SME Diversification and Innovation Grant Scheme

Companies Eligible for the Diversification and Innovation Grant Scheme

SMEs who seek to adapt and become more resilient and who aim to address market challenges through:

SMEs who seek to adapt and become more resilient and who aim to address market challenges through:

  • The diversification of the output of an existing establishment
  • The implementation of a fundamental change in the overall production process
  • A new economic activity related to the diversification of the activity of the establishment
  • The adoption of solutions that lead to the development of a significantly improved product or service
  • The acquisition and integration into the business operation of solutions that are new or significantly advanced than those currently in use by the undertaking

Actions related to the diversification of the activity of the establishment should result in the beneficiaries engaging in one of the following activities:

  • The production, manufacture, improvement, assembly, preservation, processing of goods, materials, commodities, equipment, plant and machinery
  • Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and life sciences
  • Research and technological innovation
  • the repair, overhaul or maintenance of pleasure crafts, yachts having less than 100gt, aircraft, engines or equipment incorporated or used in such vessels or aircraft
  • ICT development activities, software development eco-innovations, and environmental solutions
  • The creation of tourism products and services as a result of networks created between traditional tourism service providers and the crafts and artisan sector
  • The development and provision of tourism products and services related to emerging niche markets; the promotion of natural and cultural heritage; and social tourism with specific focus on senior tourists, accessible tourism and active ageing
  • The development of innovative concepts, products and services offered by Boutique Hotels and Palazzini
  • The development and/or provision of e-health solutions
  • The development and provision of services and products promoting healthy living, active ageing and childcare
  • The development and creation of crafts and artisan products
  • Retail activities by self-employed and family businesses engaged in craft
  • The introduction of products and/or services that can be marketed and distributed internationally and which are typically more advanced than those prevailing in their respective industry in terms of technology, know-how and skills

Exclusions

Exclusions include: agriculture, forestry and fishing; the processing and marketing of agricultural products; public entities not carrying an economic activity; manufacturing, processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products; energy generation, distribution and infrastructure; the steel sector; the coal sector; the shipbuilding sector; the transport sector; the synthetic fibres sector; financial and insurance activities; real estate activities; gambling and betting activities; investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC; actions addressing training and mentoring activities; actions resulting in the decommissioning or the construction of nuclear power stations; actions resulting in investment in airport infrastructure unless related to environmental protection or accompanied by investment necessary to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact; undertakings engaged in an illegal economic activity.

Eligible Costs

Lease of private operational premises; construction/ upgrades on private operational premises; purchasing of new equipment; machinery and plant; patents and licences; and wage costs (change manager).

Maximum Grant

50% of eligible expenditure up to €200,000.