Qualification of SME

The notice ALGARVE 2025-36 is now available, under the Algarve 2030 Regional Program, aimed at supporting the qualification and digitalization of SMEs in the Algarve region. This support seeks to strengthen business competitiveness through the adoption of strategic intangible factors.

This call focuses on promoting advanced business strategies aligned with the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (EREI Algarve 2030), encouraging digital and green transition, with special emphasis on energy and water efficiency, blue economy, and sustainability of natural resources. It represents a significant opportunity for SMEs to enhance innovation and positioning in competitive markets, particularly in sectors exposed to international competition.

Applications must cover at least two of the following areas
1. Organizational innovation, management, and logistics;
2. Digitalization and digital transformation;
3. Brand creation and design;
4. Capacity building for product, service, and process development;
5. Industrial property protection;
6. Quality and certification;
7. Knowledge and technology transfer;
8. Sustainability and eco-innovation.

Eligible entities
SMEs.

Geographical scope
NUTS II Algarve region.

Application periods
Phase 1: until March 31, 2026 (5:00 PM);
Phase 2: until June 30, 2026 (5:00 PM).

Funding rate
Non-repayable grant up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Eligible costs
Equipment and software for new organizational methods;
Technological systems for natural resource management (e.g., desalination);
Salaries for up to 2 qualified human resources (level ≥ 6), up to €2,250/month;
Specialized consultancy, certifications, industrial property;
Creation and registration of brands, digital platforms, and management systems;
Costs related to patents and industrial property.

Applications must include at least two intangible competitiveness domains and present a minimum eligible expenditure of €100,000.

For more information, read the notice here (in Portuguese).