Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Evaluators prefer projects with long-term potential that can be expanded further within the next decade. Demonstrate that your project has scalability and can generate sustained impact beyond the immediate funding period.

Letters of Intent are statements of intent from potential Suppliers, Customers, or Distributors expressing their interest in your project. These letters demonstrate market validation and show that there's real-world demand for your innovation, making your proposal more compelling.

The market segment you're addressing is a crucial factor. Evaluators look for projects targeting promising markets characterized by growth, substantial size, and limited competition. A well-defined and attractive market significantly increases your chances of securing funding.

While not strictly essential, having existing financial backing from sources other than the SME Instrument, such as your own revenues, a parent company, or private investors, significantly strengthens your application. It demonstrates confidence in your project and reduces the perceived risk for the funding organization.

Before you spend too much time on your proposal, make sure your project aligns with the types of industries that typically receive funding. Check out the resource 'What Types of Industries Receive Funding?' to get a better understanding of funding priorities and eligibility requirements. This can save you time and effort in the long run.

A highly experienced and capable team is vital for securing funding. Evaluators assess your team's work experience, relevant projects, education, and support network. Highlight your team's strengths and expertise to instill confidence in your project's execution.

Yes, projects that bring not only financial but also social benefits to the EU are highly favored. Emphasize the positive social impact of your project, such as job creation, environmental sustainability, or improved quality of life, to enhance your application's appeal.

Letters of Recommendation are endorsements from key partners and stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, decision-makers, or thought leaders. These letters add credibility to your project and demonstrate support from influential figures in your field, boosting your application's strength.

It's generally better to create new images and tables specifically for your proposal. Existing ones might not fit the color scheme, have low resolution, or use unsuitable font sizes. Reproduce market projections, charts, and other graphics to ensure high quality.

Consistent formatting is crucial for a professional look and increases your chances of success. Use colors, watermarks, and image placement consistently throughout the proposal. This demonstrates attention to detail and makes your proposal easier to read and understand.

A self-explanatory image or table, along with its caption, should convey its meaning without requiring extensive explanation in the text. It should support or deepen a point already made, rather than introducing a completely new concept. Ensure the caption clearly describes the content and its relevance.

Graphics with transparent backgrounds are ideal for watermarks. Consider using images of your prototype, renderings, stylized concept illustrations, or your company logo. These can add professionalism without overwhelming the page.

Use the main color to simplify navigation through sections and subsections. It should make it easy to differentiate between different parts of the proposal. However, ensure it doesn't distract the reader from finding the headers or understanding the text.

Aim to include an image or table on each or every other page of Document 1. This helps break up the text and makes the content easier to digest. Ensure each image or table is relevant to the section and self-explanatory, with a clear caption.

Stick to pleasant, consistent colors that don't distract from the text. Blue and green are good choices. Avoid bright pink or yellow as main colors. Use one main color and an optional secondary color consistently for headers, stylized text, bullets, and captions to create a professional look.

Avoid using full-page photographs with backgrounds as watermarks, as they can be too distracting. Also, ensure your watermark is related to the proposal content and doesn't undermine readability. Keep the opacity low and the information minimal.

Consider adding a watermark only to the bottom half of the page to make it stand out more. This avoids coloring the entire page and potentially distracting from the text. The key is to keep the watermark subtle and unobtrusive.

Watermarks can enhance your proposal if used subtly. Choose graphics with transparent backgrounds and very low opacities (2-7%). Ideal images include prototypes, renderings, or logos. Ensure the watermark doesn't reduce readability or distract from the content.

Yes, absolutely. The Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) ensures that all information shared during our discussions and through provided materials is kept strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of evaluating your project.

Letters of Support (LOS) are statements from interested customers, influential supporters, suppliers, institutions, or regulatory agencies. They demonstrate external validation and interest in your project, strengthening its overall appeal and feasibility.

After receiving all the necessary information, we will thoroughly review your project details. We will then use this information to develop a compelling proposal tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

Don't worry if you don't have everything immediately. Provide as much information as possible before the call, and we can discuss any gaps and how to address them during our conversation.

Yes, we will provide templates for the Letters of Support to ensure they contain the necessary information and are formatted correctly. These templates will simplify the process of obtaining these crucial endorsements.

We require full CVs and pictures of the 3 project leaders and the founders of the company to showcase the team's expertise and experience. This information helps build credibility and demonstrates the strength of the team behind the project.

The first video call (2-2.5 hours) will cover key aspects of your project, including innovation, market analysis, target customers, potential EU challenges, financial projections, and your business model. This comprehensive discussion helps us understand your project thoroughly.

Yes, both parties will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before the initial video call to protect sensitive information. Details about the NDA will be provided via email. This ensures confidentiality during our discussions about your project.

Please provide any visual materials or documents that are relevant to your project or company. This includes pictures, links to videos, your website, a list of past clients, publications, awards, and magazine features. These materials help us visualize and understand your project's context.

The initial video call is estimated to take between 2 to 2.5 hours. This allows ample time to thoroughly discuss all the key aspects of your project and gather the necessary information.

The specific documentation will vary, but generally, you'll need to provide proof of investment commitments, revenue projections, or bank statements showing available funds to cover the 30%.

Phase 2 offers flexible funding, ranging from €500,000 to €5,000,000. However, the funding covers 70% of the total project costs, so you'll need to cover the remaining portion.

You can cover the remaining 30% through various means. Options include securing private investors, using product revenues, or allocating private funds to the project.

Securing the remaining 30% is crucial for project success. Without it, you may face challenges in completing Phase 2 and achieving your project goals, potentially impacting the overall outcome.

Yes, a well-executed feasibility study from Phase 1 can be a valuable tool for attracting private investors. It provides data and insights that demonstrate the project's potential and reduce investment risk.

There might be some restrictions depending on the specific EU program. It's best to consult the program guidelines or speak with a funding advisor to understand any limitations on investor types.

Yes, you can use a combination of funding sources. For example, you could use a mix of private investment and product revenue to reach the required 30%.

No, the EU funding doesn't cover all expenses. It provides a significant portion, but you'll need to secure additional funding to cover the remaining costs.

The EU requires companies to cover 30% of the project costs to ensure they have the means to complete the project. This demonstrates the company's ability to secure additional investments or generate revenue.

Phase 1 is funded with a flat fee of €50,000. This funding is specifically for performing a feasibility study to assess the project's viability.

Phase 1 projects usually last around 6 months. The exact duration can vary depending on the specific topic and complexity of your project.

Experienced business coaches provide the coaching. These coaches are selected through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), ensuring a high level of expertise.

No, completing Phase 1 does not guarantee funding for Phase 2. However, a well-executed Phase 1 significantly strengthens your application and increases your likelihood of success in the subsequent phase.

Optional Innovation and Business Development Coaching is available. This coaching helps SMEs enhance their innovation capacity, align the project with their business strategy, and develop commercial impact and long-term sustainability.

An example of a feasibility report is available online. Reviewing this example can help you understand the expected format and content of your own report.

Phase 1 provides a flat rate of €50,000 to finance your feasibility study. This funding is intended to cover the costs associated with developing your business plan and assessing project viability.

Completing Phase 1 provides a solid foundation for your project. It helps you refine your business plan, assess risks, and improve your chances of securing funding and succeeding in Phase 2.

No, the feasibility study is optional. However, it is highly recommended as it significantly increases your chances of success in Phase 2 of the project.

The main deliverable is a feasibility report. This includes a technical report with a publishable summary and the feasibility study itself, a questionnaire on socio-economic implications, and a financial report including the payment request.

The primary goal of Phase 1 is to conduct a feasibility study for your project. This involves creating a business plan and evaluating the project's overall viability. It helps determine if your project is worth pursuing further.

You can find a comprehensive list of all beneficiaries, including both Phase 1 and Phase 2 recipients, on the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument website. This list is a great resource for understanding the types of projects that have been successful in the past.

While the 2015 data provides a general guide for choosing a topic, it's important to remember that the landscape can change. Use the 2015 success rates as a reference point, but also research the current topics and their specific requirements to make an informed decision.