8. National and EU resources and funding for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe's economy. SMEs bring innovative solutions to challenges like climate change, resource efficiency and social cohesion and help spread this innovation throughout Europe’s regions. They are therefore central to the EU’s twin transitions to a sustainable and digital economy. They are essential to Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity, industrial ecosystems, economic and technological sovereignty, and resilience to external shocks. 

National and EU resources and funding for SMEs can be a power tool for accelerating the Green Transition. It is therefore crucial to get to know the national and EU funding available for SMEs. 

Main programmes supporting SMEs:

• Single Market Program

• InvestEu program

• Horizon Europe

• National Funding opportunities.

This course aims to:

• acquire appropriate knowledge and competencies in the access to funding in order to facilitate SMEs’ transition into a more sustainable business.
• present an overview of the main National and EU fundings addressed to SMEs and oriented to sustainability and green practices 
• apply the basic methodological tools for preparing project proposals.

Learning outcomes:

• Learners will be able to identify and analyze national and European call for proposals for SMEs
• Learners will be able to understand the objectives and requirements of calls for proposals
• Learners will be able to learn more through inspirational success stories and projects.