In the years 2021-2027, Poland is already benefiting from the fourth edition of the European Funds and will receive the most funds under cohesion policy among all EU countries. Therefore, it is worth getting to know the available support programs at the national and regional level.
What goals and trends do European funds support?
Currently, European Funds for companies focus on six key goals, supporting, among others: innovative processes, digitization of enterprises, development of employee competences and skills, increase in the internationalization of enterprises and energy efficiency.
It is worth knowing that the goal related to the environment and low emission has the largest resources at its disposal. They can be used for initiatives improving energy efficiency, focusing on renewable energy sources or reducing the amount of waste generated. These are projects related to broadly understood sustainable development and environmental protection.
Entrepreneurs who focus on automation, robotization and digitization can also count on funding, which will allow them to increase their competitiveness and the scale of operations on international markets. These activities are intended to improve the competitiveness of enterprises, increase the scale of their investments and the level of internationalization.
Be more innovative, competitive and conquer foreign markets!
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises now have a unique opportunity to develop their brand on foreign markets. Within Measure 2.25 “Promotion of the brand of innovative SMEs”companies with export potential can obtain support for foreign expansion. Entities that run a business in a specific sector may apply for funding, including: green technologies, IT/ICT, cosmetics, production of machines and devices, furniture, automotive, food. Financing includes, among others: costs of participation in trade fairs and conferences, as well as costs of economic missions on prospective markets combined with participation in trade fairs. The competition was announced in September, and applications can be submitted from October 15 to November 28, 2024. The competition was announced by PARP.
SMEs implementing innovations can also benefit from attractive funding. Until October 24, 2024, PARP accepts applications in the next recruitment under the activities 1.1 “SMART path”. Its aim is to develop and strengthen the capacity of companies to conduct research and introduce innovations, with an emphasis on new products or processes (at least at the national level), as well as the digitization and transformation of companies towards sustainable development. Activities supported by the funds are also aimed at the international expansion of companies and improving the qualifications of employees.
A more environmentally friendly, low-emission Europe – take advantage of an ecological loan for the energy transformation!
Entrepreneurs from the SME sector who want to improve their energy efficiency can count on loan support under Measure 3.1 “Ecological credit”. This is the so-called “ecological bonus”, i.e. funding that covers part of the costs of an ecological loan taken out for the implementation of projects related to energy saving or changing energy sources to more ecological ones. If entrepreneurs plan to modernize their infrastructure or purchase new devices or implement improved technologies that will improve their energy efficiency, they can benefit from subsidies for ecological loans. Such a subsidy may include, for example, the introduction of new production methods that use less energy, or the installation of energy management software, which allows for more effective management of company resources. In short, it is about improvements that make the company operate more ecologically and economically.
An application for project co-financing should be submitted via the Co-financing Application Generator available on the website of the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) by January 31, 2025 (the institution accepting applications is Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego).
Don't wait for a better moment!
It is worth following announcements about calls for proposals on an ongoing basis. Managing institutions such as Polish Agency for Enterprise Development Whether National Center for Research and Developmentregularly organize competitions. All you need is courage and a good project idea to take advantage of the available opportunities.
Announcements about current recruitments can be found at European Funds website. There you will find information about available support programsdeadlines for submitting applications and conditions that must be met to receive funding. Following this website allows you to plan activities on an ongoing basis and take part in competitions that best meet the company's needs.
You can obtain free information about the European Funds and the National Reconstruction Plan at PIFE throughout Poland. Find out more HERE.
You can find more information about European Funds HERE.
You can find more information about the National Reconstruction Plan HERE.
The promotional material is part of the project “Unia Stories – 20 years of Poland in the European Union. People, opportunities, prospects”, co-financed by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy from the Regional Development Fund