Apply now for BAYERNS BEST 50

Munich, February 9, 2026 – For the 25th time, the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy will once again honor the 50 fastest-growing companies in Bavaria this year. All owner-managed SMEs headquartered in Bavaria are eligible to apply for the prestigious BAYERNS BEST 50 award. Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, will present the awards to the best of the best at a ceremonial event at Schloss Schleißheim at the end of July this year, where winners will receive the coveted white “Bavarian Growth Lion”. In addition, special awards will be presented for outstanding commitment in the areas of training and sustainability (ESG), as well as for the “Bavarian Entrepreneur of the Year”. Baker Tilly is once again supporting the competition as an independent juror and implementation partner. Participation is free of charge for all companies. Applications can be submitted until March 27, 2026 via the website bakertilly.de/bb50.

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BAYERN'S BEST 50: Bavaria Says Thank You for Entrepreneurial Commitment

“With the BAYERN'S BEST 50 award, we recognize the ongoing commitment of small and medium-sized enterprises in Bavaria. At the same time, we promote entrepreneurship and self-employment. This year, we are once again honoring 50 particularly high-growth Bavarian companies and recognizing exceptional entrepreneurial commitment with additional special awards,” says Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger. 

The application deadline is March 27, 2026

BAYERNS BEST 50 is aimed at high-growth, owner-managed SMEs in Bavaria that have achieved above-average and profitable growth in both their workforce and revenue over the past five years. To this end, a large number of companies will be directly invited to participate in the coming days. Regardless of this, Bavarian SMEs can also apply for the coveted award on their own initiative, even without an invitation. For the evaluation of the companies, it makes no difference whether participation is on one’s own initiative or by invitation. The deadline for filing applications is March 27, 2026.

Baker Tilly as an expert, independent juror and implementation partner

In organizing the competition, the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs is once again supported by Baker Tilly as an independent juror and implementation partner: “As an advisory and audit firm with proven expertise in the SME sector, we are pleased to once again support BAYERNS BEST 50 this year as the responsible juror. Our many years of experience as advisors and auditors to family-owned small and medium-sized companies provide an excellent foundation for our role as juror and implementation partner,” says Professor Dr. Thomas Edenhofer, Managing Partner Audit & Advisory at Baker Tilly and responsible for the organization of the competition.

High public visibility and networking opportunities: participation pays off!

“All award-winning companies can look forward to a personal recognition of their entrepreneurial achievements during a ceremonial award presentation at Schloss Schleißheim by Minister of Economic Affairs Aiwanger, as well as strong public visibility and the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with like-minded peers,” adds Andreas Weissinger, juror and also Partner at Baker Tilly. “Participation in the SME competition BAYERNS BEST 50 is therefore worthwhile in any case.”