Overview of the Call
The Support for SMEs in Internationalization call aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating participation in international trade fairs, enabling them to showcase products and services, enter new markets, and establish partnerships with foreign collaborators.
Objective
To enhance the ability of SMEs to access global markets, increase their share in total exports of goods and services, and improve conditions for doing business in an international environment.
Operational Framework
Call type: Open call
Operational program: Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021–2027
Managing authority: Ministry of Economy
Application start date: July 1, 2025, 11:00
Application deadline: Until funds are exhausted, but no later than December 30, 2026, 14:00
Total budget: EUR 25,000,000
Eligible Applicants
- Micro enterprises
- Small enterprises
- Medium enterprises
Funding Amounts and Intensity
- Minimum grant amount: EUR 6,000
- Maximum grant amount: EUR 120,000
- Funding intensity:
- Up to 75% of eligible costs for micro and small enterprises
- Up to 60% of eligible costs for medium enterprises
- Type of support: De minimis aid
Eligible Activities
- Participation in an international trade fair outside the Republic of Croatia that meets one of the following conditions:
- At least 10% of exhibitors/participants are foreign, or
- At least 5% of business visitors are foreign
- Each application may cover participation in a maximum of four (4) international trade fairs
- Eligible costs include:
- Trade fair participation, stand rental, equipment, stand setup, catalog registration, production of promotional material
- Hiring interpreters, transport of staff and equipment, per diems, accommodation
- Promotional and visibility activities, as well as activities related to horizontal principles
Application deadline
December 30, 2026, 14:00, or earlier if funds are exhausted.
