The Algarve 2030 Programme has launched a new Algarve 2030 SME grants opportunity for micro and small enterprises seeking to create new businesses or expand and modernise existing operations in the Algarve region.
Funding is available for industrial activities and projects aligned with the Algarve RIS3 smart specialisation domains, helping businesses build more resilient and innovative operations.
Programme details
- Call: ALGARVE-2026-5
- Programme: Algarve 2030
- Applications Open: 30 April 2026 – 15:00
- Application Deadlines: Phase 1: 30 July 2026
- Phase 2: 30 October 2026
- Phase 3: 15 January 2027
- Total Funding Available: €5,000,000
- Minimum Eligible Investment: €25,000
- Maximum Eligible Investment: €300,000
- Funding Rate: up to 60% of eligible costs
- Base Funding Rate:
- 50% for investments located in low-density territories
- 40% for investments located in other territories
- Additional Bonuses:
- Up to 10 percentage points for projects contributing to regional priority value chains
- Up to 10 percentage points for industrial projects aligned with Algarve RIS3 priorities
- Project Duration: 18 months, extendable by up to 6 additional months
About the funding
The SITB Territorial Base Incentives System was created to support productive investment projects that strengthen the competitiveness of micro and small enterprises while contributing to the diversification of the Algarve economy.
The programme focuses on investment projects that create new businesses, expand existing operations or modernise productive capacity. Particular emphasis is placed on activities that contribute to industrial development or align with the Algarve Regional Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3).
The programme also aims to support job retention, improve business resilience and encourage innovation across strategic sectors of the regional economy.
Red areas on the map correspond to designated low-density territories.
How it works
Eligible operations must contribute to the diversification of the Algarve’s productive base through one of the following:
- Creation of micro and small enterprises with less than five years of activity;
- Expansion of micro and small enterprises with five or more years of activity;
- Modernisation projects that increase productivity, competitiveness or innovation capacity.
Projects must operate within the industrial sector or within one or more of the Algarve RIS3 strategic domains:
- Blue Economy;
- Terrestrial Endogenous Resources;
- Cultural and Creative Industries;
- Health, Wellbeing and Longevity;
- Environmental Sustainability;
- Digitalisation and ICT.
Projects should clearly demonstrate how the proposed investment contributes to the diversification of the Algarve economy and aligns with one or more Algarve RIS3 priorities.
Who Can Apply
Eligible beneficiaries are micro and small enterprises with a physical establishment in the Algarve (NUTS II) where the investment will take place.
Key access conditions include:
- At least one paid job (in FTE terms) at the application date;
- Organised accounting and a balanced economic-financial position;
- Demonstrated financing sources for the operation;
Eligible Investment Expenses
Eligible costs, provided they are directly related to the operation, include:
- Tangible assets: machinery and equipment, IT equipment and required software;
- Intangible assets: patents, licences, technicalknow-howand software;
- Studies, diagnostics, audits, marketing plans, architecture and engineering services;
- Specialised external consultancy, including certified accountant / statutory auditor support for payment validation;
- Product, process or service certification, and the design and registration of new brands;
- Construction of buildings, remodelling and other works;
- Indirect costs: a flat rate of 7% of total eligible direct costs.
Need More Information?
If you are evaluating funding opportunities in Portugal and would like to understand whether this programme may be relevant for your organisation, Oporto Accounting can help clarify the framework and direct you to the appropriate application resources. For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form or [email protected].
