The Tourism Microcredit Line for the Interior is now available, designed to support investment projects promoted by tourism micro and small enterprises located in low-density territories.
Beneficiary companies: Micro and small enterprises in the tourism sector and associated activities;
Intervention area: Low-density Interior territories;
Type of financing: Interest-free loan;
Support rate: Up to 90% of eligible investment;
Maximum support amount: €30,000 per company;
Maximum eligible investment: €50,000;
Repayment term: 7 years;
Grace period: 24 months;
Budget allocation: €15,000,000;
Applications: Continuous, until the available allocation is fully utilized.
Objective
This line is intended to support the creation, growth, and expansion of tourism micro and small enterprises, contributing to the reinforcement of business competitiveness and sustainability, the qualification of the tourism offer, and the economic development of low-density interior territories.
Eligible companies
Micro and small enterprises operating in tourism areas can apply, namely:
• Tourist accommodation, hotel establishments, rural tourism, and local accommodation;
• Restaurants and beverage establishments;
• Campsites and caravanning parks;
• Travel agencies, tour operators, and reservation services;
• Tourist entertainment and land passenger transport;
• Car rental;
• Shops with history and establishments dedicated to the sale of local or regional products, certified or with a seal of authenticity.
Financial support
Support is granted through an interest-free loan, corresponding to up to 90% of the eligible investment, with a maximum limit of €30,000 per company. Financing is granted for a term of seven years, including a 24-month grace period.
There is also the possibility of converting up to 30% of the granted loan into a non-repayable incentive, up to a maximum amount of €9,000, provided that the targets defined for the investment’s cruise year in terms of turnover, gross added value, and jobs are met.
Financing example
In an investment project of €33,333, the company can secure 10% through equity or other financing sources, corresponding to €3,333, and obtain €30,000 through the Tourism Microcredit Line for the Interior.
If the contracted targets are met, up to €9,000 of the financing can be converted into a non-repayable grant.
Eligible expenses
The following expenses, among others, may be considered eligible:
• Studies and projects, up to a limit of 10% of total eligible expenses;
• Construction, requalification, and adaptation works;
• Acquisition of goods, equipment, hardware, and software;
• Interventions to improve physical and communicational accessibility;
• Marketing and commercialization actions for the offer;
• Sustainability certifications and recognition of local or regional products;
• Specialized consultancy for defining sustainability strategies;
• Training and capacity-building actions associated with the project;
• Intervention of external certified accountants in the development of the application.
Eligibility conditions
Projects must present an investment equal to or less than €50,000, cannot have started at the date of application — except for studies and projects — and must demonstrate financial viability. When applicable, investments must also be approved by the competent entities.
After the financing is approved, the project must start within a maximum period of six months and be completed within a maximum period of 18 months.
For more information about support for projects in Alentejo Litoral, contact us via email.
