to start a business
specialisedsupport.
At INOVAGAIA, we offer specialist support for entrepreneurship projects or self-employment initiatives.
Support for entrepreneurship
Employment schemes
A programme run by the POortuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), which provides funding for employment projects run by unemployed people.
The scheme is aimed at unemployed people who submit a project that will, at the very least, lead to the creation of their own job, and who are in one of the following situations:
- Involuntarily unemployed people registered with the IEFP
- Unemployed people who have been registered as volunteers with the IEFP for more than 9 months
- Young people aged between 18 and 35 looking for their first job, who have at least completed secondary education or hold a Level 3 qualification
- Anyone who has never been in paid employment or been self-employed
Three forms of funding:
1) Advance payment of unemployment benefit (partial or full amount); 2) Guaranteed credit facility with an interest rate subsidy (MicroInvest or Invest+); 3) Advance payment of unemployment benefit + credit facility
Accredited Organisation
INOVAGAIA is an organisation accredited by the IEFP and is part of the Network of Technical Support Providers (EPAT). It provides technical support prior to project approval and technical support for project consolidation during the company’s first two years of operation.
How can INOVAGAIA HELP?
Advance technical support
Specific support for the development and structuring of the project, including the preparation of investment and business plans
Project consolidation
Support during the company’s first two years of operation, in the implementation of the approved project, and consultancy on matters relating to the management and day-to-day running of the business.
Access to INOVAGAIA services
Upon application, the entrepreneur will also be able to access INOVGAIA’s services, such as business incubation, training or the hire of premises.
Free guide
Download the free guide to this programme.
RESOURCES
FREE GUIDE
In this free guide, find out about the support available through PAECPE and discover practical tips on how to prepare your application, organise your investments and know what to do at each stage. Enter your name and email address to receive a link via email to download the guide. PAECPE – Programme to Support Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment – is a Portuguese government initiative, run by the IEFP (Institute for Employment and Vocational Training), which aims to encourage the creation of businesses and support people who wish to create their own jobs. Turn your business idea into a better-prepared project.
Funding Support
SOU MAIS PROGRAM
National Microcredit Programme (PNM) to support business start-up projects and the development of the social economy.
SOU MAIS is a scheme designed to support business start-up projects led by people who face difficulties accessing the labour market, as well as by micro-enterprises and co-operatives with up to 10 employees.
This scheme is based on facilitating access to credit and providing technical support for the creation and consolidation of projects, with a particular focus on the social economy.
Certified Organisation
INOVAGAIA is an organisation certified to provide technical support for these projects, helping to structure and consolidate their business.
How can Innovagaia help?
MICROINVEST range
Facilitating access to credit for projects involving small-scale investment and financing, up to €20,000.
Target Audience
Entrepreneurs facing difficulties in accessing the labour market, micro-enterprises and co-operatives (up to 10 employees).
Validation Process
Validation by CASES, coordination with the IEFP, and credit approval by partner financial institutions.
please contact our team
Success stories
Inspiring testimonials
A Bita of Cake
The pandemic, and in particular the first lockdown in 2020, presented a number of challenges for everyone. Whilst some learnt what it means to work from home, others lost their jobs altogether and had to reinvent themselves. During lockdown, A Bita of Cake decided to set up a YouTube channel to share some recipes, and that’s actually where it all began. It was only a short step from the channel to the next stage, and the venue now has two floors: one for serving customers and another room for bookings and private events.
Time of knowing
Cognitempus Sénior’s mission is to ensure the provision of a service characterised by excellence and trust, which creates value for our clients as well as for society, whilst ensuring the sustainability of the business.
Flavours of the Alentejo
Sabores do Alentejo was born out of a desire to bring the traditional flavours of the Alentejo to the north. The shop, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, stocks seasonal produce offering original flavour combinations, paired with the finest wines; here you’ll find delicious pairings sure to surprise our customers.
Bike & Surf
Bike&Surf is a company specialising in the sale of electric bicycles (ebikes) and related accessories, as well as surf equipment featuring disruptive innovation.
Skimmia
At Skimmia, we believe that decorative spaces are an extension of the people who come to us.
Alfatubo
ALFATUBO, LDA, headquartered in Serzedo – V. N. Gaia, was founded in 1989 by two brothers – managing partners – using entirely domestic capital. It began operations in 1992 in the field of plastic pipework and fittings. It is now an undisputed leader in its field, thanks to a Quality Policy underpinned by a commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and leadership, as well as a focus on the training and motivation of its staff.