Grants for Design and Product Implementation for SMEs from Eastern Poland 2026

Key information:

• The „Design for Eastern Poland SMEs 2026” program is a form of financial support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises run or co-managed by women.
• The initiative's aim is to improve the competitiveness of companies by implementing professional design and innovative product solutions.
• Funding may include, among others, design audits, design strategies, purchase of machinery, software, consulting services, and training.
• The maximum support amount is up to PLN 3,000,000, with a minimum project budget of PLN 200,000.
• Applications will be accepted from February 19 to May 20, 2026.
• Projects must meet the scoring criteria and take into account ecodesign principles.

Details below!

What is the "Design for SMEs in Eastern Poland" program and what can be financed?

The idea for the program is part of a broader European Union policy, and its goal is to better adapt companies to the needs, requirements, and expectations of customers, as well as increasing the attractiveness of the products and services they offer, which will ultimately contribute to improving their market position and leveling the developmental differences between regions. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting companies from Eastern Poland and the development of women's entrepreneurship.

Financing may cover:

• costs of advisory services related to conducting a design audit and developing a design strategy,
• costs consulting services necessary for the implementation of the design strategy,
• acquisition of fixed assets other than developed and undeveloped real estate,
• acquisition of software and other intangible assets in the form of patents, licenses, know-how, and other intellectual property rights,
• costs of construction work and building materials, provided they are directly related to the installation of machinery and equipment, and which value does not exceed% value of fixed assets acquired in the project,
• training services costs.

Who can apply for a design grant and what are the requirements?

The initiative is aimed for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises owned or co-managed by women, Therefore, the applicant can be a woman conducting business activities in the following voivodeships: Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie, and Mazowieckie (excluding the Warsaw Capital region).

The project must take into account ecodesign principles, which is an approach that aims to minimize the negative impact of a product on the environment throughout its entire life cycle. In practice, this means, among other things:

• Product design with durability and a long lifespan in mind,
  • limiting the consumption of raw materials and energy during production,
  • use of recyclable or reusable materials,
  • designing products that are easy to repair and upgrade,
  • reduction of waste generated during production and use,
  • considering the environmental impact of the product already at the concept and design stage.

Furthermore, the design strategy is a mandatory attachment to the application and must meet the minimum scope specified in the competition documentation.

Application deadlines for the Design 2026 program and how to submit an application?

Design in SMEs PARP 2026 provides for a maximum funding amount of 3,000,000 PLN. At the same time, the minimum value of the project's eligible costs is 200,000 PLN, and the total recruitment budget is PLN 50 million. Applications for funding can be submitted From February 19 to May 20, 2026, until 4:00 PM.

Furthermore, the project should start no earlier than the day after the application is submitted. At the same time, the completion of implementation must occur no later than until December 31, 2027. Project evaluations are based on a point system, and a maximum of 27 points can be awarded. However minimum score enabling the selection of projects for funding is 13. Additionally, the project must meet the minimum score in each required criterion.

The application for co-financing is submitted electronically through a system provided by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP). The process includes registration in the system, filling out the application form, and attaching the required documents, including the mandatory design strategy. After submitting the documents, the project undergoes a formal and substantive evaluation, during which its quality, innovativeness, and compliance with the program objectives are analyzed.

Get support with your funding application!

Design strategy is essential for obtaining funding, and Making it yourself can be a challenge. This is why cooperation and trust, which you place in specialists with experience in implementing documentation for funded projects, can prove to be so important. Appropriate expert support allows not only increase the chances of obtaining a grant, but also better plan the development of the product and the entire company.

Whether you're just thinking about launching a new product, or you want to improve an existing offering, well-developed strategy The template provides a solid foundation for an effective proposal. This is what allows for the organization of the development vision, identification of customer needs, and adaptation of solutions to market realities, which significantly increases the chances of a positive project evaluation.

It is therefore worth approaching this process consciously and with adequate preparation, treating it not only as a formality, but as a real opportunity for the company's development and strengthening its market position. Make an appointment at free consultation, during which we will get to know your needs better and tailor the strategy to your company's requirements.