Support for Digital Transformation in the Azores  

Digital Commerce Accelerator, what is it?

The Digital Commerce Accelerators measure is part of investment 02 – Digital Transition of Companies of component 16 – Companies 4.0 of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

Component 16 – Companies 4.0, integrated into the Digital Transition dimension of the PRR, seeks to promote the digitalization of the economy, through the adoption of technology by economic operators and the digitalization of their business models, as well as the awareness and training of workers and businesspeople.

Lava is an agency certified as a service provider
within the scope of the Digital Commerce Accelerators measure

Support the digital transition in companies

The objective of this incentive is to support the digital transition in companies, particularly with regard to carrying out awareness-raising actions, preparing digital maturity diagnoses for companies, advertising the Digital Transition Services Catalog, as well as, the consequent mediation of access to its services and the articulation between the digitalization needs of companies and the services available in the Digital Transition Services Catalog. In addition to all these actions, this support also provides for continuous monitoring and support for companies in the development of their processes and organizational skills.

Financing rate up to 100%

This support covers expenses with fees and human resources, the acquisition of resources that allow the accelerators to operate, all expenses related to communication, as well as the acquisition of services included in the Digital Transition Services Catalog. The financing rate under this support is 100% of the total eligible investment.

Azores Digital Commerce Accelerator

This organizational structure was born from an application by a consortium established, within the scope of an application made to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), between the Chamber of Commerce of Ponta Delgada, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Horta, Commercial and Industrial Association of Pico Island and the Chamber of Commerce of São Jorge Island.

Support Application Process

Digital transformation is a journey, and Lava is ready to be your strategic partner. The Azores Digital Commerce Accelerator program offers a clear and supported path to update and optimize your company’s digital maturity. Throughout this process, we highlight the following steps:

1) Digital Maturity Diagnosis – Now available!
Assessment of the current state of your digital presence, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement.

2) Digital Transition Plan
Development of a personalized plan to guide your company through digitalization, covering all necessary areas.

3) Specialized Consulting
Consultancy to navigate the Digital Transition Services Catalog, ensuring that you make the most of the available resources.

4) Digital Skills Training
Access to training programs to equip your team with the digital skills they need for the future.

1. For more information about the Azores Digital Commerce Accelerator, click here.

You can now sign up to the Accelerator and start your diagnosis:

https://digital.ccipd.pt/

Lava products from the Accelerator service catalog:

Marketing Digital:

• “CRM” product (€500 Voucher):
  • Creation, configuration, and customization of a Mailchimp account for email marketing.
  • Creation of a Mailchimp landing page to collect leads.

• “Social Media” product (€1,000 Voucher):
  • Analysis and structuring of up to two social networks.
  • hanging cover and profile photos.
  • Creation and management of up to two ad campaigns worth €200.
  • Campaign performance report.
  • Creation of four organic posts (content + copy).
  • Delivery of a Manual of Good Practices in Social Networks.

• “Basic Website” product (€1,500 Voucher):
  • Creation of a presence website, single page (with Presentation, Services and Contacts).
  • Complete SEO optimization.
  • Solution without back office.
  • Includes website hosting for one year.

Digital Markets:

• “Starter” product (Voucher €500):
  • Basic creation and/or customization of Google My Business.
  • An ad campaign worth €100 on Google Ads or the Meta network of your choice.
  • Campaign report.

• “Basic” Product (€1,000 Voucher):
  • Creation and/or customization of Google My Business (with copy, keywords, and store configuration).
  • An ad campaign worth €200 on Google Ads or the Meta network of your choice.
  • Campaign report.

• “Premium” product (€1,500 Voucher):
  • Creation and/or customization of Google My Business / TripAdvisor / Booking, or Meta Store.
  • Creation of content for social networks (2 posts).
  • An ad campaign worth a total of €300 on Google Ads or the Meta network of your choice.
  • Campaign report.
  • Manual of Good Practices in Social Networks.

Other useful information

Companies Eligible for Support:

This support is specially designed for a broad spectrum of activities, ensuring that a variety of sectors can benefit from this program. Supported activities include:

• 45: Sale, maintenance, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles;
• 46: Wholesale trade (includes agents), except for motor vehicles and motorcycles;
• 47: Retail trade, except for motor vehicles and motorcycles;
• 56: Restoration and similar;
• 55201: Furnished accommodation for tourists
• 55202: Tourism in rural areas
• 77110: Car rental
• 79: Travel Agencies, tour operators, other reservation services, and related activities (with establishment);
• 95: Repair of computers and personal and domestic goods;
• 96: Other personal service activities.

Each of these sectors can use the vouchers offered by the Azores Digital Commerce Accelerator to adopt digital services that enhance their operations and improve the customer experience. Lava is ready to turn these opportunities into tangible realities, driving growth and digital innovation at every step.

Check if your CAES are eligible:

Incentives for Azores Crafts (Applications Open)

The application period for the Azores Craft Development Incentive System (SIDART) is open, closing on April 1st.

Regulation

This Craft Development Incentive System, established under Regional Legislative Decree no. 34/2012/A, of July 25, and regulated by Regional Regulatory Decree no. 1/2013/A, of February 27, mandates the provision of non-repayable grants and aims to promote the sustainable development of craft activities within the regional economy. The support to be received is granted under Regulation (EC) No. 1998/2006, of the Commission, of December 15, 2006, on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to de minimis aid, published in the Official Journal of the European Union L 379, of December 28, 2006.

What projects are supported?

Within the scope of SIDART, supported projects include:

Application period

Applications for SIDART take place in a single phase from March 1 to April 1 of the current year, through the platform sidart.azores.gov.pt/sidart.

How can we help artisans?

Lava can play a crucial role in craftsmanship, providing greater reach, effective promotion, accessible learning, efficient management, personalization, and preservation of traditions. Artisans can sell to the entire world, promote products through social media, learn new techniques online, manage businesses more effectively, create customized products, and preserve traditional practices. Digitalization opens doors for growth and success in craftsmanship, connecting artisans to a global audience and empowering them with modern tools.

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Curiosity

The image used to illustrate this article is part of a craft promotion project for the Azores developed for Adeliaçor , consisting of a photographic survey of reference craft pieces from the islands of Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, and São Jorge, production and distribution of table mats in local restaurants, and placement of giant advertising runners at the air gateways of the islands in question.