Deadline Date: May 29, 2026
The Internationalisation Strategy Grant Scheme is requesting applications to support SMEs in developing international expansion strategies aimed at increasing market reach, efficiency, and competitiveness.
The key focus areas, of this scheme include support for internationalisation strategies, identification of global business opportunities, market analysis and feasibility assessment, country-specific market entry planning, marketing and sales strategies, financial and operational planning, risk analysis and mitigation, promotion of entrepreneurship, and enhancement of SME competitiveness and sustainable growth under Policy Objective 1.
This grant scheme provides non-repayable financial support to SMEs for outsourcing professional services related to the preparation of internationalisation strategies. The aim is to help enterprises become more efficient and competitive through structured expansion planning.
The Internationalisation Strategy is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on studying international opportunities by analysing business potential, global markets, feasibility, and recommendations for target markets. The second part concentrates on selected countries and includes country-specific analysis, market entry strategies, marketing and sales planning, financial and operational planning, and risk management measures.
The scheme falls under Policy Objective 1 of the SFC2021 Programme 2021–2027, which promotes entrepreneurship and supports innovative and smart economic transformation. It also contributes to the specific objective of enhancing sustainable growth, competitiveness, and job creation in SMEs through productive investments.
The scheme will remain operational until 31st December 2026, subject to the availability of funds. The initial allocated budget for the scheme is €500,000.
The maximum grant available under this scheme is €20,000 per undertaking.
The scheme is open to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises engaged in economic activity, regardless of legal form, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. For applications under Internationalisation Strategy – Part 1, enterprises must demonstrate that they have been actively trading for at least one year as of the application date. Enterprises without legal personality must be registered under the Second Schedule of the Civil Code.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
