Capacity Building for SMEs: Sustainability as a Strategic Pillar via PT2030

In today's times, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face complex challenges in a constantly transforming market. Digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability are nowadays more than simple trends; they are indispensable conditions for competitiveness and growth.

In this context, the Portugal 2030 – SICE SME Qualification programme emerges as a crucial instrument to empower companies to adopt more advanced practices, contributing to their integration into global chains and strengthening their impact on the market.

// Sustainability as a Competitive Lever

Sustainability has ceased to be merely an ethical concern to become a decisive factor of competitiveness. SMEs have a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves by incorporating sustainable practices into their business models. These practices, aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, not only respond to the demands of consumers and partners but also reinforce operational resilience.

The Sustainability Report, an essential tool to monitor and communicate environmental, social, and governance impacts, plays a central role in the strategy of any SME that aspires to grow sustainably. This report allows identifying areas for improvement, managing risks, and communicating value to stakeholders. SMEs that adopt this type of practice manage to capture the attention of international investors and partners, increasing their relevance and integration into global markets.

// PT 2030 – SICE SME Qualification: Transformation Opportunity

The PT 2030 programme offers SMEs the necessary support to invest in their qualification and digitalisation, with a clear focus on sustainability. The main objectives include empowering companies to adopt advanced and sustainable business models through investments in areas such as:

• Sustainability and Eco-innovation: Tools that allow optimising resources, reducing emissions, and integrating circular economy practices.
• Digitalisation and Digital Transformation: Adaptation to new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analysis tools, which promote efficiency and personalisation.
• Quality and Certification: Guarantee that companies meet international standards, essential for competing in external markets.
• Knowledge Transfer: Empowering teams to adopt and integrate new technologies and methodologies.

The incorporation of these dimensions reinforces not only the competitiveness of SMEs but also their capacity to lead by example within the scope of the energy and environmental transition.

// Financial Benefits and Eligibility

With a total budget of 18 million euros, SICE SME Qualification supports projects aimed at transforming business models with a minimum investment of €200,000. Co-financing rates can reach up to 50% in regions such as the North, Centre, and Alentejo, and 40% in the Lisbon region. This incentive covers everything from the implementation of digital solutions to the hiring of highly qualified human resources.

// Empower your SME with Sustainability on the Horizon

In an increasingly demanding market, SMEs need to invest in sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation to stand out. The PT 2030 – SICE SME Qualification programme offers the necessary support for these transformations to materialise. Whether through sustainable practices or the integration of advanced technologies, this programme puts SMEs on the right track for a competitive and responsible future.

Applications for this call close on 30 January 2025 and there is still no visibility regarding the opening date of the next tender.

For more information on how to boost the impact of your business, contact Yunit Consulting and discover how to turn challenges into concrete opportunities.

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Last update: 17 December 2024