Call for Applications – Fomento FEI InvestEU

Call for Applications Fomento FEI InvestEU

Under the agreement between Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) and the European Investment Fund, applications are open for Portfolio Guarantees integrated into the Fomento FEI InvestEU instrument, aimed at facilitating access to financing for European companies.

BPF will provide Guarantees to selected Financial Sub-Intermediaries through the following InvestEU Portfolio Guarantee Products:
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    Portfolio Guarantee Product for SME Competitiveness, aimed at improving company competitiveness by facilitating access to and availability of financing for SMEs (see product details in the documentation);
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    Portfolio Guarantee Product for Sustainability, supporting a green and fair transition, promoting green, sustainable, and inclusive investments (see product details in the documentation);
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    Portfolio Guarantee Product for Innovation and Digitalisation, designed to support companies driven by innovation and digitalisation, improving access to financing for Research & Innovation-intensive beneficiaries (SMEs and Small Mid-Caps), as well as supporting the adoption of digital technologies and the digital transformation of companies (see product details in the documentation).
Through these Portfolio Guarantee instruments, BPF supports strategic objectives of the European Union, such as strengthening competitiveness, sustainable growth and job creation, the climate transition, innovation and technological development, economic and social cohesion, and a sustainable post-pandemic recovery.

Eligible Entities:

Potential Financial Sub-Intermediaries authorised to operate in Portugal, who must meet the following conditions:
  They are not in any Exclusion Situation;
  They comply with applicable national, EU, and international legislation, notably regarding anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and tax crimes, and do not engage in illegal activities;
  They are not established in Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions, except where legally permitted;
  They are not subject to Restrictive Measures.

Applicants may apply for more than one Portfolio Guarantee product.


Application Process:

The application period begins after publication of the Call in the Official Journal of the European Union. The first application phase will close on 1 March 2026, followed by a second phase until 15 April. In both phases, the "first come, first assessed" model will be applied.
To submit a complete application, applicants must follow these steps:
1 - Submit a Formal Expression of Interest by email to: fomento.fei@bpfomento.pt. Only applications submitted exclusively by email will be accepted; paper applications will not be accepted;
2 - Indicate in the email subject: "Fomento FEI InvestEU – Expression of Interest: [Applicant Name]";
3 - The application must be submitted in Portuguese;
4 - Include the relevant documentation (including a scanned copy of the duly completed and signed Expression of Interest).


Selection Process:

Applicants are selected by BPF in accordance with its rules and obligations towards the European Investment Fund and InvestEU, respecting the principles of transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination, as well as best market practices. The selection process takes place in successive phases, and BPF may apply simplified assessment procedures where there is relevant prior experience, at its discretion.
The selection process typically includes the following phases:
• Phase 1: Screening (pre-selection)
• Phase 2: Due diligence
• Phase 3: Approval process
• Phase 4: Negotiation and signature


Supporting documentation for the application:

• Open Call for Expressions of Interest for the Selection of Financial Sub-Intermediaries
• Appendix to the Call for Expressions of Interest – Glossary of Terms
• Annex I to the Open Call for Expressions of Interest
• Annex II: Indicative Terms of the Direct Guarantee
• Annex III(a): Portfolio Guarantee Product for SME Competitiveness
• Annex III(b): Portfolio Guarantee Product for Sustainability
• Annex III(c): Portfolio Guarantee Product for Innovation and Digitalisation
• Confidentiality Terms
• Indicative Reporting Template – Direct Guarantees