CAPIQAL helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) get EU grants for exporting. Here are the top 10 EU grants that can help your business grow internationally.

Why EU Grants Matter for SME Exports

EU grants are really helpful for SMEs wanting to sell their products in other countries. These grants give funds to businesses to help them overcome the challenges of international trade. They do more than just provide funding; they help businesses come up with new ideas, enter new markets, and grow in competitive global markets. Our grant services can help you apply for these grants, which can be challenging, and increase your chances of getting the funding to help your business succeed internationally.

Top 10 EU Grants for SME Export Initiatives

1. Single Market Programme (SMP)

The SMP helps SMEs access funds and access markets. It’s run by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). This program is great for businesses that want to get stronger in the EU market before selling to other countries. It helps with market access, using computers and technology, and being environmentally friendly, which are all important for selling products abroad. Our team can help you apply for the SMP, giving you a better chance of success and making sure your export plans match what the program wants.

2. Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

The CEF focuses on energy, transport, and ICT projects. If your SME works in these areas and wants to export, this grant could be perfect for you. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) manage this program. CEF can provide substantial funding for projects that connect different countries, which can really help with exporting. We can help you write a good application that shows how your project fits with what CEF wants to do and how it can help connect Europe better.

3. Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU’s main program for funding research and new ideas. It’s great for SMEs with innovative products or services. If your export plans involve new technology or research, this program could really help you. Horizon Europe supports projects from basic research to getting products into the market, which is perfect for SMEs with new ideas ready for international markets. Our team keeps up with the latest Horizon Europe opportunities, so we can help you find the right ones for your export plans.

4. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The ERDF aims to make different regions in the EU more equal economically and socially. For SMEs wanting to export, this fund can help make your business more competitive and create jobs. You can use ERDF funds for lots of export-related activities, like developing products, researching markets, and improving your facilities. Our business grant strategy consultation can help you make your export plans fit with what ERDF wants to do, giving you a better chance of getting funding and helping your region develop.

5. COSME Programme

COSME is specially made to help SMEs become more competitive and access markets. This program offers different ways to access funds and support services that can be really useful for businesses wanting to export. COSME helps you get finance, supports selling to other countries, and helps create an environment where businesses can do well. We can guide you through the COSME options that best fit your export goals, helping you use its resources to overcome challenges in international trade and growth.

6. InnovFin

InnovFin supports innovative SMEs and medium-sized companies with different types of financing and advice. If your export plans involve new products or services, InnovFin could give you the funding you need. This program offers loans, guarantees, and investments, which can be really important for growing your business to sell in international markets. Our team can help you understand the different InnovFin options and choose the best one for your business, making sure you have the funding you need to bring your new ideas to markets around the world.

7. European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

While ESF+ mainly focuses on jobs and including everyone in society, it can indirectly help SME export plans through training and skill development. If your export plans need your team to learn new skills, this fund could be very helpful. ESF+ can help pay for training programs that prepare your team for the challenges of international trade, from learning languages to understanding how global markets work. Our grant compliance and management consultancy can help you make the most of ESF+ opportunities, helping you develop a skilled workforce ready to take on global markets.

8. European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)

For SMEs in the fishing and fish farming industries, the EMFAF offers special support for export plans. This fund understands the unique challenges these industries face and provides tailored help. EMFAF can support activities like marketing fish and fish farm products, developing new markets, and implementing production and marketing plans. We can help you write an application that shows how your export plans match what EMFAF wants to achieve, like promoting sustainable and competitive fishing and fish farming sectors.

9. LIFE Programme

The LIFE programme focuses on projects that help the environment and fight climate change. If your SME offers green products or services that you want to export, this program could provide important funding. LIFE supports projects that help implement, update and develop EU environmental and climate policy and laws. Our team can help you show how your export plans contribute to EU environmental goals, making your application stronger and positioning your business as a leader in sustainable international trade.

10. Creative Europe Programme

For SMEs in cultural and creative industries, the Creative Europe programme offers unique export opportunities. This fund supports projects that can showcase European creativity around the world. It provides funding for projects that work across borders, translating literature, and creating networking platforms, all of which can be used for export initiatives. We can help you highlight the cultural importance of your export plans in your application, showing how your project helps promote European cultural diversity and heritage internationally.

How CAPIQAL Can Help You Get EU Export Grants

Understanding EU grants can be challenging, but that’s where we come in. Our strategic funding planning services are designed to help SMEs like yours make the most of these opportunities. We offer:

• Expert advice on choosing the best grants for your export goals
• Help in writing strong grant applications
• Support in managing and reporting on grant funds
• Strategic advice on making your export plans match EU priorities
• Ongoing support throughout the entire grant process, from application to implementation
• Information about upcoming funding opportunities and policy changes that might affect your export strategy

With our help, you can greatly increase your chances of getting the funding you need to take your business global. Our team of experts stays up to date with the latest changes in EU funding policies and programs, making sure that your export strategy always fits with current opportunities and requirements.

Conclusion: Boost Your SME’s Export Potential with EU Grants

EU grants offer many opportunities for SMEs looking to sell their products in international markets. From the Single Market Programme to Creative Europe, there’s likely a grant that fits your export plans. These funding programs not only provide funding but also offer valuable networking opportunities, access to expertise, and platforms for innovation and growth. At CAPIQAL, we’re here to help you understand this complex world and get the funding you need to grow your business beyond your country’s borders.

Remember, successful grant applications need more than just a good idea; they need careful planning, a deep understanding of what the EU wants to achieve, and a clear demonstration of how your project can make a difference. That’s where our expertise comes in, guiding you through every step of the process to maximise your chances of success.

Ready to take your SME global? Don’t let the complexities of EU grant applications hold you back. Contact CAPIQAL today, and let’s work together to unlock the funding that can fuel your international success. With the right support and strategy, your business can use these EU grants to turn your export dreams into a thriving global presence.