Applications are now open within the scope of “Internationalization via E-commerce”. Don’t you know what this measure is about? Very well, in technical terms, it is a measure included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and which aims to support the Digital Transition of Portuguese SMEs.
In practical terms, this means that you will be able to obtain help (with a Participation Rate of 50% to the Lost Fund being expected of the amount of Eligible Investment Expenses presented) to develop your online store, as long as you sell products outside of Portugal . And the best thing is that this support also applies to online stores that currently only sell in the national market, and that want to expand sales to other countries.
Given the importance of this topic, we take the opportunity to present you with a summary of the main characteristics and access conditions to this new Digital Transition Support Program for companies. We are sure it will be very useful!
What is “Internationalization via E-Commerce”?
As we have already mentioned, the Internationalization via E-commerce measure aims to support companies (SMEs) in implementing digital internationalization strategies based on the implementation of technologies and processes associated with Industry 4.0, and the implementation of international business models. The objective is to eliminate geographical barriers and introduce changes in the relationship between the various players in the value chain, as well as with the customer.
The launch of the competitions will target two priorities:
- awareness raising, training and consultancy for new exporting SMEs, with the aim of promoting their internationalization through digital channels; and
- individualized support for digital promotion aimed at market diversification for companies that already have consolidated international experience.
This is support that will be implemented by AICEP Portugal Global and will be part of the Exportar Online program, through the consultancy and implementation support aspects and the Mais Mercados program. Obviously, the programs comply with applicable limitations in terms of public support for internationalization.
What are the eligible expenses under this measure?
The main expenses eligible for support under this Program are:
- Creation of own websites and online stores (including subscription expenses and membership fees during the project execution period)
- Joining E-marketplaces
- Development and implementation of digital marketing strategies (SEO, SEA, Social Networks, Display, Mobile Advertising…)
- Creation and Publication/Distribution of new digital content (Development of web content e.g. Catalogs, Digital Flyers, Videos, Images, Animations, etc.)
- Acquisition and development of management platforms (CRM, WCM…)
- Development of Business Intelligence and Web Analytics
- Equipment (Hardware) and Software directly related to project implementation
- Costs with technical personnel directly involved in the implementation of the project, which must demonstrate skills/valences in e-commerce and digital marketing and correspond to a minimum qualification level VI (QNQ)
In terms of investment thresholds, we have:
| Minimum Investment | Maximum Investment |
| Exporting Companies | |
| 25.000,00€ | 85.00,00€ |
| Companies without export history | |
| 10.000,00€ | 25.000,00€ |
Regarding levels and forms of support:
| Co-Financing Fee | Nature of Support |
| 50% | Non-Refundable Grant (Lost Fund) |
What do you need to apply?
To prepare your application under the “Internationalization via E-Commerce” Program, you will need, among other aspects:
Investment Plan / Project Budget up to a maximum limit of €25,000.00 (expected to be a Participation Rate of 50% to the Lost Fund of the amount of Eligible Investment Expenses presented).
General/Institutional Documentation:
- Company Presentation or copy of previous Applications/Business Plans/Marketing Plans (if any)
- Target Markets (in terms of segment and geography) – current (where the company is already present) and future perspective (where it intends to penetrate)
Financial/Accounting Documentation
- Updated Permanent Certificate Access Code
- Company SME Certificate
- Certificate of No Debt to AT and Social Security
- IES of 2020 and 2021
Access Credentials to Balcão dos Fundos (formerly Balcão2020). If you have not registered, you must do so using the following link: https://balcaofundosue.pt
I emphasize that applications will be open continuously until the budget allocation is exhausted, and timely preparation and submission of the process is recommended.
As main access conditions, you must:
- Hold the SME Statute (proven through the IAPMEI SME Certificate)
- Present positive Net Situation in the last financial year (2021)
- Carry out a prior E-commerce Diagnosis, available on the AICEP, EPE website (Is your company ready? | International E-commerce | Portugal Exports)
If you are interested, send us a message, we can help you! Don’t forget, applications are limited to the exhaustion of the budget allocation. Don’t wait any longer!
See you soon…
Note: This article does not serve as advice. Its purpose is strictly informative and does not, under any circumstances, dispense with a specific analysis of your specific case.