Funding under the Market Entry Program for SMEs

Last updated: 16.6.2025
Grant

The Market Entry Program (MEP) by BMWK supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), self-employed individuals, and freelancers from Germany in exploring new foreign markets. It offers comprehensive assistance through information events, market exploration trips, and business initiation, fostering the international growth and global competitiveness of German companies.

Who is funded?

The Market Entry Program (MEP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), self-employed individuals, freelancers, and business-related service providers based in Germany. It supports their foreign trade activities in opening up new sales markets worldwide.

What is funded?

The Market Entry Program (MEP) of the BMWK promotes various measures for international market development, from information events and market exploration trips to targeted business initiation and collaborative projects. Practical information and network building are paramount.

Type and Extent of Funding

The Market Entry Program (MEP) offers indirect grant funding through measures and services. A co-payment is required for business trips. Support is provided within the framework of an annually established program.

Conditions and Requirements

Participation in the Market Entry Program (MEP) is linked to specific criteria, particularly regarding the company's registered office in Germany and compliance with the EU De minimis regulation.

Application Procedure

The application process for the Market Entry Program (MEP) is divided among the responsibilities of the Market Entry Office, BAFA, and the project executing agencies, with interested companies contacting the project executing agencies directly.

The Market Entry Program (MEP) is based on information from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) and is thus legitimized by official federal agencies.

Similar Programs

#Market Entry Program#SME Export#Explore foreign markets#Export promotion#International business initiation#Small and medium-sized enterprises#International marketing#Export strategy#Foreign business#Market exploration#Supplier search#Study trips#De minimis aid#BMWK funding program#Market development

Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Open

Open Until

Open Until:

Ongoing

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Competitive Tender

Region

Region:

Germany

Sectors

Sectors:

Other

Application Type

Application Type:

Optional Consortium

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Capacity Building, Feasibility Study, Market Introduction, Awareness Campaigns, Commercialization, Scaling

Funding Provider

Program Level:

National

Funding Body:

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

Managed By:

Market Entry Office, Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)

Additional Partners:

Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI)

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