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Business support - Portugal

Updated 02/2011

Private organisations

  COTEC Portugal – Business Association for Innovation supports the SME Innovation Network and promotes the exchange of experience and information between businesses.

Public-private organisations

The Lisbon Trade Association, in cooperation with AICEP Portugal Global and the Municipal Council of Lisbon, has launched Invest Lisbon, which is a support structure designed to attract business and direct investment to Lisbon.

This initiative seeks to attract business (particularly foreign business) to the city by capitalising on the competitive advantages of Lisbon, such as: strategic location between Europe, America and Africa; political and social stability; highly skilled and flexible labour force; excellent standard of living; modern infrastructures, etc.

Working from the offices of the Lisbon Trade Association, Invest Lisbon will target national and international businesses, focusing on providing support to investors at all stages of the decision-making process, attracting investment to specific projects in the city, and promoting Lisbon as an ideal place to invest.

Public organisations

The António Sérgio Cooperative Sector Institute (CASES) is aimed at businesses in the tertiary sector, whilst AICEP Portugal Global supports internationalisation measures.

The Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) and the Innovation Agency (AdI) are also key bodies in their respective areas.

  • Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) português
  • Innovation Agency (AdI) português

For anyone wanting to set up cooperatives, CASES (referred to above) provides legal and technical support.

In the area of internationalisation, AICEP (referred to above) can provide useful information on finding international partners and business opportunities. Through the Foreign Clients programme, businesses can obtain up-to-date information on foreign businesses.

  • AICEP – Foreign Clients Programme português

Supporting SMEs and innovation

  Turismo de Portugal, I.P. provides financial support for start-up, modernisation and expansion investments planned by tourism SMEs.

  • Turismo de Portugal, I.P. português

The Information Department of Turismo de Portugal is providing comprehensive support and information to businesses intending to invest in the tourism sector.

The Institute for Support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI) supports all the business ‘life phases’ of SMEs.

  • Institute for Support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI) português

In addition to technical support, the Business Assistance service of the IAPMEI helps with the assessment of skills and competitiveness.

  • IAPMEI – Business Assistance português

For information on Single Market rules, regulations, standards and directives, you can contact the IAPMEI Contact Point for Businesses.

  • IAPMEI – Contact point for the European Union Single Market português

The Office for Integrated Action in Business Restructuring (AGIIRE) is responsible for speeding up the business transition and restructuring process, and for minimising any negative effects of restructuring processes.

  • Office for Integrated Action in Business Restructuring (AGIIRE) português

Access to finance is crucial for setting up and running a business.

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

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