Ações Coletivas de Qualificação do associativismo empresarial de base local (IT)

This call supports collective qualification projects led by non-business entities to enhance SME competitiveness in the Norte region. It focuses on digital transformation, organizational innovation, ESG practices, branding, and internationalization. Projects must target at least two intangible competitiveness domains and benefit multiple SMEs through shared, non-commercial actions.

• Projects led by non-business entities aimed at qualifying SMEs through collective, non-commercial actions

• Must address at least two intangible competitiveness domains (e.g. digitalization, ESG, internationalization, branding)

• Must benefit a group of SMEs and be aligned with NORTE2030 and RIS3 regional strategy

• Activities must generate systemic impact, not individualized services

• Must be implemented in the Norte region

Examples of Admissble Projects:

• A business association implements a program on digital transformation and ESG training for 20 SMEs in the manufacturing sector

• A chamber of commerce organizes internationalization and branding workshops for tourism SMEs across the Norte region

• A tech center develops a joint cyber-readiness and CRM optimization initiative for a cluster of retail SMEs

• Acquisition of services from third parties (e.g. consultancy, technical assistance)

• Studies, diagnoses, and action plans relevant to SME qualification

• Awareness-raising, dissemination, and training actions targeting SMEs

• Communication and promotion materials for the project

• External audits and evaluations

• Project coordination, management, and monitoring costs

• Travel and accommodation directly related to project execution

• Licensing or subscription of digital tools used in project delivery

Total budget of the grant: €4.950.000
Co-financing rate: Up to 85%
Maximum value per company: €500,000
Minimum value per company: €150,000

• Applicants must be non-business entities from the National Innovation System

• Projects must be collective, targeting qualification of SMEs in the Norte region

• Activities must be non-commercial and generate systemic impact

• Must address at least two intangible competitiveness domains

• Maximum execution period of 24 months

• Operations must align with the NORTE2030 strategy and RIS3 Norte

• Applicants must demonstrate technical, financial, and administrative capacity