How to successfully apply for tenders and calls for state aid from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund?

Tenders and calls from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund (SPS) are one of the key opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to start, develop or upgrade their business. Since these are competitive procedures and strictly defined rules, good preparation for the application is key to success.

Below we summarize the most important information that can help you understand the calls for tenders and prepare a quality application.

What are SPS calls and notices?

The Slovenian Enterprise Fund allocates state aid exclusively through public tenders and calls. They are intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, with the aim of promoting growth, development, innovation, employment and easier access to financing.

What forms of support are available?

Entrepreneurs can access various forms of support through calls for proposals, including:

• grants,
• favorable loans and microcredits,
• guarantees for bank loans with a subsidized interest rate,
• other financial instruments adapted to different stages of a company's development.

Each tender has clearly defined conditions, objectives, eligible costs and evaluation criteria, so careful reading of the tender documentation is essential.

Where can I find announcements of tenders and calls for proposals?

Public tenders and calls are publicly published on the SPS website, in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia and other public media, including in our corporate news. Additional information about tenders or tender documentation can also be found through banks, chambers of commerce and industry, local business incubators or consultants.

How is the registration process?

Registration is done by submitting an official application, usually via the SPS electronic system. The application usually includes:

• application form,
• description of the project or business idea,
• business or development plan,
• required financial and other evidence.

It is important that the project is consistent with the tender objectives and that it is applied for before the start of implementation, as state aid is not intended for completed or ongoing projects.

Role evaluation and common mistakes

Applications are assessed by a selection committee, taking into account criteria such as added value per employee, exports and expansion into foreign markets, innovation and development of new products, and creation of new jobs. The most common errors include an unbalanced selection of eligible costs, the application of projects that are already underway, or non-compliance with EU state aid rules.

This is why it is recommended that entrepreneurs obtain timely information before applying and, if necessary, seek support in the business environment.

Workshop in January: P2 call – up to €72,000 for startup company development

For anyone considering applying for the P2 call - Incentives for the start-up of innovative companies , we are preparing a workshop in January at MPIK , dedicated to a practical presentation of the call.

At the workshop we will:

• presented who the P2 call is intended for,
• explained the conditions and evaluation criteria,
• pointed out the most common errors in applications,
• and showed how to meaningfully place the call in the development phase of a startup.

More information and registration on the event page:
MPIK workshop: P2 call - how to get up to €72,000 for a startup company >>

The content is summarized and adapted from information from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund .
More details are available on their website.