🇷🇴 Citește articolul în română: Granturi IMM 2026: Cum accesezi până la 3 milioane EUR

SME Grants 2026: How to Access Up to 3 Million EUR

SME Grants 2026 represent one of the largest financing opportunities for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized companies in Romania that want to invest in digital transformation and automation. If you have a business and want to implement artificial intelligence solutions, robotics or other cutting-edge technologies, but your budget only allows for risky investments, this guide could completely change your plans. During this period, you can access up to 3 million EUR for SME Grants 2026, with no repayment obligation.

Who is eligible for SME Grants 2026?

SME Grants 2026 are available for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized companies that meet certain eligibility criteria. In general, companies with fewer than 250 employees and annual turnover below 50 million EUR can apply.

You must be registered in Romania and operate legally. Eligible activity sectors include manufacturing, services, trade and IT. Companies in agriculture, aquaculture and sectors with structural problems are not eligible. If your primary activity is generating capital income or real estate property management, you cannot access this funding.

Companies with outstanding debts to the state or in insolvency procedures are not eligible. Also, companies that have received other state aid in the current period must verify if they comply with the caps set by the de minimis regulations.

What financing is available: from 200,000 EUR to 3 million EUR

SME Grants 2026 are structured on multiple financing lines, with different budgets and conditions tailored to your needs. The minimum financing for capital projects is 200,000 EUR, and the maximum cap can reach 3 million EUR depending on the type of project and available funds.

For digitalization and automation projects, you can receive up to 1 million EUR. AI and machine learning projects, including the implementation of customized solutions, can attract financing between 500,000 EUR and 3 million EUR. Robotics projects and advanced production technologies are financed with a maximum of 2.5 million EUR.

Repayment is not required. These funds are non-reimbursable grants, which means you do not need to return them to the state. The co-financing rate is 50 percent in general, so you cover half the cost, and the state finances the other half of the eligible value of the project.

How to Structure an AI and Automation Project to Access Grants

A well-structured project is the key to being approved. You must demonstrate how investment in AI or automation will lead to increased efficiency and profitability of your business. Here are the essential steps:

1. Define the problem you want to solve with the new technology. For example: “Document processing takes 80 hours per month and we introduce errors in 5 percent of cases.” Cite concrete data from your activity.

2. Describe the technological solution in detail. If it’s AI, what is the model, what are its capabilities, where exactly will it be implemented in your processes. Don’t be vague.

3. Calculate the economic impact. If you implement an automation solution, how many hours will be saved? What will be reduced from costs? What will be the additional revenues generated? The impact must be measurable and realistic.

4. Set performance indicators. How will you measure the success of the project after implementation? What are the concrete targets you want to achieve.

5. Create a detailed implementation plan in phases. Indicate the timeline, responsibilities, deliverables and budget for each phase.

Advisories: Do not only consider acquisition costs. You must also include integration costs, training, support and maintenance for at least 12 months. These costs are part of the eligible value for the grant.

Required Documents and Submission Steps

Any SME Grants 2026 application will require a series of mandatory documents. Prepare them in advance, as the verification process takes time and you don’t want to lose due to missing documents.

The main documents are: the registration certificate from the Trade Register, the tax registration certificate, balance sheets and financial statements from the last 2-3 years, declaration of unpaid taxes, and proof that you are not in insolvency. You will also need a needs assessment that explains why you need financing and how you will use it.

The submission steps are relatively simple:

1. Create an account on the online application platform of the financing agent (AFM, ANAF or other responsible body).

2. Upload the mandatory documents and complete the application form with all project details.

3. Add a statement of eligible expenses and a detailed budget broken down by expense items.

4. Complete the impact section and performance indicators with the realism and concreteness they deserve.

5. Submit the application and keep proof of receipt.

After submission, the application goes through administrative verification and technical evaluation stages. The administrative stage takes 2-3 weeks, and the evaluation stage can take 4-6 weeks. Don’t panic if you are asked for clarifications.

Calendar and Submission Period

SME Grants 2026 have opening and closing periods for calls. In 2026, multiple calls for digitalization and AI are expected. The first calls for automation and AI projects will open in the second quarter of the year.

The official opening date will be announced on the websites of the responsible institutions. It is recommended that you subscribe to the mailing list or follow the newsletters of these institutions so you don’t miss the deadline.

The submission period for each call is limited, usually between 30 and 45 days from opening. I recommend not waiting until the last days, as online systems can be congested and you could lose access due to technical issues.

Conclusions and Next Steps

SME Grants 2026 are an extraordinary opportunity to finance digital transformation and implement AI solutions in your business without risking your own capital. The key to success is to structure your project with clarity, present concrete data and demonstrate the real economic impact you will achieve.

If you want to learn more about how to structure an AI project or how to optimize your business with the help of automation, 50.ro AI-Studio can help you. Our team has expertise in financing projects and can guide you step by step to access SME Grants 2026 and turn your vision into reality.

For more information and advice on accessing grants and implementing AI solutions, visit: https://www.50.ro