Def'Avance Export
This scheme, implemented by the Commission des garanties and Bpifrance Assurance Export on behalf of the French State, finances production resources, tooling, test benches and manufacturing processes, as well as export sales prospecting, for BITD businesses. According to a presentation by the Direction générale du Trésor (2022), the advance can reach up to 65% of the total amount of the industrialisation work — this figure is old and must be reconfirmed with the DGA (the French defence procurement agency) before taking any action.
Industrialising defence equipment for export requires substantial investment in production before any sale abroad. Def’Avance Export aims to advance part of this funding to businesses in the French defence industrial and technological base (BITD).
Funded by Bpifrance
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Who can apply
French companies belonging to the defence industrial and technological base (BITD), with at least 1 employee according to the sources consulted.
Eligibility conditions
The expenditure financed must be committed after the date of signature of the repayable advance contract. The scheme is managed by the Commission des garanties and Bpifrance Assurance Export, on behalf of the State.
What the scheme covers
Setting up the production resources, tooling, test benches and manufacturing processes needed to industrialise equipment intended for export, as well as international sales prospecting.
Amount and funding terms
According to a Direction générale du Trésor presentation dating from 2022, the advance can cover up to 65% of the total amount of the industrialisation work. This rate could not be reconfirmed by a more recent source during the research carried out; to be checked directly with the DGA or Bpifrance Assurance Export.
How to apply
1. Check that your business genuinely belongs to the French BITD. 2. Identify the industrialisation project intended for export. 3. Contact the DGA or Bpifrance Assurance Export to assess eligibility. 4. Only commit expenditure after the repayable advance contract has been signed.
Timeline
A permanent scheme, with no application deadline identified — applications appear to be reviewed on a rolling basis. To be confirmed with the DGA.
Key facts
- Funder
- Bpifrance
- Type of funding
- Repayable advance
- Status
- Ongoing
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
Which businesses are eligible?
French companies in the defence industrial and technological base (BITD), with at least 1 employee.
What percentage of expenditure is covered?
Up to 65% of the total amount of the industrialisation work according to a 2022 source, to be reconfirmed.
Who manages this scheme?
The Commission des garanties and Bpifrance Assurance Export, on behalf of the State.
Official source
Official Bpifrance page ↗(data_gouv_aides_entreprises)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
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