-how, financing challenges, intense competitive pressure, or limited personnel resources. The Free State therefore relies on the principle of "self-help assistance": companies should develop their own internationalization strategies, but receive financial and organizational support in doing so.

Funding Programs for SMEs: Go International

The program "Go International," specifically supports small and medium-sized enterprises as well as freelancers in entering up to two new foreign markets. The program funds different services with grants of up to €30,000 per target country (maximum €60,000 for two target countries) and subsidy rates of approximately 40 to 50 percent, depending on the region. This funding reduces financial burden, mitigates risks, and strengthens your competitive position, as relevant services for market development in target countries become more affordable.

Depending on the specific program, primarily concrete measures for market development abroad are funded—not investments in machinery, but "soft" services related to strategy, market development, and qualification:

*For the exact details, please contact us.

These measures support both the strategic preparation and operational implementation of international business activities—from initial market analysis to professional handling of new customer contacts with expert guidance.

Go International: From Idea to Application

Before submitting an application, there is always a consultation with the responsible Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK), where it is determined whether the company is eligible for funding (SME/freelancer based in Bavaria, new target countries, type of measures). Subsequently, target countries, measures (e.g., trade fairs, marketing, certifications, training), and a rough cost and timeline are defined; this results in the individual internationalization plan.

Application Submission and Approval

Application documents are provided online or through the local Chamber Of Commerce and submitted to the responsible IHK/HWK or BIHK Service GmbH—Außenwirtschaftszentrum Bayern (Foreign Trade Center Bavaria). The review examines, among other things, company data, SME status, planned target countries (maximum two new ones), and eligible expenses. If the review is positive, the company receives a written approval notice specifying the funding rate and maximum grant (typically €20,000–€30,000 per target country, subsidy rate depending on region up to 50 percent, somewhat lower in the Munich metropolitan area).

Implementation of Measures, Invoicing, and Payment

After approval, the company independently implements the planned measures during the funding period together with the external service provider, typically within up to 12 months per target country. Funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis: the company initially pays all invoices itself and then submits receipts and payment documentation to the chamber or foreign trade center. After substantive and formal review (target market relevance, eligibility, compliance with the approval period and spending caps), the grant is paid to the company's business account up to the approved amount.

How Can G&E Sales Help You?

G&E Sales is your trusted partner in this process! An external consultant like G&E Sales can significantly accelerate, professionalize, and reduce the risk of both the internationalization and funding process. With our comprehensive internationalization services and support in applying for funding, we help you throughout the entire process.

Strategy and Target Market Selection

We help you identify realistic target markets and develop a coherent internationalization strategy. This includes market and competitive analyses, assessment of internal resources, and clear prioritization of measures—which later form the basis for your funding application.

Funding Eligibility Check and Application Preparation

G&E Sales can review which strategies fit your company's situation and which costs are specifically eligible for funding. We then support you in the structured preparation of the application, formulation of the project plan, and compilation of all necessary documents, ensuring your approval chances increase and formal errors are avoided.

Operational Implementation of Measures

Many eligible services—such as marketing concepts, business partner search, trade fair preparation, or training—can be planned, coordinated, or directly provided by us. This creates a seamless chain from strategy through measure planning to practical implementation in the target market, without your company needing to build internal specialist staff or search for various external service providers.

Reporting, Invoicing, and Optimization

Since funding programs like Go International operate on a reimbursement basis, proper documentation and invoicing are essential. G&E Sales provides you with all necessary receipts, documentation, and reports on goal achievement, which relieves your company of administrative burden while simultaneously establishing a solid foundation for future internationalization steps.

Contact us now for more information and a free consultation for a potential analysis.

Write an email to info@geglobalsales.com.