The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, through the new edition of the ICEX Next program ICEX Spain Export and Investmentsmobilizes an initial complement of 6 millones de euros to support the internationalization strategy of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups nationals. The goal is to provide Expert advice and financial assistance to 250 companies, with the capacity to expand this number to 300, which could mobilize an additional €1,2 million. The application period will open next November 4th.
The ICEX Next program, Co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)It is aimed at companies that are looking for boost internationalization of their activity, whether to address new foreign markets or to consolidate their presence in existing ones.
Expert Advice and Direct Subsidies
The ICEX initiative is structured as follows: two key mechanisms of support for the beneficiary companies. First, it offers a service of Specialized advice on foreign tradedesigned to help businesses to define or adapt its international strategy and accelerate its growth in third markets.
Each participating company will have personalized advice on international trade and aid of up to 24.000 euros
Each SME or startup The selected company will benefit from a minimum of 30 hours of personalized advice (both in-person and online) delivered by an expert consultant certified by ICEX. This support is essential for design, implement or review their international business strategic plan. Additionally, they will have access to consulting in crucial areas such as digital transformation, the international recruitment, the international digital strategy and participation in international tenders.
The second pillar of support is the economic subsidy, which can rise to 24.000 Euros per company. This aid is intended to cover the 60% of expenses derived from the actions included in its strategic plan over a two-year period. Eligible expenses cover a broad spectrum of actions necessary for the international Business, including:
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Prospecting and Market studies.
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International promotion of the brand, products or services.
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Development of a effective sales network.
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Procurement of technological tools and solutions to implement the international trade.
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Start-up of digital marketing strategies specific.
Requirements and Profile of Participating Companies
To access this ICEX Next 2025 call for proposals, companies must be SMEs or startups españolas with its own product or service and a registered trademark. It is an important requirement not to be a commercial or production subsidiary of a foreign company and not to be in a crisis situation. Except in the case of technology-based startupsA turnover exceeding [number] is required. 300.000 € in 2024Furthermore, they must have the necessary personal and material resources to face the internationalization process and have their own website.
La registration This new call for applications, published in the BOE on October 23, will have a single period: November 4rd – 18th of 2025.
Historical Impact of the Program
Since its launch in 2012, 4.379 companies Spanish companies have taken advantage of the ICEX Next program. Analyzing the last six years (since 2019), 1.951 companies have been beneficiaries, highlighting the participation of companies from Catalonia (456), the Community of Madrid (319) and Andalusia (225).
The average profile of the participating companies in the last six years shows an average annual turnover of 5 millones de euros, Being the 31% of these revenues come from exportsBy sector, the most represented are Services (37%), Industrial Products and Technology (32%), Consumer Goods (17%), and Agri-food (14%). On average, these companies had approximately 25 workers at the time of requesting their participation.
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