Regional Government extends application deadline for companies providing services under Business Incubation Voucher and Azores Digital SME Voucher
In light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regular activity of companies, the Regional Government, through the Vice-Presidency, has changed the deadline of applications for the accreditation of companies providing services under Business Incubation Voucher and Azores Digital SME Voucher, which may now be submitted until December 30, 2020.
The Business Incubation Voucher and Azores Digital SME Voucher take the form of financial support created by the Regional Government that may be combined with COMPETIR+ incentive systems, up to 10 thousand Euros per beneficiary company.
These vouchers cover beneficiary companies applying for support and companies providing services, which, once accredited, will be part of the network of companies providing specialised services to beneficiary companies.
The Business Incubation Voucher is aimed at the startups of incubators that are part of the Azores Business Incubator Network. This measure intends to support young companies in their startup and development expenses, particularly those created in the areas of business management, marketing, legal advice, product and service development, and financing services.
In turn, the Digital SME Voucher promotes and supports digital technology services, through investment in ICT, enhancing the organisational and management capacities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises established in the Region, regardless of their nature and legal status. Additionally, it also aims to facilitate their access to markets and the promotion of their effective presence in the digital economy.
The specialised services made available under these support measures are rendered by companies accredited by the network of service providers.
The vouchers have a multiplying effect on the Azorean economy because, on the one hand, they support beneficiary companies and, on the other hand, they create opportunities for service providers to expand their client portfolio. In fact, these companies providing services correspond to the specific needs of beneficiary companies, generating more employment and wealth.
The Business Incubation Voucher and Azores Digital SME Voucher are managed by the Regional Directorate for Planning and Structural Funds, as the Management Entity of the Azores 2020 Operational Programme. In turn, the Regional Directorate for Support to the Investment and Competitiveness is responsible for the analysis and selection of applications, which should be submitted through the 2020 Desk at the address https://www.portugal2020.pt/Balcao2020.
For further information, interested parties should contact the Regional Directorate for Support to the Investment and Competitiveness by telephone 296 309 100 or at the email [email protected].
These measures represent another response from the Regional Government to boost the competitiveness of Azorean companies.