Building a new website, an online store or management software is an investment many businesses keep postponing. What not everyone knows is that there is public funding for digitalisation in Portugal that can cover a significant part of the cost, especially for micro and small businesses. The hard part is often knowing where to look.
In this article we list the five places to start and explain how aiodo can help: we prepare the detailed proposal you need for your application and, if the funding is approved, we deliver the project with you.
Where to look for funding for your website
1. Your town council's website
Many municipalities run their own programmes to support local businesses and their digitalisation, for example to create a first website, open an online store or build a social media presence. Look for the "Economy", "Business" or "Support" section of your council's website and keep an eye on local news, as these programmes often have short deadlines.
2. Your local business association
Commercial and business associations follow the support available in their region closely and are often partners in promoting or even managing municipal programmes. Even if you are not a member, it is worth asking.
3. Business support office
Several municipalities have a business (or investor) support office that explains, free of charge, what funding exists, who can apply and which documents are needed. It is a good first point of contact if you are not sure where to start.
4. Portugal 2030 and IAPMEI
For larger projects, EU funds are the main source of support. Open calls are published on the Portugal 2030 portal and applications are submitted through the Balcão dos Fundos. IAPMEI, the Portuguese agency for SMEs, promotes and follows many of the instruments aimed at small businesses, including digitalisation and innovation.
5. A Google search: "apoio digitalização + town"
A simple search such as "apoio digitalização Santarém" or "apoio comércio local site + town name" often reveals programmes that do not appear on the main portals. Always confirm the information with the official source.
What is usually covered
Each programme has its own rules, but eligible expenses often include:
- creating or redesigning the company website;
- online stores and payment integrations;
- management software, invoicing or booking software and system integrations;
- web hosting, domain and professional email;
- search engine optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing.
Before you apply: three precautions
- Read the rules in full. Funding rates, maximum amounts, eligible expenses and deadlines vary a lot between programmes.
- Do not commit or pay too early. In many programmes, expenses incurred before the application (or approval) are not accepted. Check the rules before going ahead.
- Have clear proposals. Most applications require supplier quotes, and some calls ask for more than one. A vague proposal slows down the assessment and can lead to cuts in the funding.
How aiodo helps
aiodo does not prepare applications: that part is up to you, your accountant or a specialised consultant. What we do is prepare, free of charge, a detailed proposal ready to attach to your application, including:
- a description of the project and its features;
- the list of deliverables (website, online store, software, hosting, training…);
- the schedule and delivery phases;
- the cost of each component, with VAT shown separately;
- payment terms, the proposal's validity and our company details.
If the funding is approved, we deliver the project with you within the deadlines set in the application and provide the documents needed for the payment claim, such as invoices and a description of the work done.
Found funding for your business? Ask us for a proposal, it is free. You can also call +351 963 644 882 or message us on WhatsApp.
