Deadline Date: July 31, 2026
The Standards and Awards for SMEs scheme provides support to SMEs seeking advisory services to achieve recognised standards or awards.
The scheme focuses on enhancing SME competitiveness and credibility through internationally recognised certifications or national excellence awards, strengthening alignment with industry standards and best practices, promoting quality, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in business operations, facilitating entry into new markets, and encouraging continuous improvement and excellence.
The scheme supports advisory services required by SMEs to prepare for and successfully achieve recognised standards or awards. It is designed to improve internal management frameworks and operational structures rather than meet regulatory requirements or obtain product-specific certifications.
The grant scheme falls under Policy Objective 1 of the SFC2021 Programme 2021–2027, which promotes a more competitive and smarter Europe through innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity. It also addresses the objective of enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation through productive investments.
The Standards & Awards for SMEs scheme will remain operational until 31 December 2026, subject to availability of funds. The initial allocated budget for the scheme is €500,000.
The maximum grant value under the scheme is €15,000, covering part of eligible costs. Applicants seeking to achieve more than two standards or awards through the same service provider within a single application may be eligible for an increased maximum grant value of €20,000.
Eligible applicants include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises engaged in economic activity, regardless of their legal form. Enterprises must demonstrate that they have been actively trading for at least one year as of the application date.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
