Time for grants - what support can entrepreneurs count on in 2023?

On January 19, 2023 the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy has announced the call schedule for the European Funds for a Modern Economy Program (in Polish: FENG). Some of the programs will resemble activities that were popular in the
in the previous financial perspective (e.g., Credit for Technological Innovation), while some will be new to entrepreneurs (e.g., SMART Path or Green Credit).

• Modular projects - or "funds lego" for businesses.

For the first time, it will be possible to obtain funding for projects covering several areas related to the development of the enterprise: R&D work, implementation of innovations, development of R&D infrastructure, internationalization, development of competencies of employees and managers, digitization and "greening" of enterprises.

This is the so-called SMART path, with as many as 10 calls planned - for the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, large entrepreneurs and consortia (including two calls for accessibility projects).

The first calls start as early as February 21, 2023, and will last until October 31, 2023, depending on the type of applicant.  

• Technology Credit and Environmental Credit.

The first and only call for applications this year under the Technology Credit will be announced on March 23, 2023 and will last until May 31, 2023. The Technology Credit will support investments related to the implementation of new technology (e.g., in the form of R&D work), resulting in the introduction of new or significantly improved products or services to the market. It will be available for SME sector.

In order to receive a Green Credit there will be two opportunities, applications can be submitted in 2 competitive rounds: Round 1: June 6, 2023. - August 17, 2023, and Round 2: August 22, 2023. - November 21, 2023.  The Green Credit is intended to support businesses in transforming to increase their energy efficiencý through infrastructure upgrades, includinġ investment in new or improved products or processes. The will be available for SME sector, but also entities with up to 3,000 employees (so-called mid caps).

• IPCEI Project Grants.

Two calls for proposals have also been planned for the IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) mechanism. One will be dedicated to the Hydrogen IPCEI, and the other to the other IPCEI projects. Applications will be available from March 15, 2023 to April 14, 2023. 

•  Other subsidies for SMEs
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• Grants for Eurogrants – an instrument dedicated to SMEs seeking funding for the preparation of applications for central programs managed by the European Commission (i.e. EIC Accelerator, LIFE, etc.). Support will be available to apply for from June 30, 2023 to June 4, 2024. 

Brand promotion of innovative SMEs - support under this instrument will be given to projects of entrepreneurs with significant export potential on international markets, providing for participation in trade fair and conference events specified by the minister responsible for economy in the calendar of trade fair events key to the development of selected branches of the economy, as well as away economic missions conducted on these markets. Applications will be available for submission in the period June 20, 2023. - September 20, 2023. 

Of course, this is only a small slice of the opportunities to support enterprises in the coming months.  If you are interested in support, we invite you to contact us directly and consult the project concept free of charge.