Regional Government launches "Incubation Voucher" - Communication

Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública

The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, through the Regional Directorate for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness, announced the launch of the "Incubation Voucher," a new measure aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Autonomous Region of the Azores to strengthen their digital capacity, accelerate development and foster innovation.

This initiative, which is part of the archipelago's economic modernisation efforts, provides for the allocation of non-repayable grants for investments in digital technologies and services.

The measure has as its strategic goals to strengthen the digital capacity of companies through the adoption of digital technologies, accelerate their growth with access to specialised incubation services and technical support, and foster innovation through the implementation of equipment and services enabling the development of new products and solutions.

Eligible beneficiaries are SMEs, regardless of their legal form, which are already or will become part of one of the incubators belonging to the Azores Business Incubator Network (RIEA) and have their headquarters and/or permanent establishment based in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Financial support will be provided in the form of a non-repayable grant, with a funding rate of 100%, limited to a maximum amount of €20,000.00 per application.

Eligible expenses cover a wide range of categories, including:

• Digital Training: Purchase of equipment and software, specialised consulting, application development, digital marketing, cloud services, e-commerce, digital skills training and participation in events.

• Management Support: Accounting services, tax support, preparation of applications and submission of payment requests.

• Legal Advice: Support for notary fees related to business activities.

• Digital Development: Creation of digital products and services, including software, e-commerce, intellectual property support and patent submission, ensuring ownership by the beneficiary company.

Applications for these incentives are open from today, July 17, until November 28, 2025, or until the budget allocation limit is reached, with the possibility of initial financing of 40%.

This measure, co-financed by component 16 of the RRP-Azores, represents a strategic investment in the modernisation and competitiveness of the Azorean business fabric, driving its transition to an increasingly digital and innovative economy.

For further information and applications, please visit empresas.azores.gov.pt and recuperarportugal.gov.pt.