Grants for export support businesses' entry into foreign markets. For smaller enterprises this is a relatively accessible form of assistance, because the amounts are lower and the administration simpler than for investment projects. What tends to be supported is participation in international trade fairs, including stand rental and construction, travel and accommodation, preparation of foreign-language promotional materials and a website, research into the target market, product certification for the foreign market, consulting, and participation in trade missions. Support is most often provided under the minimal aid regime, so it counts towards the three-year limit. Besides direct grants, non-financial forms of assistance also exist through trade support agencies, which broker contacts and participation in events on preferential terms.
See also: De minimis aid scheme, Grants for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Grants for Startups.
