The Basque Government reinforces its commitment to internationalization with 13,6 million for the Zabaldu+ program

Royalty-free stock photograph created by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash.

Support for Internationalization

The Basque Government's Department of Industry, Energy Transition, and Sustainability is keeping the Zabaldu+ program open until September 15th, with a budget of €13,6 million. The initiative aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of Basque SMEs in a complex global environment, increasing funding by more than 40% compared to the previous edition.

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El Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Gobierno Vasco has extended the application deadline for its flagship internationalization program, Zabaldu+until September 15th. With a budget allocation of 13,6 millones de eurosThis represents an increase of over 40% compared to the previous year, and the initiative is designed to support the Basque SMEs in all phases of its global expansion, from accessing new markets to consolidating them.

This program is framed as a strategic tool within the Industrial Plan of Euskadi 2030 and responds to the need to diversify and transform the Basque business sector in an increasingly complex global economic context. The measure was promoted after the holding of the Defense Group for Industry, convened by the Lehendakari Pradales, with the aim of advancing concrete actions that strengthen the resilience of companies in the region.

A "one-stop shop" for a complex global environment

Faced with an international scenario marked by increased geopolitical risks, protectionism, and tensions in value chains, Zabaldu+ it is consolidated as a “one-stop shop” More powerful, simpler, and more effective. This new approach replaces and improves previous public support instruments, introducing a qualitative leap based on five fundamental pillars: greater aid intensity, administrative simplification, specialization, promotion of market diversification, and fostering business cooperation.

The program places the industrial and technological SMEs At the heart of the strategy is adapting the evaluation criteria to favor projects with greater strategic value, including startups and priority sectors. Furthermore, the measurement of the real impact of aid on the business fabric has been improved, ensuring that institutional support translates into competitiveness and a stronger foothold in the region. Euskadi.

As part of an unprecedented budgetary effort, the Gobierno Vasco It will add an additional €87 million to the 2026 budget for the transformation and diversification of SMEs. In total, the government will allocate 277 million euros in aid to SMEs, which represents a 51,4% increase compared to the 2025 budget.

Concept	Key Cipher
Zabaldu+ Program Budget	13,6 millones de euros
Zabaldu+ budget increase	More than 40%
Total investment in aid to SMEs (2026)	277 millones de euros
Increased aid to SMEs vs 2025	51,4 %
Number of planned projects	More than
Mobilizing investment in internationalization	Nearly 34 million euros

Impact and new features of the program

Among the main novelties, Zabaldu+ drives collaborative projects to address more demanding international markets and promotes pilot initiatives with a temporary, results-oriented approach, avoiding the creation of permanent structures. The program is expected to support more than 390 projectsmobilizing an investment of nearly 34 million euros in internationalization activities.

The impact figures demonstrate the effectiveness of these policies: up to 98% of the projects supported generate a direct positive impact on EuskadiFurthermore, there is a growing emphasis on initiatives linked to sustainability and social commitment, which consolidates the program's driving effect on the region's industrial and technological SMEs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is the Zabaldu+ program?

It is an initiative of Gobierno VascoManaged by the Department of Industry, this initiative supports Basque SMEs in their internationalization process, from entering new markets to consolidating their position. It functions as a "one-stop shop" that simplifies and enhances access to public aid.

What is the budget and the deadline for applying for aid?

The program has a budget of 13,6 million euros for the current call and the deadline for submitting applications is September 15, 2026.

Who can benefit from this program?

It is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Euskadiwith a special focus on industrial and technological-based companies, as well as startups with projects of high strategic value.

What new features does Zabaldu+ introduce compared to previous programs?

It introduces five key improvements: greater aid intensity, administrative simplification, sectoral specialization, a strong boost to market diversification and the promotion of business cooperation projects to address complex markets.