Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises from the North, Center, Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve regions can now reapply for the Compete 2030 Calls for Proposals for productive innovation support.

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises from the North, Center, Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve regions can now reapply for the Compete 2030 Program Calls for Proposals for Productive Innovation Support.

Two Calls for Proposals were opened this Wednesday with an endowment of 500 million euros, of which 160 million euros are earmarked for low-density territories:

  • SICE Notice – Productive Innovation – Low-Density Territories
  • SICE Notice – Productive Innovation – Other Territories

Companies can apply for these supports to establish a new establishment, increase the capacity of an existing one, diversify production into something not previously produced, or even change the overall production process. However, the focus must always be on “tradable and internationalizable goods and services with high added value and a high level of national incorporation.”

Companies can expect a maximum co-financing rate of 40%, but for operations located in the NUTS III sub-regions of Alto Alentejo and Beiras and Serra da Estrela, this maximum limit is 50% for medium-sized companies and 60% for micro and small companies.

There are variations depending on the size of the company, the region where they are located, and the areas of investment, as some areas such as industry 4.0 and climate transition receive an additional ten percentage points due to being priorities of sectoral policies.

The creation of qualified employment also receives bonuses. Only one application can be submitted, and operations can only last for 24 months, except in duly justified cases.

The application period began on 04/30/2024, and the analysis and decision will be made according to the following phases:

 

Phase 1: Deadline for completion is on 09/16/2024 (7:00 PM). Phase

2: Deadline for completion is on 12/30/2024 (7:00 PM).

 

In this call, a clear focus is given to operations that aim to produce tradable and internationalizable goods and services within the framework of productive sectors and broader value chains that generate higher added value, contributing to strengthening the export orientation and external competitiveness of the Portuguese economy.