SME Trade Fair Program

The SME Trade Fair Program is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises based in Bavaria as well as start-ups that wish to strengthen their export activities through participation in international trade and consumer goods fairs. The goal is to promote the foreign trade of Bavarian SMEs by subsidizing essential trade fair costs such as stand rent, stand construction and equipment costs, transport and logistics expenses, as well as marketing materials. A prerequisite for approval is proof of SME status according to the EU definition, business operations in Bavaria, and concrete participation in a foreign trade fair. Applications can be submitted continuously but must be received no later than eight weeks before the start of the trade fair. Evaluation is based on the relevance of the fair to the export business, regional anchoring, and the financing needs in relation to the total costs.

The grant program aims to help Bavarian companies open up new markets and expand their international competitiveness. In addition to financial support, a comprehensive advisory service is provided through cooperation with Bayern International, the export promotion agency of the Free State. Interested applicants must submit a completed application form and demonstrate that the selected trade fair is of strategic importance for their own export business. A cost and financing plan as well as the commercial register excerpt complete the application documents. Since this program runs continuously, companies can respond flexibly to trade fair invitations and optimally plan their trade fair preparation. In this way, the SME Trade Fair Program makes an important contribution to the international presence of Bavarian SMEs and promotes sustainable growth in global markets.