Image: Cámarabilbao
Support for Internationalization
The Basque Government, through the SPRI agency, has launched the new Zabaldu+ grant program. This initiative aims to strengthen the international presence of Basque companies, offering up to €75.000 per company to facilitate their access to new markets and consolidate their global positioning.
Basque businesses now have a new financial incentive designed to help them expand or consolidate their presence beyond the Basque Country. The Basque Government has launched Zabaldu+, an ambitious tool to support the Capabilities structured to bolster global competitiveness and the projection of the SMEs and startups of the region.
With a total budget allocation of 13,6 millones de euros For the 2026 fiscal year, this new line marks a turning point in the management of public funds aimed at foreign tradeIts main added value lies in the operational integration of long-standing and independent programs such as Zabaldu, Sakondu, Elkartu, and Pilotu. This administrative simplification aims to expedite access to credit, offering a single, robust framework for foreign expansion projects.
The aid scheme is structured through non-refundable grants which will account for between 45% and 70% of the approved corporate budget. In practice, this represents a maximum direct injection of 75.000 euros per company to carry out individual initiatives. However, this amount can increase to 110.000 Euros If corporations choose to join forces through strategies of business cooperationThe funds will cover retroactively and prospectively those operations carried out between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
Comprehensive coverage for the export cycle
The extensive catalog of eligible expenses covered by Zabaldu+ ranges from the planning phase to on-site establishment. Companies will be able to finance work on strategic consulting, Such as Market studies, feasibility analysis or complex customs reportsFurthermore, support is provided for the essential adaptation of the product portfolio to foreign regulations through certifications, approvals, and the registration of patents and trademarks.
In the strict scope of international promotionThe program will fund outdoor marketing campaigns and the development of digital platforms focused on... exporting as well as participation in conferences, trade missions and prospecting trips.
For organizations at a more advanced stage of market penetration, Zabaldu+ finances the physical entry into target markets: from creating sales structures and collaborating with local agents to hiring native staff. As a key element for strengthening internal operations, SMEs can allocate up to €10.000 for the time their own staff dedicates to developing the internationalization project.
Various entities within the economic fabric have positively assessed this integration of resources. From Cámarabilbao They highlighted the enormous value of this institutional support in mitigating uncertainty: “We encourage all SMEs, startups, and internationally focused organizations to learn more about this call for proposals and assess how it can fit into their growth plans.” For the Chamber of Commerce, Zabaldu+ represents not just a capital injection, but genuine strategic support and “a real opportunity to open new markets, consolidate export activity, improve global competitiveness, and reduce the risks associated with international expansion.”
| Details of the Zabaldu+ Aid Program | |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Zabaldu+ |
| Promoting Organization | Gobierno Vasco (through SPRI) |
| Maximum Staffing per Company | Up to 75.000 euros |
| Main goal | To promote and consolidate the internationalization of Basque companies |
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