New BPF credit line supports SMEs looking to export
Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) has just launched a new credit line with the clear aim of strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of Portuguese companies operating in international markets. The BPF Invest Export Line, part of the Reinforce Programme, is a strategic response to the current global economic context, marked by geopolitical instability, increased tariffs and growing demands to adapt to new markets - especially outside the European Union.
New BPF credit line supports SMEs looking to export
Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) has just launched a new credit line with the clear aim of strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of Portuguese companies operating in international markets. The BPF Invest Export Line, part of the Reinforce Programme, is a strategic response to the current global economic context, marked by geopolitical instability, increased tariffs and growing demands to adapt to new markets - especially outside the European Union.
What is the BPF Invest Export Line?
With a total amount of 3.5 billion euros, this credit line was created to support the investment and working capital of Portuguese exporting companies, facilitating their adaptation to new geographies, with a focus on non-EU markets.
The support is structured in two sublines:
- Subline PME: With an allocation of 2.1 billion euros, it is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to strengthen their international presence. The focus is on investment, innovation and strengthening liquidity, allowing SMEs to invest with confidence in new markets.
- Emphasises Large Companies (coming soon): To be launched in a subsequent phase, with an allocation of 1.4 billion euros, this underline will be dedicated to larger companies, recognising the strategic role of large exporters in the growth of the national economy.
Non-reimbursable support: an incentive for performance
One of the great innovations of this credit line is the possibility of converting up to 20 per cent of the funding in the Investment component into non-reimbursable support. This benefit is subject to state aid limits and the fulfilment of performance targets, assessed three years after contracting. It is a direct incentive for good performance and the achievement of ambitious goals by the beneficiary companies.
Who can apply?
In this initial phase, the BPF Invest Export Line is available to Portuguese SMEs with sales abroad recorded in the 2024 closed accounts. To facilitate access to financing, Banco Português de Fomento has sent around 37,000 pre-approved guarantees to exporting SMEs, with a total financing potential of 2.1 billion euros.
This process aims to speed up decision-making and offer confidence to companies wishing to invest and grow across borders.
How to apply?
Applications for SMEs opened on 25 June and can be made through:
- Partner commercial banks;
- Mutual Guarantee Societies.
- Funding consultant (such as Start PME)
An opportunity to strengthen global presence
With the BPF Invest Export Line, Banco Português de Fomento offers national companies an essential lever to expand international operations, diversify markets and innovate with ambition. In an increasingly uncertain and competitive world, this financial support represents a robust response to external challenges, transforming difficulties into new opportunities for growth and internationalisation.
Contact us and find out how to apply. Our consultants can support you throughout the application process.
Andreia Arenga
14.07.2025
All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Equações Exaustivas Lda. All trademarks, company names, logos and products mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
What is the BPF Invest Export Line?
With a total amount of 3.5 billion euros, this credit line was created to support the investment and working capital of Portuguese exporting companies, facilitating their adaptation to new geographies, with a focus on non-EU markets.
The support is structured in two sublines:
- Subline PME: With an allocation of 2.1 billion euros, it is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to strengthen their international presence. The focus is on investment, innovation and strengthening liquidity, allowing SMEs to invest with confidence in new markets.
- Emphasises Large Companies (coming soon): To be launched in a subsequent phase, with an allocation of 1.4 billion euros, this underline will be dedicated to larger companies, recognising the strategic role of large exporters in the growth of the national economy.
Non-reimbursable support: an incentive for performance
One of the great innovations of this credit line is the possibility of converting up to 20 per cent of the funding in the Investment component into non-reimbursable support. This benefit is subject to state aid limits and the fulfilment of performance targets, assessed three years after contracting. It is a direct incentive for good performance and the achievement of ambitious goals by the beneficiary companies.
Who can apply?
In this initial phase, the BPF Invest Export Line is available to Portuguese SMEs with sales abroad recorded in the 2024 closed accounts. To facilitate access to financing, Banco Português de Fomento has sent around 37,000 pre-approved guarantees to exporting SMEs, with a total financing potential of 2.1 billion euros.
This process aims to speed up decision-making and offer confidence to companies wishing to invest and grow across borders.
How to apply?
Applications for SMEs opened on 25 June and can be made through:
- Partner commercial banks;
- Mutual Guarantee Societies.
- Funding consultant (such as Start PME)
An opportunity to strengthen global presence
With the BPF Invest Export Line, Banco Português de Fomento offers national companies an essential lever to expand international operations, diversify markets and innovate with ambition. In an increasingly uncertain and competitive world, this financial support represents a robust response to external challenges, transforming difficulties into new opportunities for growth and internationalisation.
Contact us and find out how to apply. Our consultants can support you throughout the application process.
Andreia Arenga
14.07.2025
All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Equações Exaustivas Lda. All trademarks, company names, logos and products mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
