The Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, led by Castro Almeida, has announced an initiative targeting “young graduates or those with higher education (…), who are neither working nor studying.” Applications for this program can be submitted until “January 3, 2026,” and aim to cover the NUT II regions [Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistical Purposes] of Norte, Centro, and Alentejo.
These European Union funds, known as “Startup Voucher,” are part of the “Portugal 2030” initiative, which includes “12 programs that grant support based on the region where they are developed or the area of activity in which they are inserted.”
The program will offer monthly grants of 900 euros for a duration of nine months, provided by the Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI), within the framework of the Thematic Program for Innovation and Digital Transition, funded by Compete 2030.
The executive highlights that “technical and financial tools will be made available, including monthly grants and awards, awareness-raising actions, demonstrations, mentoring, networking, and immersion in ecosystems such as accelerators and incubators.”
“Interim awards will include two payments of 1,500 euros each, while the award for creating self-employment will reach 2,000 euros per beneficiary,” the statement adds.
