SME Fund extended to support Ukrainian businesses

Since 26 June 2023, Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the opportunity to apply for funding through the 2023 Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund. The SME Fund is a Commission initiative, implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It will present Ukrainian businesses with an unprecedented opportunity to access funds to their intellectual property.

Commissioner responsible for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “The extension of the SME Fund to Ukrainian businesses is another step towards Ukraine’s successful integration in the Single Market. The financial aid in the field of intellectual property provides valuable support for Ukrainian innovative SMEs, which will play an important role in rebuilding the economy.”

The 2023 SME Fund is aimed at supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized businesses. The financial support provided by the Commission and the EUIPO to Ukraine-based SMEs will include: trade mark and design protection within the European Union (national, regional, EU level) for 75% of the fees up to a maximum of €1,000; patent protection or related activities within the European Union (for national patents and European patents including for unitary patents) for 75% of the fees up to a maximum of €1,500; and plant variety protection at European level for 50% of the fees to a maximum of €225.

Earlier this year, a ground-breaking agreement was reached between the European Commission and Ukraine, allowing the latter to participate in the activities financed by the European Union under the Single Market Programme (SMP). The agreement provides Ukraine with support to businesses, facilitating access to markets, favourable business environment, sustainable growth and internationalization. This newly-announced addendum builds upon that agreement and opens up avenues for increased collaboration and economic growth.

(For more information:
Sonya Gospodinova – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 53;
Federica Miccoli – Tel.: +32 2 295 83 00)