Construir 2030 - Pequenos Negócios

The main goal of this opportunity is to support small-scale investments that improve the competitiveness of businesses and promote economic and social cohesion in the Azores. The focus is on helping micro and small enterprises shift towards more innovative, sustainable, and knowledge-based production models. It aims to boost value-added creation, enhance the external competitiveness of regional companies, and foster the use of local resources. The program also encourages the creation and qualification of jobs. Financial support is provided through grants to eligible projects carried out in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

• Beneficiaries must be legally constituted, registered, and meet all legal, financial, and operational requirements.
• Investments must be between €5,000 and €75,000 in eligible costs, though total investment can be higher for full implementation.
• Projects must aim to improve competitiveness, foster innovation and sustainability, and create qualified jobs.
• Operations must start after the application submission (except land acquisition and studies).
• Projects must be completed within 12 months, unless justified otherwise.
• Only one application per establishment is allowed, with a maximum of two operations per establishment.

Examples:

• A small bakery in Terceira invests €60,000 in new energy-efficient ovens and digital sales systems to boost productivity and reduce environmental impact.
• A micro IT company in Pico launches a €20,000 project to develop a new software product and hires an additional software developer.
• A local tourism business in São Jorge carries out a €75,000 renovation to create accessible and sustainable accommodations, creating new jobs in the process.

• Construction and rehabilitation of buildings directly linked to the project
• Purchase of essential goods and equipment, including transport, insurance, assembly, and disassembly
• Acquisition of transport equipment (excluding fossil fuel vehicles)
• Purchase of IT equipment, software, and licenses
• Development of company websites
• Costs for creating, developing, and registering patents, brands, and insignias
• Technical assistance for quality, environment, safety, production, and modernization
• Architectural and engineering services
• Preparation of applications and payment requests, including certified accountant services (capped at €1,000)
• Studies or reports to ensure compliance with environmental standards

Restrictions: Software and website development costs are limited to 15% of the total eligible cost. Some categories have specific maximum amounts.

• Total budget of the grant: €6,500,000
• Co-financing rate: Up to 70% 
• Maximum per project: €75,000
• Minimum per project: €5,000

Other financial details: An initial advance of 10% of the approved value is possible. Payments are made against invoices, with proof of payment required within 30 days of advance receipt. Beneficiaries must finance at least 5% of the project with their own capital. The maximum number of payment requests is three, with the last covering at least 10% of the eligible investment. Non-eligible expenses include land acquisition, used goods, and certain operational costs.

• Legally constituted and registered, including in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners
• Compliant with legal requirements for activities in the Azores
• Organized or simplified accounting system
• Good standing with Tax Authority and Social Security
• Not in insolvency proceedings
• Possess the necessary technical, physical, financial, and human resources
• Not classified as a company in difficulty
• Meet micro and small enterprise criteria
• At least 5% of project funded by applicant's own capital
• Comply with legal conditions and have necessary project approvals
• Operations completed within 12 months of decision notification