Standards and Awards for SMEs Grant Scheme

The Standards and Awards for SMEs grant scheme supports enterprises in acquiring advisory support to obtain organisational or management system standards and awards. These awards enable the improvement of operational efficiency, governance, sustainability, and quality management.

The Standards and Awards for SMEs grant scheme offers funding for advisory services related to acquiring various standards or awards, including but not limited to:

• Operational efficiency standards
• Governance standards
• Sustainability certifications
• Quality management system standards

Regulatory or product-specific certifications required for market placement are excluded.

• Maximum grant value of up to €15,000.
• Additional €5,000 (i.e. up to €20,000) for multiple standards or awards within one application (through the same provider).
• The aid intensity is determined by the size of the entity:
  • Micro and start-ups (up to 5 years following registration): 60%
  • Micro and SMEs (over 5 years following registration): 50%
• Aid under the Standards and Awards for SMEs grant scheme will be awarded in accordance with the General Block Exemption Regulation (‘GBER’).
• Maximum of two applications per undertaking.

Cut off dates are currently available from now until 31 December, 2026 subject to availability of funds.

Our team is ready to assist you in understanding how the Standards and Awards for SMEs grant scheme can best benefit your business and guide you through the application process. We can also support in the phases following the application, including in reporting, as well as in claiming reimbursement with the Managing Authority.

To learn more about how this grant scheme can support you, or to start your application process, please feel free to get in touch.