Regional Government creates new support aimed at companies for the production of goods and services to combat COVID-19
The Regional Government, through the Vice-Presidency, has decided to create an additional measure with the aim of providing non-refundable support to companies that promote productive innovation investments under COVID-19.
This new support measure intends to create conditions for companies established in the Region to produce essential goods and services to the protection and combat of COVID-19 that meet the immediate and medium-term needs of the Regional Health Service and those of Azorean families and companies.
In this regard, the Regional Government has made a change to the Incentive Subsystem for Qualification and Innovation and to the Incentive System for Business Competitiveness - Competir+ with the aim of stimulating business activity as well as facilitating research and development of additional capabilities for the production of the material needed in the current context.
The approved Regional Implementing Decree comprises investments made by companies in construction projects, adaptation of buildings and facilities and the acquisition of scientific instruments and technical equipment deemed essential for the production of essential goods and services to combat the pandemic.
Accordingly, the expenses with investment projects between 15 thousand and 500 thousand Euros are eligible under this support measure, taking the form of a non-refundable incentive of 75% that may be granted in five payment requests and under the conditions established in the law.
Projects must be completed within a maximum period of six months.
The submission of applications is made through a simplified form available on the Electronic Desk 2020 page at https://balcao.portugal2020.pt/Balcao2020.idp/. Applications may only be submitted after the promulgation of the Regional Implementing Decree by the Representative of the National Government for the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
Quality and innovation are decisive factors in the economic growth process of the Azores and in the promotion of the competitiveness of regional companies.
Accordingly, the Regional Government will continue to provide support aimed at reinforcing the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expanding their advanced skills and developing new tradable products and services.
The Incentive Subsystem for Qualification and Innovation, one of the pillars of the Incentive System for Business Competitiveness, aims to promote quality and innovation. This goal is achieved through the production of new or improved goods and services, new production processes, organisational models or marketing strategies that support their progression in the value chain and their orientation towards markets outside the Region.