Versão em Português disponível aqui.

You can apply your project for the System of Incentives for Business Competitiveness – or Competir+ – until December 31, 2020.

Competir+ is presently available for prospective investors and entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the Azores, in various areas such as the hospitality, manufacturing, restaurants, logistics and high-tech industries.

Competir+ was implemented by the Regional Government of the Azores in 2015; and, since then, has supported more than 1,270 investment projects submitted by domestic and international investors.

Competir+ is currently divided in 6 subsystems of incentives. The main programs are:

Subsystem of Incentives (SI) for the Promotion of the Economic Export Base;

SI for Qualified and Creative Entrepreneurship;

SI for Local Development.

The SI for the Promotion of the Economic Export Base is aimed at projects that demonstrate a regular and ongoing contribution to the increase of sales for markets outside the Azores; or are niched inside certain areas of tourism. Investments should amount to more than 15 thousand euros.

Eligible projects can be entitled to a financial support composed by a non-refundable incentive (NRI) equivalent to between 30% and 40% (depending on the island where the project will be implemented) of the total eligible investment expenditures; plus, refundable incentive (RI). The RI corresponds to the application of a flat rate of 25% over the total eligible investment, and works as a zero-interest loan with a maturity of 10 years and a 2 year grace period, for projects under 2 million euros; or 12 years and a 4 year grace period for projects above 2 million euros.

The SI for Qualified and Creative Entrepreneurship is aimed at projects, promoted by young entrepreneurs that comprise the creation of a new company in certain economic areas. Investments should amount to between 10 thousand euros and 300 thousand euros. Young entrepreneurs are 18 and 35 year-olds holding a minimum level of education corresponding to compulsory education or holders of a Master’s degree or PhD younger than 40. Young entrepreneurs having been granted parental leave until the said age limits may apply to receive the benefits herein provided for until the age of 40 and 45, accordingly.

Eligible projects can be entitled to a financial support composed by an NRI equivalent to between 40% and 50% of the total eligible investment.

The SI for Local Development is for projects aimed at the satisfaction and dynamization of the local market. Generally, investments should amount to more than 15 thousand euros. Some activities are capped in terms of the total investment that can be applied.

Eligible projects can be entitled to a financial support composed by an NRI equivalent to between 15% and 50% of the total eligible investment. In some situations, an additional 25%, of the total eligible investment, can be awarded via a refundable incentive.

Below, there’s an example of financial plan for an investment project in Tourism (without working capital):

Island of Implementation : São Miguel;

: São Miguel; Subsystem of Incentives : SI for the Promotion of the Economic Export Base;

: SI for the Promotion of the Economic Export Base; Total eligible investment : 500,000 euros;

: 500,000 euros; Total funding via Competir+ : 275,000 euros: Non-refundable Incentive – 30% of 500,000 euros = 150,000 euros; Refundable Incentive – 25% of 500,000 euros = 125,000 euros. The refundable incentive would be repayable for 6 years, with no interest and with a 4 year grace period.

: 275,000 euros: Equity (investor’s own funding) – I recommend at least 15% of the total eligible investment: 75,000 euros;

– I recommend at least 15% of the total eligible investment: 75,000 euros; Debt (example: bank loan) – the remainder: 150,000 euros.

Applications are submitted, through a dedicated web portal, by means of an electronic form. The electronic form is compromised by several sections soliciting information about the company and the project, including financials (balance sheet and income statement).

The application package is also compromised by several documents, including budgets for each investment expenditure and a financial proforma (business plan) detailing the economic and financial feasibility of the project. In some situations, an architecture project can also be necessary.

Its highly recommended that investors should not purchase anything that could constitute an investment expenditure, before applying their project. Otherwise, the application can be considered null and void. There are some exceptions to this rule.

You can learn more about Competir+:

By contacting me, via the contact form available here;

By contacting the following governmental departments: The Azores Business Development Society – responsible for promoting the Azores as a business destination – via their website here; The Regional Directorate for the Support of Investment and Competitiveness – responsible for receiving and analyzing applications for Competir+ – via their website here.



As a consultant, my services include organizing the application package, according to the documentation forwarded by the client; preparing the financial proforma (business plan); filling and submitting the application form; and following up the application until it’s approval.

I don’t charge for providing information and answering questions about Competir+.

Those interested can consult my profile and my portfolio.