Neil Portelli
The year 2025 presents SMEs with a prime opportunity to scale operations, improve visibility, and enhance competitiveness using EU-backed funding. Three specific schemes: Standards & Awards, Internationalisation Strategy, and the newly launched Marketing Strategy for Micro & Small Enterprises, are among the most impactful.
1. Marketing Strategy for Micro & Small Enterprises
Effective marketing is often underfunded in smaller businesses. This scheme addresses that gap directly. Through a €4,000 lump sum grant (80% of costs), SMEs can procure external consultancy services to develop a bespoke marketing strategy.
Key deliverables include:
- Business analysis
- Target audience definition
- Brand identity
- Marketing positioning
- Channel mix recommendations (digital and traditional)
- Action plan with timeline and budgets
The plan must be drafted by a registered service provider and completed within 6 months of the grant agreement. This initiative is ideal for businesses lacking internal marketing resources and seeking professional insight to increase brand awareness and market penetration.
2. Standards & Awards for SMEs
Trust and compliance matter. Whether aiming for ISO, CE, HACCP, or local certification, the Standards & Awards scheme offers substantial support to SMEs looking to enhance their credibility.
The scheme funds certification-related expenses, including:
- Gap analysis
- Process documentation
- Certification fees
- External consultancy
Rolling calls mean there’s no deadline pressure, and the aid intensity can reach up to 80%. SMEs in manufacturing, technical services, food production, and other regulated sectors stand to benefit significantly.
3. Internationalisation Strategy
For businesses eyeing export markets, the Internationalisation Strategy scheme provides co-financing to develop market-entry roadmaps, feasibility studies, and overseas partnership plans.
Applicants can benefit from up to 50% co-financing, with stronger scrutiny for grants over €60,000, assessing financial viability and operational readiness. Actions are eligible only post-grant agreement, with support focused on concrete and impactful steps like:
- Identifying international market trends
- Evaluating export feasibility
- Planning trade fair participation or partner scouting missions
Why This Matters in 2025
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is shifting from fragmented funding to consolidated, targeted schemes with rolling deadlines every 14 days. Key changes include:
- Stronger emphasis on strategic advisory services
- Advance payment limits (capped at 40%)
- Tighter financial screening for high-value grants
- Rapid implementation of incentives and penalties for delays
For micro and small enterprises, these three schemes offer more than funding, they deliver clarity, compliance, and competitiveness.
📅 First cut-off: 30 March 2025
📌 Open rolling calls apply to all three schemes.
If you’re unsure which scheme aligns with your business goals, CP Advisory provides tailored guidance to secure your funding and maximise your growth strategy.
