Catalunya Exporta programme: the ACCIÓ programme helping Catalan SMEs start exporting

barcelonaexportadmin on June 9, 2026

Discover the Catalunya Exporta programme by ACCIÓ: grants of up to €10,500, training and expert guidance to help your Catalan SME start exporting in 2026.

If you run an SME in Catalonia and have been thinking about selling outside Spain, here’s some news worth your attention: the Catalunya Exporta programme by ACCIÓ, the Agència per la Competitivitat de l’Empresa, is the most powerful public initiative currently available to help Catalan businesses make the leap into international markets. At Barcelona Export we explain everything you need to know to make the most of this opportunity.

¿What is the Catalunya Exporta programme?

The Catalunya Exporta programme is a public-private initiative driven by the Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya through ACCIÓ. It runs for three years (2026–2028), has a budget of over €3 million and an ambitious goal: to help 2,000 Catalan companies start exporting for the first time or consolidate their presence in foreign markets. It forms part of the Catalan Economy Internationalisation Strategy 2026–2030, which aims to reach 19,000 regular exporting companies across Catalonia.

The Catalunya Exporta programme does not work alone. It is developed jointly by ACCIÓ and a network of leading business organisations: the Consell General de Cambres de Catalunya, Foment del Treball Nacional, PIMEC, Secartys, TecnoCampus, Amec, the Fundació Cecot Innovació, Texfor, FITEX, the Centre Metal·lúrgic and the AEGP. A coalition that guarantees broad sectoral coverage and genuine on-the-ground support.

What does the Catalunya Exporta programme offer your business?

The Catalunya Exporta programme is not just training: it is a complete roadmap that accompanies the company from the initial diagnosis through to the execution of the export plan. The main pillars are:

1. Specialist training sessions Workshops and sessions on international training, export financing, building an export department, how to find international distributors, adapting your product to foreign markets and much more. Sessions are scheduled every two weeks, allowing businesses to keep pace without disrupting day-to-day operations.

2. Personalised export diagnostic Each company receives an analysis of its real starting point: the product’s export potential, the most suitable markets, the optimal entry channel and the resources required. The outcome is an actionable initial plan with specific tasks, responsibilities and deadlines.

3. Access to ACCIÓ tools and resources Participating companies gain access to ACCIÓ’s full service portfolio: market intelligence and opportunities, support for tariff barriers, resolution of international trade obstacles and, above all, the internationalisation vouchers described below.

The ACCIÓ Vouchers: direct funding to start exporting

Within the Catalunya Exporta programme ecosystem, the ACCIÓ Vouchers are the most direct funding instrument available to Catalan SMEs. The 2026 call — now open — offers two options:

Vouchers to start exporting: up to €10,500 grant (100% of the budget). Aimed at companies that do not yet export or whose foreign sales do not exceed 25% of turnover.
Vouchers for internationalisation plans: up to €8,000 grant (100% of the budget). For companies with some export experience that want to structure and scale their strategy.

In both cases, the voucher is redeemed with an ACCIÓ-accredited Internationalisation advisor — such as BarcelonaExport — who designs and executes the internationalisation project alongside the company.

Basic requirements to access the vouchers:

Be an SME with operational headquarters in Catalonia
Have invoiced a minimum of €250,000 in the previous financial year
Have a website in at least one foreign language
Be up to date with tax and Social Security obligations

One important point: vouchers are awarded in strict chronological order of application and tend to run out within a few weeks of the call opening. In 2026 the call opened on 14 May. If you are reading this now, don’t leave it until tomorrow.

Why trust an accredited adviser like Isabel Garcia at BarcelonaExport?

Working with an ACCIÓ-accredited Internationalisation adviser makes a real difference. Not only because the voucher itself requires it, but because the export process — finding distributors, negotiating contracts, adapting to local regulations — has a steep learning curve that can prove very costly without expert guidance.

At BarcelonaExport we have spent years supporting Catalan SMEs in their internationalisation journey: from market selection through to signing the first contract with an international distributor. Within the Catalunya Exporta programme, we can help you apply for the vouchers, design your export plan and execute every step with a proven methodology.

The time to export is now

Catalonia is Spain’s leading exporting region, with over €74 billion in exports and a presence in more than 180 markets. Yet 42% of those exports are concentrated in large companies. The Catalunya Exporta programme exists precisely so that SMEs — the true engine of the Catalan economy — can also benefit from international growth.

If your company has a strong product, productive capacity and a vision for the future, the Catalunya Exporta programme by ACCIÓ could be the catalyst you have been waiting for. The question is not whether you should export, but when you start.

Want to know whether your company can access the Catalunya Exporta programme and the 2026 ACCIÓ Vouchers? Get in touch and we will provide a free diagnostic within 48 hours.

Renewable Energy Solutions for the French market

barcelonaexportadmin on May 1, 2025

Opportunities for Companies Looking to Introduce Solar, Wind, or Biomass Renewable Energy Solutions

In recent years, the transition to renewable energy has gained unprecedented importance worldwide, and France is no exception. With a firm commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels, the country has significantly increased its investment in clean energy technologies. This shift represents a strategic opportunity for companies seeking to introduce solar, wind, or biomass energy solutions into the French market. In this article, we explore the renewable energy technologies gaining momentum in France, the opportunities they offer businesses, and how companies can take advantage of this expanding market.

The Context of France’s Energy Transition Towards Renewable Energy

France has established a clear roadmap for its energy transition, driven by the Climate Plan and the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act (LTECV), approved in 2015. This legislation aims to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve these objectives, numerous technological solutions promoting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are being actively supported.

Furthermore, France benefits from a strong research and development infrastructure in renewable energy, backed by public policies that encourage innovation in the sector. Through subsidies, tax incentives, and financing mechanisms, the French government has created a favourable environment for investment in clean energy, making the market particularly attractive for international companies looking to participate in the sector’s growth.

Solar Energy: A Growing Opportunity in the French Market

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in France. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country’s installed solar capacity continues to grow rapidly, particularly in the southern regions, where solar radiation levels are especially high.

Business Opportunities

1. Residential and Commercial Solar Panel Installation

With the increasing demand for energy self-consumption, particularly in single-family homes and commercial buildings, the solar panel installation market is experiencing significant growth. Companies can provide photovoltaic systems tailored to each customer’s needs, offering customised solutions that optimise energy consumption.

2. Large-Scale Solar Projects

France is also investing heavily in utility-scale solar energy projects. Companies offering solutions for the construction and operation of solar farms, particularly on non-agricultural land or industrial sites, have substantial business opportunities. Investments in these projects are supported by government incentives and competitive tendering processes.

3. Energy Storage Innovation

One of the key challenges facing solar energy is the intermittent nature of electricity generation, making efficient energy storage systems essential. Companies developing technologies such as solar batteries or grid-scale energy storage solutions will find a rapidly expanding market in France.

4. Maintenance and Optimisation Services

As the number of solar installations continues to grow, so does the demand for maintenance services. Businesses specialising in the optimisation, cleaning, and maintenance of solar panels can benefit from a profitable and expanding market niche.

Wind Energy: An Expanding Market

Wind energy is another renewable energy source with significant potential in France. The country has been developing both its onshore and offshore wind infrastructure to achieve its clean energy targets. In fact, France is one of Europe’s countries with the greatest potential for offshore wind development thanks to its extensive coastline.

Business Opportunities

1. Onshore Wind Energy

Although offshore wind is expanding rapidly, onshore wind remains one of France’s main sources of electricity generation. Companies can participate in the construction, operation, and maintenance of wind farms, supported by public policies that encourage the development of green infrastructure. Opportunities also include the optimisation of wind turbines through advanced technologies.

2. Offshore Wind Energy

France is positioning itself as a leader in offshore wind development, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. Companies providing innovative solutions for offshore wind turbine installation and grid connection technologies will find significant opportunities in this fast-growing market. Investments in offshore renewable energy projects are supported by both national and European funding programmes.

3. Wind Turbine Innovation and Energy Efficiency

Businesses developing new technologies to improve wind turbine efficiency or designing more sustainable and cost-effective models will enjoy significant opportunities in a competitive and rapidly evolving market. France continues to encourage research and development in advanced materials and technologies that enhance wind farm performance.

Biomass: A Renewable Energy Source with Strong Potential

Biomass is another renewable energy source that is gaining popularity in France, particularly for heat and electricity generation. The country’s rich biodiversity and extensive forest resources make it well suited for the sustainable use of biomass as an energy source.

Business Opportunities

1. Biomass Plant Development

Companies involved in the development and operation of biomass facilities for electricity generation or heating applications can find an attractive market in France, particularly in rural areas and industrial zones with high heating demand.

2. Waste-to-Energy Technologies

The conversion of agricultural, industrial, and forestry waste into biomass energy is a rapidly growing trend. Businesses offering innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of these conversion processes can achieve considerable success in the French market, where sustainability is a strategic priority.

3. Biofuels and Sustainable Solutions

Beyond biomass-based power generation, companies developing biofuel solutions—whether liquid or gaseous—will find a market actively seeking sustainable alternatives for both the transport and industrial sectors.

Conclusion: Renewable Energy Offers a Market Full of Opportunities

The French renewable energy market, particularly in the solar, wind, and biomass sectors, is expanding rapidly and offers numerous opportunities for companies seeking to introduce innovative and sustainable solutions.

With its strong commitment to the energy transition and continued support for investment in clean energy, France represents an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations in Europe. Opportunities range from residential and commercial solar installations to the development of large offshore wind farms and biomass facilities, making the market an ideal environment for growth and innovation.

To fully capitalise on this potential, companies must be prepared to meet the quality and sustainability standards required by the French market. By adapting their products and services to local needs and leveraging the available support mechanisms, businesses can benefit from the growing demand for renewable energy in France while contributing to the country’s energy transition.

If you are interested in exporting your products or services to the French market, do not hesitate to contact us.