Exporting small and medium-sized enterprises can now apply for loans starting at 50,000 euros under a new funding program launched by the Instituto de Crédito Oficial.
The initiative, titled ICO Crecimiento Exportadores – España Crece, utilizes resources from the Next Generation EU Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. It targets import and export businesses impacted by shifting international tariff environments.
Borrowers can use the capital for asset acquisitions, research and development, trade fair participation, and working capital needs. The program sets no upper limit on the size of individual loan operations.
How non-reimbursable tranches apply to approved operations
Approved operations may qualify for interest rate subsidies and a non-reimbursable tranche of up to 200,000 euros, or 30 percent of the total operation value, whichever is lower. This specific grant portion applies only to investment projects with repayment schedules exceeding five years.
The non-reimbursable amount is not issued as a standalone direct grant. Instead, the funds apply directly to prepay the final installments of the financing after the company justifies its eligible expenditures.
Eligible expenses include tangible investments, intellectual property costs, software development, and services provided by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones. Businesses can also cover employee training and market research costs.
Questions about non-reimbursable business expenses and disbursement
What types of business expenses are excluded from the non-reimbursable tranche?
Loans used exclusively to cover short-term structural working capital needs cannot include the non-reimbursable grant portion. The non-repayable aid is restricted strictly to investment projects with repayment terms longer than five years.
How is the non-reimbursable aid disbursed to the borrower?
The funds are not handed over as independent cash disbursements. The designated amount is applied to prepay the final loan installments after the beneficiary officially justifies the eligible investments.
Can companies finance international marketing and trade fairs?
Yes, businesses can use the loan to cover expenses related to trade fair participation, market prospection, employee training, and specialized services delivered by ICEX.
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