On Wednesday, the Government launched a €117 million tender to support innovative projects in low-density areas. The programme offers non-repayable grants of up to 50% for micro and small businesses and up to 40% for medium-sized businesses that invest in these regions. Outside low-density areas, the maximum support is 30%.
The tender, financed by Compete2030 (€70 million) and the Regional Programmes for the North, Centre, Alentejo and Algarve, aims to encourage the creation of new businesses, increased production, product diversification and process modernisation.
According to the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, this measure promotes territorial cohesion by making funds more attractive to those who decide to invest and settle in the interior.
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from the NUTS II regions of the mainland are eligible to apply, except for projects related to renewable energy, agri-food and tourism in the Alentejo Litoral. Applications are now open, with decisions expected in two phases: the first ends on 28 November 2025 and the second on 31 March 2026.