Incentive to the Internationalisation of SMEs – Joint projects

Inserted in the Axis 2 of the Regional Operational Program has the main aim of increase competitiveness and external awareness of products/services and stimulate business investment. By contributing to open new export channels and to foster SMEs internationalization, the practice intends to increase the competitiveness of enterprises, promote the exports of high technology products and encourage more integration into international value chains.
Joint SMEs internationalization projects targeting the following areas are susceptible to support:
a) Knowledge of external markets;
b) Presence on the web, through the digital economy;
(c) International development and promotion of trademarks;
d) Prospecting and presence in international markets;
e) International marketing;
(f) Introduction of a new method of organization in commercial practices or external relations;
g) Specific certifications for external markets.
Expenditures considered eligible are:
- Acquisitions for application of new organizational methods;
- Participation in fairs and exhibitions abroad;
- Specialized consultancy services provided by external consultants;
- Obtaining, validating and defending patents and other industrial property registration costs.
The incentive is calculated by applying a maximum rate of 50% to eligible expenditure (non-refundable) to projects submitted by a consortium gathering at least 10 companies. The maximum incentive, per company, is 180.000€ (ERDF).