SICE – Internacionalização das PME – Operações em conjunto

The main goal of this opportunity is to support joint efforts that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand internationally. The focus is on boosting the export capacity and global visibility of SMEs through activities like attending international fairs, launching marketing campaigns, and using digital platforms. Projects should encourage collaboration between businesses and introduce structured programs to share knowledge and address common challenges. This grant covers SMEs located in the Norte, Centro, Lisboa, Alentejo, and Algarve regions of mainland Portugal, targeting international markets such as Germany, France, the UK, USA, and Brazil.

• Projects must focus on the internationalization of SMEs, including participation in fairs, market prospecting, promotional actions, and digital tools.
• Must be based on a joint action plan and show alignment with public internationalization policies.
• Implementation must occur in the Norte, Centro, Lisboa, Alentejo, or Algarve regions of mainland Portugal.
• Total project costs must be between €200,000 and €10 million, unless otherwise justified and approved.
• Each application must involve at least 10 SMEs, with at least half identified at submission.
• Projects involving aquaculture, fish processing, or commercialization are excluded.
• Must align with the relevant regional smart specialization strategies (RIS3).
• Applications must be submitted online with all required documentation.

Examples:

• A consortium of 12 SMEs from the Norte region jointly participates in technology fairs in Germany and the USA.
• Ten SMEs from the Algarve region collaborate to launch a digital marketplace and marketing campaign targeting the UK and France.
• Fifteen SMEs from the Centro region organize a series of international promotional events and knowledge-sharing workshops in Brazil and Canada.

• Space rental, stand construction, and operation costs for international fairs and exhibitions
• Consultancy services for marketing campaigns in foreign markets
• Design and registration of new brands
• Development and maintenance of digital platforms for internationalization
• Consultancy for client acquisition abroad
• Personnel costs for project management and development
• Operational development expenses, including dissemination actions and studies
• Auditor costs for expense validation
• Travel and accommodation for fair participation (up to €300/person for 2 nights, max two representatives per entity)

All costs must be directly related to the project, reasonable, acquired at market rates, and supported by proper documentation.

• Total budget of the grant: €151,500,000
• Co-financing rate: 50% (COMPETE 2030), 40% (Lisboa 2030 and Algarve 2030)
• Maximum per project: €10,000,000 (exceptions possible if justified and approved)
• Minimum per project: €200,000
• Maximum project duration: 24 months (extensions possible with justification)
• Payments may include advances, reimbursements, and payments against invoices. The co-financing rate may be reduced if project completion rates fall below 80%.

• Applicant must be legally established and authorized to operate.
• Must be classified as an SME and have valid electronic SME certification from IAPMEI.
• The investment location must be in one of the specified NUTS II regions.
• Applicant must not be in financial difficulty.
• Must have a positive equity position in the previous year.
• All tax and social security obligations must be up to date.
• No pending recovery of illegal aid or insolvency proceedings.
• Must comply with de minimis rules, if applicable.
• No overdue salaries and updated information on the Balcão dos Fundos platform.
• Each application must include at least 10 SMEs, with at least 50% identified at submission.