Young entrepreneurs want more support in OE2027 for startups and SMEs

A National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) today advocated additional measures in the State Budget for 2027 (OE2027) to stimulate investment and facilitate the growth of ‘startups’ and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

In a statement, the association recognises positive signals in the budget proposal, including the continuity of the reduction of the IRC, incentives for business capitalisation, strengthening financing instruments and administrative simplification, but considers it necessary to increase ambition in supporting entrepreneurship.

“ We recognize the positive steps that are being taken, but we believe that Portugal has the conditions and the need to be more ambitious,” said ANJE President Carlos Carvalho, defending conditions for younger people to be able to undertake, invest and create companies in Portugal.

The association considers that the reduction of CRF has a limited impact on many startups and innovative companies that, in the early stages of activity, do not yet have positive taxable results.

It therefore advocates a more favourable fiscal framework for risk investment, capitalisation and reinvestment, with mechanisms adapted to developing and growing companies.

ANJE also values the strengthening of financing instruments and venture capital, including through Banco Português de Fomento, but underlines the need to ensure that they actually reach companies, with accessible and predictable conditions, from start-up to internationalization.

Among the proposals, the association highlights the use of public purchases to stimulate innovation, arguing that the State must assume itself as the first customer of ‘startups’ and emerging companies, allowing them to test, validate and market products and services through the response to concrete needs of the Public Administration.

“ One of the biggest difficulties of a ‘startup’ is to conquer the first customer. And often what these companies need most is not a subsidy, but someone willing to buy the solution they developed ", said Carlos Carvalho.

According to ANJE, this approach would allow modernising public services and creating market opportunities for Portuguese companies.

In the field of young entrepreneurship, the association recognises the importance of the IRS Young people and housing support measures, but advocates that they should be complemented by specific incentives for business and employment.

The association also considers it essential to reduce the time limits for licensing, decision-making and payment of incentives, eliminate redundant obligations and increase predictability in the relationship between companies and public administration.

The association stresses that although the balance of public accounts is important, the country's sustainability also depends on increased productivity, the attraction of investment and the ability to create wealth and better opportunities for new generations.

ANJE also expressed its readiness to contribute to the parliamentary debate on the OE2027 proposal, defending the strengthening of the competitiveness of the economy, the mobilisation of private investment and business growth.

The Government delivered on Thursday in the Assembly of the Republic the OE proposal for 2027, before the deadline laid down by law.

The budget proposal foresees an economic growth of 2.3% this year and 2.1% in 2027 and balanced accounts this year and a surplus of 0.1% in 2027.

The proposal will be discussed and voted on in general between 27 and 28 October. The overall final vote is scheduled for November 24, after the discussion process in the specialty.