Start PME
IEFP · Traineeships Open

Bring in a qualified young professional with a funded traineeship

IEFP traineeship programmes co-fund the grant, insurance and meal allowance, and can open access to extra support if you hire at the end.

  • Co-funding of the traineeship grant and related costs
  • Access to qualified young professionals without bearing the full cost
  • Employment bonus when the traineeship becomes a permanent contract
Free assessmentSee what can be funded

Applications in open windows — confirmed during the assessment

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Funding

Calculated for your project

Programmes

Portugal 2030, RRP and others

Region

Mainland Portugal

Eligible businesses

Micro businesses, Small businesses, Medium-sized businesses, Associations and non-profit entities

The opportunity

Why this funding is worth exploring

The incentive reduces the financial burden of the investment and accelerates projects already planned by the business.

A stronger team at controlled cost

Co-funding covers much of the grant, insurance and meal allowance during the traineeship.

Recruitment with a real trial period

The traineeship lets you assess the person at work before committing to a permanent contract.

Extra support if you hire

Converting into a permanent contract can unlock an employment bonus and other measures.

Who can apply

  • Entities with activity and social security compliance
  • A traineeship post matching the candidate's field of study
  • A supervisor with experience to mentor the trainee
  • Compliance with trainee limits based on the entity's size
  • No contract terminations of the type excluded by the measure

What is co-funded

  • The traineeship grant, at the percentage set by the measure
  • Meal allowance and accident insurance
  • Transport costs, where provided for
  • Top-ups for people with disabilities and inland territories
  • Employment bonus on conversion into a permanent contract

Not sure whether your project qualifies? Receive an answer within 24 business hours.

Estimate my grant

Keep exploring

Other funding linked to this project

Many companies combine more than one incentive. Check the related pages before deciding.

IEFP · Employment + TalentEmployment + TalentHire without carrying the first year on your ownIEFP · Employment and SkillsRecruitment and Employment SupportYou need to hire and the cost of the role is holding back the decisionPortugal 2030 · RRP · IEFPTraining and Workforce Upskilling SupportYour team can no longer keep up with what the business demands

How Start PME works

From assessment to payment, with support at every stage

We work through clear stages so you always know what happens next.

  1. 1

    Free assessment

    We review the business profile, investment and region to confirm eligibility and the applicable rate.

  2. 2

    Strategy and eligibility

    We select the right call, structure the project and maximise the available uplifts.

  3. 3

    Application submitted

    We prepare the project description, investment plan and forecasts, and submit everything on time.

  4. 4

    Delivery and payments

    We support procurement, payment claims and reports through to project completion.

5,000+

Applications submitted

€50M+

Approved eligible expenditure

€27M+

Approved non-repayable funding

82%

Approval rate

Experience and trust

Trusted by the clients we have supported

Proven results and genuine feedback from Start PME clients.

4,9
rating on Google
Start PME was a key partner in developing our project. From the first contact, their high level of professionalism, organisation and focus on results was clear. Their support was always close, with clear guidance at every stage, allowing us to move forward confidently and efficiently. I would particularly highlight Miguel Gomes for his excellent work, availability and ability to simplify processes that are normally complex. His experience made all the difference to the success of the application. I recommend Start PME to any company that values a competent, structured partner genuinely committed to results.
Frederico CostaFluttering Dreams
I am already very pleased with your work. Mónica has been impeccable and always available for all my questions and concerns. Dr Liliana, with all her dedication, commitment, professionalism and kindness, helped us overcome the initial challenges. Julie, I was very warmly welcomed at the Avenida office and can only thank you, because this beginning is essential to finding people we can work with who share the same charisma, enthusiasm, dedication and care in a process that, at an early stage, is always more bureaucratic and requires patience.
Elciane MarinhoEmpório Raiz
Start PME helped us plan and develop our rural tourism project in Mértola. From the initial stage with the architecture team through to securing funding. Today, I can say that our dream exists largely thanks to the effort and professionalism of the Project Director and her team, who ensured everything went as smoothly as possible.
Carla RosaParalelo Viajante
Working with Start PME has been a rewarding experience, enabling us, as a non-profit association, to develop applications aligned with the goals of Portugal 2030. Their flexible approach and deep understanding of our needs have been essential in turning ideas into concrete, sustainable projects.
Ana Rita ConstanteCatólica Luz
I found solid support for European funding at Start PME, particularly in project director Miguel Gomes, someone I trust and respect, whose support has been essential in facing extensive government bureaucracy and keeping me informed about available grants and opportunities. (...) That is why I will gladly remain a Start PME client. Thank you.
Diogo MaltaGamma Expeditions
Our work with Start PME has been essential to the support programmes Modera Engenharia has applied for and has been a differentiating factor in the success rate we have achieved.
Diogo Costa da SilvaModera Engenharia
We consider the performance very good, from preparing the application through submission and follow-up. We would also highlight Start PME's complete availability in answering the questions that arise.
João SimõesLusovolt
I want to thank you for all your commitment and dedication throughout these months of work. I feel satisfied and reassured with Start PME because I know I can trust the team's work and that they pay attention to companies' needs.
Fábia MoreiraFeiraClean
Our experience with Start PME is still recent but extremely positive. Luís helped us guide and organise our ideas and find the best way to bring them to life. He has been excellent, and I recommend Start PME to anyone venturing into entrepreneurship in Portugal.
Rodrigo LopesWonderSeason
I am very satisfied with all the work being carried out and would recommend your company to other colleagues.
Óscar MoutinhoEye2Map
I am pleased with the commitment you have shown throughout our application and look forward to working with you to bring it to fruition.
Laura MarquesTrailblazing Education
Fantastic, I loved the draft. The writing is very inspiring—excellent work! Thank you so much for all your help and dedication in supporting Cultivating Futures to grow!
Joana CondeCultivating Futures
A very approachable, responsive and professional team. They made everything simple and straightforward. Highly recommended!
Filipe AlmeidaNuvotech
A very professional team. They helped me structure my practice and create a business plan to take the next step. Highly recommended.
Jorge Magalhães AlvesAtelier AMA
A highly competent company in dealing with business support funds. Our contact with consultant Luís Ramos has been very professional, attentive and effective.
Ana VenturaSolutopus
Miguel Gomes is an excellent manager. He works with great responsibility and clarity. Start PME is a strong partner.
Ikaro SampaioIndelible Prophecy
I appreciate the way you work and the excellent, high-quality service across everything you provide. I will recommend your company. Congratulations.
Eduardo Rocha

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the questions holding back your decision

Find out in two minutes whether funding is available for your business

Free assessment, reply within 24 business hours and no obligation.

Free assessment