Development grants are now more widely available

Region Västernorrland provides small and medium-sized enterprises an opportunity to apply for subsidies to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and develop the company.

Which companies can apply for development grants?

Small and medium-sized enterprises with operations throughout Västernorrland that have

1-249 workers or employees and a maximum turnover of 500 million SEK. The development grants may also be awarded if local competition is present.­

Some basic requirements that the company must satisfy:

  • The company must be operating on existing revenue.
  • At least one worker must receive a salary.
  • The company must have its own production or processing of products/services (not solely resale).

What investments can development grants be applied for?

Both soft and hard investments.

Soft investment costs

Consultation services for product development, marketing, and close-to-market business development and training.

Hard investment costs

Costs involved in procuring machinery/equipment, and for minor construction projects that strengthen customer offerings.

Specific examples of investments

External consultation services for:

  • Developing a new product or service.
  • Producing a new website, or making major functional adjustments to an existing one.
  • Preparing marketing materials, such as advertisements, brochures, etc.
  • Switching to digital products/services.
  • Sales-focused efforts that directly generate possibilities for increased sales.
  • Advertising in various media, such as digital advertisements in social media.
  • Personnel training, such as additional training to achieve a licence, that provides the company with leading-edge skills. Course fees, course literature, travel and accommodation can be subsidised.
  • Outfitting the company with machinery/equipment, or minor construction projects that create new business areas or strengthen customer offerings in existing ones.

What investments can subsidies not be received for?

  • Normal operating costs for things the company regularly needs, such as consumables, business management systems, subscriptions, or licences.
  • Electronic items, such as computers or mobile phones.
  • Hand tools, such as chainsaws or drills.
  • Vehicles, such as cars or buses.
  • Refurbishing and maintaining buildings, such as replacing floors, roofs or façades.
  • Exchange investments, such as replacing refrigerated display cabinets.

How small/large can the investment be, and how large can the subsidy be?

  • The investment must amount to at least 20,000 SEK.
  • Subsidies can be given for up to 50% of the cost for soft investments. 
  • Subsidies can be given for up to 50% of the cost for hard investments.
  • Hard investments may amount to a maximum of 60,000 SEK of the total investment amount, meaning that 30,000 SEK is the maximum subsidy available for hard investments.
  • A maximum of 150,000 SEK can be granted as subsidies.

Apply via minansokan.se until 31 December 2021.

Guidelines for regular business grants that also apply for development grants, with the exception of the special rules for development grants presented on this page. (in Swedish)

Development grants are partially financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about development grants

Can an association apply for subsidies?

Yes, if the association is managing an economic activity.

Can more than one grant be applied for?

Yes, but approved subsidies must be entered into the final report before a new application is made, and more than one subsidy cannot be granted for investments in the same area.

Can advertising constitute an investment that can be subsidised?

Yes. Advertising in various media is a soft investment cost that can be subsidised.

Is it possible to apply for subsidies for investments in a hobby business?

Not as a self-employed individual, if that person's main income comes from elsewhere in the form of salary, pension or similar.


Tillbaka till toppen