Government announces €150 million of EU funding for SME promotion

Portugal’s government has announced that €150 million of EU funding will be made available to Portuguese entities that market and promote SMEs with applications open until June 2026.

In a communiqué, the Ministry of the Economy and Territorial Cohesion says that the money has been earmarked for agencies that support Portuguese companies in their internationalisation process “providing the involve cooperation between companies”.

“The aim is to enhance an increased export base and capacity of SMEs and their international recognition through the implementation of promotion and marketing campaigns, presence in international events, and knowledge and access to new markets, valuing the diversification of markets, the increasing use of digital tools, through the use of technologies and processes associated with digital channels,” it explains.

It will cover mainland Portugal, public or private not-for-profit organisations and associations with activities aimed at SMEs, namely business associations, chambers of commerce and industry, regional tourism promotion entities and other non business bodies within the National System of Research and Innovation (R&I).

Applications can be made from July 11, 2025 to June 30, 2026 and the aid will be attributed in the form of a non-reimbursable grant with financing from the PITD – Digital Transition and Innovation Programme (Compete 2030), the Lisbon Regional Programme (Lisboa 2030) and the Algarve Regional Programme (Algarve 2030).