The Centro 2030 Regional Program has launched a call for proposals with a funding allocation of 20 million euros from European funds to support businesses and investment in low-density areas, focusing on exports, it was announced today.
In a statement sent to the Lusa agency, the Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of the Center (CCDRC) explained that the newly launched call aims to support innovative business investments (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises) by promoting the change in the specialization profile of the Portuguese economy and enhancing its external competitiveness through differentiation, diversification, and innovation.
The statement specifies that the financing is aimed at projects proposed to produce marketable and internationalizable goods and services, prioritizing exports within more extensive production lines and value chains that generate higher added value.
Isabel Damasceno, president of the CCDRC, quoted in the statement, affirms that the call represents a commitment to the competitiveness of the regional economy and particularly in low-density areas, noting that these areas require special attention, with more generous co-financing rates and fully non-repayable funding.
According to the CCDRC, the 20 million euros are intended to finance the creation of new establishments or the expansion of the capacity of an existing establishment.
The funding also covers the diversification of production at an establishment to products not previously produced or services not previously provided, or the change in the overall production process or service provision.
The call for proposals was published last Wednesday, July 30, and applications are open until March 31, 2026.
According to the coordination commission, beyond this specific notice from Centro 2030, companies in the region can also benefit from the 70 million placed in the contest by the Innovation and Digital Transition Program (COMPETE 2030).
Data from the CCDRC consulted by Lusa reveal that the Center region, for the application of community funds from Portugal 2030, corresponds to 100 municipalities, distributed across eight intermunicipal communities: Region of Aveiro, Viseu Dão Lafões, Beiras and Serra da Estrela, Region of Coimbra, Region of Leiria, Beira Baixa, Médio Tejo, and Oeste.
Of the 100 municipalities, about 60 are classified as low-density population areas, mainly located in the interior.
