Guidelines for Partners
With the launch of Business Central FY26, Microsoft has introduced reimagined Business Central incentive engagements that enable partners to scale outreach, shorten sales cycles, and guide customers toward cloud ERP adoption with stronger business value alignment.
While FY25 offered successful foundational programs like the Needs Assessment and Migration Assessment, FY26 brings new engagements that are more scalable, strategic, and outcome-oriented:
Let’s explore how these new incentives are designed – and how they differ from what came before.
📈 FY25 Recap: Foundation for What’s Next
One of FY25’s most claimed engagements was the Business Central Migration Assessment – a structured, partner-led analysis that helped hundreds of SMB customers transition from on-prem solutions like NAV or GP to the cloud. Its success stemmed from its clarity, actionable insights, and Microsoft-funded delivery model, making cloud migration a tangible next step for customers.
The Business Central Needs Assessment also supported 1:1 discovery sessions that allowed partners to dive deep into customer requirements, uncovering key pain points and aligning Business Central capabilities with real business needs. While highly effective in building customer trust and early-stage interest, these sessions were time-intensive – prompting Microsoft to reimagine the model in FY26 to reach more prospects with shorter, high-impact engagements.
FY26 brings a new model: fewer hours, broader impact, and more demand-driven experiences.
💡 Business Central FY26: Immersion Briefing
Aimed at generating early-stage demand, this 90-minute, partner-led session brings together a group of at least 10 prospects to experience the value of Business Central through dynamic, modern content. It’s not about technical discovery – it’s about sparking interest and accelerating qualification.
What’s Included:
- Sizzle videos, click-through demos, and online pricing tools
- Designed for customers with no current BC licenses
- Delivered virtually or in-person, 1-to-many format
- Partner eligibility:
- SMB Management Specialization or strategic invitation
How It Differs from FY25’s Needs Assessment:
FY25 Needs Assessment | FY26 Immersion Briefing | |
Format | 1:1, deep-dive | 1:many, scalable |
Length | 5–6 hours | 90 minutes |
Goal | Understand customer challenges | Generate interest and qualify fit |
Reach | Individual discovery | Group engagement |
This format makes it easier for partners to run recurring, scalable sessions that generate more qualified leads with less delivery effort.
You can read more about this program here.
🧭Business Central FY26: ERP Envisioning Workshop
For partners engaging with larger or strategic customers, the new ERP Envisioning Workshop replaces the old Migration Assessment with a more consultative, modular structure that aligns directly to high-value Microsoft Sales Experience (MSX) opportunities ($50K+ ACV).
What’s Included:
- Modular format: Assess → Art of the Possible → Build the Plan
- Business case development and roadmap creation
- Tailored for customers evaluating D365 Business Central or Finance/Supply Chain
- Partner eligibility:
- At least one Business Applications Specialization
How It Differs from FY25’s Migration Assessment:
FY25 Migration Assessment | FY26 ERP Envisioning Workshop | |
Focus | Technical migration readiness | Strategic ERP planning |
Audience | On-prem Dynamics (no MSX) | MSX opportunities >$50K ACV |
Output | Assessment + migration scope | Roadmap + business case |
The new model ensures partners are rewarded for strategic influence, not just technical evaluations.
You can read more about this program here.
🎯 Why Business Central FY26 Matters
These new programs reflect a clear evolution in Microsoft’s go-to-market strategy:
- Scalability: Shorter, 1-to-many formats to expand reach
- Strategic depth: Modular workshops designed to build real business cases
- Increased earnings potential: Higher or variable payouts aligned to opportunity value
With Business Central FY26, Microsoft is prioritizing partner impact earlier in the customer journey – when decisions are shaped, visions are built, and trust is earned.
🚀 Ready to Engage with Business Central FY26 programs?
If you’ve already seen success with FY25 programs, now is the time to evolve your engagement model.
Whether you’re hosting your first Immersion Briefing or planning an Envisioning Workshop for a high-potential lead, the FY26 incentive portfolio is built to reward partners who lead with insight, strategy, and vision.
🛠️ Looking to get started? Let’s explore how you can maximize these new opportunities and drive even greater success in FY26. Please leave your contact information in the form below, and our experts will be in touch with you.
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