SME INSTRUMENT DONOSTIA INN

The H2020 SME Instrument is an innovative and attractive financing facility that supports technology-based SMEs to check (1st stage) and accelerate (2nd stage) their growth proposals. The SME Instrument has attracted great attention (nearly 50,000 applications; over 3,200 funded), as it helps fast-growing companies to overcome the “Death Valley” that goes from business plan to the market, and offers other additional features, such as the external endorsement of the business plan, a seal of excellence and the access to venture capital operators. Applying to the SME Instrument requires start-ups to think their business plan thoroughly and identify their growth opportunities, but this is sometimes difficult for technology-based start-ups. FSS has been encouraging the participation of companies in the SME instrument, organising information events as early as in February 2014, and has added a bespoke advice and support service to general start-up support programme (EKIN+) to inform start-ups and help them to face the challenge of applying. The support programme features:
- An workshop on the SME Instrument characteristics and requirements, as well as some tips for a successful application.
- A 3-hr meeting with a specialised consultant to review the project idea and assess its readiness for the SME Instrument
- Advice on the preparation of the application to the companies whose projects are considered to be ready for submission.
All the process is free for the companies.