Deadline Date: November 28, 2025
The Standards and Awards Support Scheme introduces targeted advisory assistance to help SMEs strengthen their competitiveness and credibility through recognised certifications.
The focus areas of this scheme are to render the enterprises more efficient and/or more competitive and gain further credibility for their business operations; to part-finance costs incurred for external advisory services contracted to prepare the enterprise for and successfully achieve a recognised Standard or Award; to fund advisory services necessary for SMEs to prepare for and successfully achieve a recognized Standard or Award; to enhance their competitiveness and credibility through internationally recognized certifications or national excellence awards; to strengthen alignment with industry standards and best practices; to promote quality, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation within their business operations; to facilitate entry into new markets and encourage a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in business operations; and to support enterprises in improving their internal management frameworks and operational structures rather than fulfilling regulatory requirements or obtaining product-specific certifications necessary for placing a product or service on the market.
It aligns with Policy Objective 1 ‘A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity’, and incorporates PO1: Promoting entrepreneurship, in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators, as well as RSO1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments.
This scheme provides non-repayable grant support for SMEs that require external consultancy services to obtain recognised standards or excellence awards. These advisory services help enterprises improve their internal systems, operational structures and overall business efficiency, contributing to stronger performance and improved market positioning. The funding is intended exclusively for advisory services related to standards and awards, distinguishing it from support aimed at regulatory compliance or product-specific certifications.
The scheme has an allocated budget of €500,000. The maximum grant value is €15,000, covering part of the eligible advisory service costs. Applicants intending to work toward more than two standards or awards through a single service provider in one application may qualify for an increased ceiling of €20,000.
Through this incentive, SMEs can strengthen their alignment with industry standards, adopt best practices and enhance the quality and sustainability of their operations. Improved organisational structures and internationally recognised certifications can support business growth, increase market credibility and open new market opportunities.
The scheme will remain open until 31st December 2026, subject to the availability of funds. Eligible applicants include Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises engaged in economic activities, provided they have been actively trading for at least one year at the time of application.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
