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The main aim of the WORTH Partnership Project III is to boost the competitiveness, sustainability and innovative capacity of European SMEs, particularly in creative and lifestyle sectors such as fashion and interior design.
Apply before 3.04.2025.
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Project objectives
WORTH Partnership Project III helps SMEs to define and develop their business ideas, position themselves in the market, present their prototypes at trade shows, develop an intellectual property strategy and attract investors.
The project supports transnational partnerships between SMEs (manufacturers, craftsmen, technology suppliers) and creative professionals (designers, etc.) to develop innovative, design-led products, processes or services.
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What do the laureates receive?
Selected partnerships receive
- financial support: each selected partnership receives a direct grant of €10,000 to support the development of their project.
- personalized mentoring: winners benefit from customized mentoring programs, including strategic and technological advice tailored to their specific needs.
- legal advice: they also receive advice on intellectual property rights to protect their innovations.
- visibility and networking: prizewinners also have the opportunity to take part in international exhibitions and events, enabling them to showcase their prototypes and connect with potential investors.
- general training: training courses on a variety of subjects such as marketing, business planning and intellectual property protection are also provided.
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Type of eligible entities
- SMEs, including manufacturers, craftsmen and technology suppliers;
- creative professionals, such as designers;
- business support organizations or legal entities with a proven capacity for knowledge transfer and SME training, such as universities, training centers or research centers.
Consortium
Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least three and no more than eight independent entities from at least three different eligible countries (EU or non-EU). At least one entity must be a business support organization or a legal entity specialized in communication and dissemination.
Selection and evaluation criteria
- Quality and innovation: originality and creativity of the proposed concept or idea, level of innovation and market potential of the project.
- Impact: contribution to the competitiveness and sustainability of participating SMEs, potential for job creation and economic growth, positive environmental and social impact.
- Implementation: clarity and realism of the proposed work plan, ability of partners to carry out the project, relevance and complementarity of partners’ skills.
- Financial viability: detailed and realistic budget, financing and resource management strategy.
Proposals are evaluated on the basis of these criteria by a committee of independent experts.
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How to apply?
Applicants need to prepare their application in advance, in particular by
- Forming a consortium: The designer must collaborate with at least two other independent entities from three different eligible countries. The consortium must include SMEs, manufacturers, craftspeople or technology providers.
- Preparing a proposal: The proposal must detail the innovative project, objectives, planned activities and expected results. It should also include information on the consortium and the roles of each partner.
- Submitting the proposal: Proposals must be submitted via the EU funding and tendering portal by the deadline (3.04.2025).