Qualification and Internationalization of SMEs: Your business in the world

In a globalized world, Support for the Qualification and Internationalization of SMEs is the passport to new horizons and markets. Through Portugal 2030 initiatives, companies have the opportunity to strengthen their foundations, innovate and expand across borders.

What is SME Qualification and Internationalization (Individual Applications)?

The dynamism of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is vital to the Portuguese economy. In order to strengthen SMEs, Portugal 2030 has launched a competition that grants financial support to projects that strengthen business capacity for the qualification and internationalization of SMEs located in mainland Portugal.

This Portugal 2030 support is aimed at individual applications from entities that want to expand their business across borders and need financial support for hiring human resources, participating in events, publicizing and promoting their products and services in international markets.

The “Qualification of SMEs” operation typology includes support in immaterial areas of competitiveness:

• Organizational innovation in management and logistics;

• Digitalization and Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and data protection;

• Capacity building for the development of products, services and processes;

• Quality and certification;

• Creation of brands and design, except for periodic changes and other changes of a cyclical and seasonal nature;

• Protection of industrial property;

• Transfer of knowledge and technology;

• Sustainability and eco-innovation.

The “Internationalization of SMEs” type of operation includes support for actions such as:

• Knowledge, prospecting and presence in foreign markets;

• International marketing;

• Online presence and E-commerce;

• Creation and international promotion of brands; 

• Organizational innovation related to commercial practices or external relations;

• Quality and specific certification for foreign markets.

Financing and Investment

Rates The project's funding rate will be up to 50%, which may be increased in specific cases, but without exceeding the maximum limit of 70%:

• By 10 p.p. if the training is for disadvantaged or disabled workers;

• 10 p.p. if the incentive is for medium-sized companies;

• 20 p.p. if the incentive is granted to micro and small companies.

The minimum eligible investment per project is 25,000 euros, with a maximum support limit of 500,000 euros.

Eligible entities

In individual applications, SMEs are the main beneficiaries. However, up until the date of the application there are a number of criteria that companies must meet in order to qualify:

• Be legally incorporated and duly registered, including in the Central Register of Effective Beneficiaries (RCBE);

• Have a regularized tax and social security situation;

• Be up to date on refunds under European funds, including support granted by the PPR (Recovery and Resilience Plan);

• Be legally qualified to carry out its activity;

• Have or be able to provide their own human resources, as well as the technical and material resources needed to carry out the operation;

• Have a balanced economic and financial situation and demonstrate the ability to finance the operation;

• For training activities, the company must be certified or use certified training providers in the training areas for which they are requesting financial support;

• Have a bank account with an institution legally authorized to operate in Portugal;

• Have an open bank account with an institution legally authorized to operate in Portugal;

• They must not hold, or have held in the last three years, by themselves or by their spouse, whether or not separated, or by their ascendants and descendants up to the first degree, capital in a percentage greater than 50 %, in entities that are not in good standing in terms of refunds under European funds;

• Not be the subject of an injunction procedure for the recovery of unlawful aid, in accordance with European regulations;

• Not be in insolvency proceedings.

Eligible expenses

With the exception of costs directly related to the productive or operational area of the beneficiaries, the following expenses are considered eligible for the development of the project:

• Costs of equipment necessary for the application of new organizational methods, including software, to the extent that they are used in the operation, and during the execution of the operation, and only if they are used exclusively in the beneficiary's establishment;

• Salary costs for hiring qualified human resources, including the basic salary and compulsory social charges;

• Costs involving participation in fairs and exhibitions abroad, including space rental, construction and operation of the stand;

• Specialized consultancy services provided by external consultants that do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity, nor are they related to the normal functioning of the beneficiaries, including marketing campaigns in external markets, expenses with the intervention of certified accountants or statutory auditors; costs associated with the certification of products, processes or services; costs of designing and registering new brands; costs associated with the domiciliation and subscription of applications, membership of electronic platforms or inclusion in directories and search engines;

• Costs of obtaining, validating and defending patents and other industrial property registrations;

• Training of human resources;

• Other expenses related to promoting internationalization, including prospecting and attracting new clients, and promotional actions carried out in foreign markets;

• In the case of joint applications, costs for monitoring and developing the operation, including actions to publicize, raise awareness and disseminate the results, studies and staff costs.

Expanding horizons is a courageous step that requires preparation and vision. Support from PT2030 offers Portuguese SMEs the opportunity to explore international markets.

With the funding available and clear guidance, every business has the potential to transform its destiny. Face the challenges, embrace change and take your brand across borders.

Applications are now open and can be formalized at the Balcão dos Fundos (Fund Desk). Don't miss the chance to turn your business into a global success.