Mainstreaming SME support especially through a dedicated instrument
 

Dedicated SME support is channelled through the SME instrument, introduced in the Work Programme 2014-2015, which promotes SMEs' innovation activities from concept to market. It provides support to a wide range of innovation activities, while helping to increase the economic impact of project results by its company-focused and market-driven approach.
 

The SME instrument addresses the financing needs of internationally oriented SMEs, in implementing high-risk and high-potential innovation ideas. It aims at supporting projects with a European dimension that lead to major changes in how business (product, processes, services, marketing etc.) is done. It will assist innovative SMEs to shape new markets, create growth, and achieve high return on investment. The SME instrument addresses all types of innovative SMEs so as to be able to promote growth champions in all sectors.

Up to 10 % of the annual budget will be used for phase 1 funding and at least 87% of the annual budget for phase 2 funding. At least 1% of the annual budget will be used for phase 3 related actions, 1% will be used to support coaching and mentoring activities supporting phase 1 and phase 2 and up to 1% will be used for evaluation.