From March 23, SMEs will be able to apply at Pekao Bank in Poland for a FENG technological loan (from the European Funds for a Modern Economy Programme). It is a well-known instrument of support for technological development for SMEs that implement innovative technologies and use them to launch the production of new or significantly improved products or services. The investment can receive a subsidy from the EU of up to 70% eligible costs of the project. Pekao Bank provides free consultations for SMEs in cooperation with renowned consulting companies, and professional EU consulting services – from the preparation of the application to the settlement of the project.
The technological loan from the FENG is support for SMEs who want to develop their businesses based on broadly understood innovations and research and development (R&D) activities. An enterprise may apply for co-financing for the purchase of machinery and equipment and the construction of and structures, provided that the project it implements is based on the implementation of a new technology developed on its own, in cooperation with a research and buildings development unit or as part of acquired technology. The effect of the implementation should be the production of new or significantly improved products or services by the company. The loan is partly repaid with an EU subsidy (technological bonus), which may amount to up to 70% of the eligible costs of the project, depending on the location of the project and the size of the company, under the Regional Aid Map for 2021-2027.
“A technological loan with an EU subsidy is an excellent opportunity for SMEs to improve their production or service processes at a lower cost, and the pool of funds is substantial, amounting to as much as PLN 578 million (approx. EUR 123,5 million). At Pekao Bank, customers are the most important, which is why we want to help and guide them through the application process as efficiently as possible. For this purpose, we have launched free consultations for SMEs, we also offer professional services in the field of developing application documentation in cooperation with consulting companies,” – says Magdalena Zmitrowicz, Vice President of the Management Board of Pekao Bank, supervising the Corporate Banking Division.
The company is subject to a creditworthiness assessment at the very beginning of applying for a technological bonus, and the promise received from the bank is valid for up to 9 months. The long expiry date will allow the entrepreneur to wait calmly for the result of the competition at BGK. The call for proposals starts on March 23, 2023, and will last until May 31, 2023. There is as much as PLN 578 million (approx. EUR 123,5 million) to be distributed.
More information can be found here (in Polish).
EU consulting services
Pekao Bank offers SMEs free consultations in the process of applying for funding from the European Union and national aid programs. The offer applies to both existing customers and representatives of companies planning investments based on preferential financing.
At the same time, in cooperation with renowned consulting companies, Pekao Bank will support the customer in the professional preparation of the application. Based on a tripartite customer-Bank-consulting company agreement, he will supervise all activities aimed at obtaining funds from the subsidy. Importantly, all information provided by the customer regarding the planned project will be covered by Bank secrecy, which guarantees its security. A contracted consulting company can also help a customer with project settlement.
The customers can contact the advisors via the e-mail address: eufundsoffice@pekao.com.pl or the Bank’s hotline: (22) 821 88 22. The list of the SME Business Centers can be found here (in Polish).
Source: the Bank`s press release dated March 09, 2023
