Digital Transformation Scheme for Businesses

Digital Transformation Scheme for Businesses (2025)

We would like to inform you that the Digital Transformation Scheme for Businesses, by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, has been announced.

The application submission start date is 20/05/2025.

The objectives of the Digital Transformation Scheme are:

• The digital upgrade of existing businesses
• The promotion of digital entrepreneurship
• The increase in the number of SMEs using information and communication technologies, including the e-commerce sector
• The enhancement of the digital identity of businesses
• The creation of new opportunities for businesses through digital transformation
• The promotion of digital technology actions and advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Big Data

The Scheme covers up to 50% of the eligible budget, with a maximum grant amount of €50,000. For businesses in mountainous or disadvantaged areas, the grant can reach up to 70%, with a maximum amount of €70,000.

The minimum total eligible budget of a proposal (eligible expenses) is set at €5,000.

Our company offers the following Consulting Services:

1. Analysis of your business needs for Digital Transformation
2. Preparation of the proposal for completion of the Application, for evaluation purposes by the relevant authority, as required by the Grant Scheme for Digital Transformation
3. Development of an Information Security Management System according to ISO 27001:2022

According to the guide, eligible expenses include the following. The equipment procured under the Scheme must be new.

1. Off-the-shelf Software Available on the Mass Market

Pre-packaged software products made for mass-market use. The Scheme covers the purchase of a user license and installation on the user’s computer and/or license through cloud computing or SaaS.

• Simply transitioning an on-premise server to a cloud server is not considered an eligible expense under the Scheme
• Other expenses not mentioned above that fall under this category and are approved by the Authority may also be considered eligible for the business’s digital upgrade

2. Specialized Software, Systems, Programs, and IT Services

This category includes the following:

– ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), HRMS (Human Resource Management System), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), BI (Business Intelligence), ECM (Enterprise Content Management), DMS (Document Management System), BPM (Business Process Management), RPA (Robotic Process Automation), Bespoke Software, E-Shop, Industrial Digitalization, e-Invoicing, Data Analytics, SFA (Sales Force Automation), Secure Payments, etc.

Note:

• Software acquisition can be realized through service purchase or cloud application rental (covering up to 36 months of cost)
• All provisions of paragraphs 6(xii) and 14 must be followed regarding sample audits that may be conducted up to three years after the final certification of the project (final grant payment)
• Maintenance/support expenses, license renewals for existing software, and the creation of a simple website are not eligible expenses
• Development and/or digital upgrade of the applicant company’s own product/service is not eligible
• Other costs falling into this category may be approved as eligible upon decision by the Authority

3. Other Digital Transformation Expenses Not Directly Related to IT Systems

This category includes:

• Purchase of services for other digital transformation expenses such as digital advertising/promotion (digital marketing, social media presence, creation of product presentation videos, creation of digital content, etc.), as well as expenses for implementing and certifying Digital Security (e.g., ISO 27001) or Digital Functionality standards

For the grant to be disbursed, a Certification or Accreditation Document (from an Accredited Body) must be presented.

• Digital advertising/promotion expenses are eligible only if the investment proposal includes an online store
• The maximum eligible cost of the expenditure cannot exceed 10% of the eligible budget for the online store. In addition, the maximum eligible costs for digital advertising/promotion costs cannot exceed €4,000.

Consultant/Advisor expenses for:

a) Needs analysis and guidance for adopting the optimal digital transformation solution
b) Preparation and/or full management of the application submission

The maximum eligible cost for the Consultant/Advisor category is €1,000.
Note: The Consultant/Advisor cannot be a provider/supplier of the products/services included in the investment proposal.

Other expenses not specifically mentioned above but falling under this category may also be approved as eligible by the Authority.

4. Equipment Required for the Proposed Digital Transformation

This category includes the cost for purchasing new equipment necessary for digital upgrade, such as:

• Network equipment (Routers, Firewalls, WAFs, Load Balancers),
• Servers (Blade servers, SANs, Gateways, UPS),
• Special equipment such as bar code readers, hand-held terminals (HHT), electronic shelf labels (ESL), RFIDs, etc., depending on the business’s activity and needs
• Other equipment or expenses not specifically listed but approved by the Authority as eligible

GPS systems (geolocation tracking) are not eligible expenses.

Clarification: The cost of purchasing new equipment is eligible only if it is proven to be necessary for the implementation of the proposed digital upgrade. Proposals including only such equipment as the sole eligible investment will be rejected.

Evaluation Process

Proposals will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning each proposal will be evaluated immediately upon electronic submission, independently of others

Before submitting the application, interested parties should carefully study the Scheme Guide, which includes all key information on eligible expenses, participation criteria, grant rates, and the evaluation and implementation procedures. Understanding the terms and conditions is essential for the proper preparation and successful submission of the proposal.

To ensure the correct and timely preparation of your business for participation in the 2025 Digital Transformation Scheme, please contact us for more information and to arrange a meeting.