SODERCAN mobilizes 400.000 euros to promote industrial fairs and export consortia in 2026

 

La Sociedad para el Desarrollo de Cantabria (SODERCAN), entity dependent on the Consejería de Industria, Empleo, Innovación y ComercioThe application period for two strategic grant programs has officially opened. With a combined budget of 400.000 EurosThe lines are designed to position the region as a benchmark for industrial events and to provide SMEs with the necessary structure to compete in global markets.

 

These calls for proposals, managed by the New Markets and Internationalization Area, were published this Wednesday in the Boletín Oficial de Cantabria (BOCThe application period will remain open for two months, and applications must be submitted electronically through the public company's grant manager.

 

Boosting trade fairs and conferences in manufacturing sectors

 

The first line of aid, endowed with 150.000 EurosIts main objective is to convert Cantabria at a strategic meeting point between supply and demand. As has been highlighted Eduardo Arasti, counselor of Industria and president of SODERCAN, Wanted "to create an ideal setting for generating business synergies and showcasing the products and services produced in our region".

 

The program establishes an aid intensity of up to 60 % of the eligible expenses, with a maximum limit of 50.000 Euros per event. To be eligible, the matches must be held throughout 2026 and be linked to industrial transformation sectors or renewable energies.

 

• Requirements for participation: The event must have at least six exhibitors or speakers.
• Representativeness: A minimum of 30% of the participants must come from outside the autonomous community.
• Covered expenses: It includes venue rentals, logistics, communication services, translation, security and transport of goods for exhibition.

 

Program	Total budget	Maximum Help	Maximum Intensity
Organization of Trade Fairs and Congresses	150.000 €	50.000 €	Up to 60%
Cooperate to Grow	250.000 €	Up to € 60.000	Up to 100%

 

'Cooperate to Grow': Alliances for export

 

The second line, called 'Cooperate to Grow', has a budget of 250.000 EurosIts mission is to foster the creation of export consortiaEconomic interest groupings and joint business expansion projects outside of CantabriaThis initiative is key for SMEs that, due to their size, encounter insurmountable barriers in foreign trade.

 

Eduardo Arasti It emphasizes that technical and commercial cooperation enables small businesses "mitigate the risks" and acquire the "critical mass" necessary to address internationalization with guarantees. SODERCAN This reinforces its dynamic role in the creation of clusters y Grouped Export Units (UAEs).

 

Applicant entities must submit a Joint business action plan that defines objectives, target markets, and segmentation strategies. The amount of the grant varies depending on the age of the entity:

 

• Entities less than 5 years old: Up to 100% of the expenditure (maximum €60.000).
• Entities between 5 and 10 years: Up to 90% of the expenditure (maximum €50.000).
• Entities older than 10 years: Up to 80% of the expenditure (maximum €40.000).

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about SODERCAN aid

What type of expenses does the business cooperation line cover?

It covers everything from the costs of setting up and starting up the entity, to personnel costs, marketing, trade missions, attendance at international fairs and the registration of trademarks.

Can companies from outside Cantabria participate in the consortia?

Yes, provided that the group is led by at least three companies with their registered office or place of work in CantabriaCompanies from outside cannot exceed 25% of the total members of the cooperation entity.

What is the sectoral approach to trade fair subsidies?

Events must be strictly linked to the manufacturing industry or the renewable energy sector to be considered eligible in this 2026 call.