SICE – Internationalization of SMEs: Open funding to strengthen the presence of Portuguese companies in international markets
The Business Competitiveness Incentive System (SICE) has opened a new call for applications dedicated to SME Internationalization – Individual Operations (MPr-2025-16).
This support is aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that wish to expand their business into new markets and strengthen their integration into global value chains.
- Applications open until March 31, 2026
- Co-financing up to 50%
- Total budget: €57 million
Objective of the call
The program supports individual business capacity-building projects that promote the internationalization of business models through the adoption of advanced management and international positioning strategies, aligned with the European objective RSO1.3 – Growth and competitiveness of SMEs.
What types of actions can be supported?
Eligible actions are those that directly contribute to the company’s international positioning, including:
Market knowledge – participation in international fairs and exhibitions;
Market prospecting and presence – attracting new clients, trade missions, and reverse missions;
International marketing and digital promotion – campaigns and web tools on international platforms;
Online presence and e-commerce – strengthening digital visibility and creating export channels;
Creation and international promotion of brands – competitive positioning and global recognition;
Organizational innovation – new commercial or external relationship practices;
Quality and specific certification for international markets – reinforcing credibility with clients and partners.
Financing conditions
The call has a total budget of €57 million, distributed as follows:
COMPETE 2030 – €50 million (up to 50% co-financing);
PR Lisboa – €3 million (40% co-financing);
PR Algarve – €4 million (40% co-financing).
Applications are divided into two phases:
Phase 1: until December 30, 2025 (5:00 p.m.) – maximum rate of 40%;
Phase 2: until March 31, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) – maximum rate of 50%.
Support is granted in the form of a non-repayable grant, and the allocation may be increased depending on demand.
Covered regions
The call covers all NUTS II regions of mainland Portugal — North, Centre, Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve — allowing companies from across the country to submit individual internationalization projects.
Consenso Global’s vision
Consenso Global closely follows these opportunities, helping companies identify the ideal framework, prepare competitive applications, and structure sustainable internationalization plans.
With consolidated experience in internationalization, ISO consulting, and European funding, we support Portuguese SMEs in market prospecting, quality certification, and multilingual communication — essential pillars for competing globally.
Our focus: turning projects into tangible results — with measurable returns, credibility, and international growth.
Want to seize this opportunity?
Now is the perfect time to prepare your application and position your company for the next cycle of European funding. Schedule a meeting with us to explore how to make the most of this incentive:
