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Dynamics NAV has been a trusted ERP platform for years. It continues to support critical business processes across finance, operations, inventory management and reporting, and many businesses are still getting real value from their investment.
However, as Microsoft's focus continues to shift towards Dynamics 365 Business Central, more businesses are starting to think about what comes next. Business Central builds on the foundations of Dynamics NAV while introducing continuous updates, cloud flexibility, enhanced security and access to the latest Microsoft innovations, including AI-powered capabilities and Copilot.
That doesn't mean every business needs to rush into an upgrade tomorrow. In fact, the most successful projects often begin long before a migration is scheduled. Starting the conversation early allows you to assess your current environment, understand your upgrade options, reduce technical debt and build a roadmap that aligns with your wider business goals.
Microsoft also offers a range of funding programmes and incentives designed to support qualifying migrations. These initiatives can help reduce costs, simplify the transition to the cloud and make it easier to begin planning your move from Dynamics NAV to Business Central.
Microsoft Funding & Incentives to Help with Your Upgrade
The good news? Moving from NAV to Business Central helps you keep up with Microsoft's roadmap and also offers programmes and incentives that could help reduce the overall cost of your move. Take a look at some of the options available:
#1 Bridge to Cloud 3 (BTC3)
If you're running an eligible on-premises NAV solution, Microsoft's Bridge to Cloud programme can provide discounted Business Central licensing for a promotional period, helping to lower the cost of moving to the cloud. It also includes dual-use rights, meaning you can continue using your current NAV environment while transitioning to Business Central.
Why customers like it:
- Lower licensing costs
- Reduced upfront investment
- A smoother transition to the cloud
- Less pressure to switch everything overnight
- Helps reduce project costs
- Makes it easier to get started
- Supports your move to Microsoft's modern ERP platform
#2 Business Central Migration Vouchers
Microsoft also offers migration voucher programmes that can help offset some implementation costs for qualifying migrations. Availability varies, so it's worth exploring early as part of your upgrade planning.
Why customers like it:
- Helps reduce project costs
- Makes it easier to get started
- Supports your move to Microsoft's modern ERP platform
#3 CSP Deployment Accelerator
For customers moving to eligible Dynamics 365 licences through CSP, Microsoft may also provide deployment funding to support activities such as migration, adoption, training and optimisation. This can help offset some of the practical costs involved in moving from NAV to Business Central, subject to eligibility, licence growth thresholds and timing.
Why customers like it:
- Helps reduce the cost of deployment and adoption
- Can support migration, training and optimisation activities
- Encourages earlier planning so funding windows are not missed
- Predictable costs
- Continuous updates
- No more major version upgrade projects
- Access to Copilot and new Business Central features as they're released
#4 Modern CSP Licensing
Many customers moving from NAV benefit from Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) licensing model. Rather than large periodic upgrade projects, you move to a predictable subscription model that includes ongoing updates and access to the latest innovation.
Why customers like it:
- Predictable costs
- Continuous updates
- No more major version upgrade projects
- Access to Copilot and new Business Central features as they're released
Don't Wait for a Deadline
We wouldn't recommend upgrading simply because Microsoft has announced a date. The real opportunity is using the next few years to create a plan that works for your business.
Customers who start the conversation early often benefit from:
✅ More upgrade options
✅ Better budgeting and planning
✅ Reduced project risk
✅ Access to funding opportunities available today
✅ Faster access to cloud, automation and Copilot capabilities
✅ The chance to simplify old customisations and technical debt before it becomes a bigger challenge
If you'd like to learn more about upgrading, read here.
Think of it this way. You don't need to panic. You don't need to sign up for a project tomorrow. But now is a great time to understand what your options look like, what funding may be available, and what the smartest route to Business Central could be.
A quick assessment today could save a lot of time, cost and complexity further down the road.
