This publication is written by Intelectium, a financial consultancy for startups and innovative SMEs, and a contributor to CoImpact Coliving.
Barcelona is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive cities for those entrepreneurs and startups with innovative ideas who want to grow their business.
In addition to having a prestigious university system, capable of attracting national and international talent, a dynamic ecosystem, with more than 100 Venture Capital organizations that actively invest in startups in Barcelona, and the ability to develop innovation projects that contribute to the transformation and economic development of the city; Barcelona has very active financial organizations throughout the territory.
Have you just landed in the Barcelona ecosystem and don’t know where to start? Do you want to discover which aids best fit your project? Keep reading because this article is for you.
ACCIÓ
The Agency for the Competitiveness of the Company (ACCIÓ), attached to the Department of Business and Labor of the Generalitat of Catalonia, offers different financing tools, with the intention of enhancing the competitiveness of the Catalan business fabric.
In addition, the Agency, which has more than 40 Foreign Trade and Investment Offices, advises companies that require it throughout the financing search process.
Non-refundable grants of between € 45,000 and € 75,000 for technology-based startups, recently created with a maximum of 2 years old, to finance the execution of the company’s business plan.
Direct aid for the development of R&D projects that have a total bankable budget of between € 50,000 and € 200.00. The companies must execute the projects presented collaboratively, together with accredited entities such as TECNIO centers.
Non-refundable grants of up to € 200,000 for small and medium-sized companies to access expert advisory services defined in any of the following areas: internationalization, international e-trade, industry 4.0 and innovation and strategy.
Non-refundable grants of up to € 150,000 for companies with at least 4 years of life to implement industrial research and experimental development activities, high risk and in accordance with market needs.
Grants of up to 100% of the expenses derived from hiring experienced R&D personnel, for a maximum period of 2 years. The program contemplates the possibility of the researcher making short stays in companies and entities located abroad.
ICF
The Catalan Institute of Finance (ICF), owned by the Generalitat de Catalunya, has been acting since 1985, as a complement to the private financial sector, for all those companies in the Catalan economy that make up the economic fabric of Catalonia. The entity acts mainly through loans, guarantees and investment in the venture capital of companies, whether they are self-employed entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, SMEs or large companies.
Participative loans without personal guarantees of up to € 200.00 for innovative technological companies with projects in initial phases. The loans are complemented by the entry into the capital of the company of accredited investors, Business Angels and Venture Capital Funds.
ICF Credit-Investment
Loans for Catalan companies with investment projects in fixed, tangible, intangible and financial assets to access financing. The amounts received to finance the projects presented will be between € 250.00 and € 10M.
Culture
Loans for investment or for working capital of projects that involve the production, distribution, commercialization and diffusion, exhibition or protection of cultural goods and / or services. In the case of investment loans, the amounts received to finance the projects presented will be between € 20,000 and € 1M. Companies that request loans for working capital will receive a maximum amount of € 600,000.
The Reciprocal Guarantee Society of Catalonia (AVALIS) works to facilitate access to financing, currently mostly in circulation, for SMEs and the self-employed in Catalonia, with financial institutions. To do this, it offers different types of guarantees that improve the economic conditions of operations and cover possible gaps in guarantees and solvencies that financial institutions may require.
Avalis-ICF investment line for SMEs and freelancers:
Long-term investment loans under preferential conditions for companies that carry out investment operations in productive fixed assets, acquisition of companies or creation of companies abroad. The maximum term for the repayment of the loans is 10 years.
Avalis-ICF Liquidity line for SMEs and the freelancers:
Long-term working capital loans under preferential conditions for companies with working capital needs (financing can be used for items such as current expenses, payroll, payments to suppliers, etc.). The maximum term for the repayment of the loans is 5 years.
In Barcelona Activa, startups with innovative projects can access training and advice through Pre-incubation and Pre-acceleration Programs. In addition, the entity has specific programs aimed at startups in strategic sectors for the city.
Pre-incubation Program
So that projects that, regardless of the sector in which they develop their activity, present some digital component can grow in a sustainable way. The incubation phase of the program has a total duration of 9 months and offers selected companies a free coworking space.
Pre-acceleration Program
To facilitate the implementation of projects in initial and intensive stages in technological development. Through the program, the selected companies will have access to expert advice to define and validate their business model. In addition, the winning startup will receive a financial award.
AVANÇSA
The Industrial Promotion and Localization Company of Catalonia (AVANCSA) works to promote the industrial reconversion of the territory through loans for startups and industrial SMEs.
Loans of up to € 1M and minority entry into the capital of companies for companies, in the initial stages, dedicated to the development of innovative projects in certain sectors of activity. Depending on their activity, the projects will be framed in one of the following lines: Innova Crecimiento, Innova Energy Tech, Innova Auto, Innova Moda y Comercio.
