Lubelskie firms get EU funds to join foreign trade fairs

24 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Lubelskie SMEs abroad can apply for EU grants to organise international trade missions and exhibitions.

Lubelskie SMEs abroad can now apply for significant EU support to join trade fairs. The Lubelskie Agency opened a call under the Fundusze Europejskie dla Lubelskiego 2021-2027 programme.

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Why this call matters

Small consultancies and local organisers often lack cash to scale events. Consequently, many Lublin firms miss foreign leads. Moreover, the cost of a trade stand and travel quickly exceeds small budgets. Therefore, the new funding can change that reality.

Funding details and eligibility

The Lubelska Agencja Wspierania Przedsiębiorczości allocated 19 385 100 zł. A single project may receive up to 3,000,000 zł. In addition, the programme co-finances up to 95 percent of eligible costs. Consequently, an operator needs only a five percent own contribution.

Applicants must be micro, small or medium enterprises from the Lublin region. They will act as operators and organise joint trips. However, the project must document at least five advisory services for local SMEs in the current year and two prior years. Moreover, the operator must show experience in de minimis aid. The project must include at least 30 local companies. Also, it may bring up to two participants from each firm. At least 40 percent of supported companies must begin selling on a new foreign market as a result.

Funding can pay for practical costs

The grant covers registration fees and catalogue entries. It pays for exhibition space rental and stand construction, including design, build, assembly and disassembly. In addition, it funds translators for the stand and B2B meeting services. It also covers transport of samples and stand elements. Moreover, it pays travel, accommodation and insurance for up to two participants per firm. The grant includes visa costs, transfers and per-kilometre allowances. Therefore, organisers can add promotional materials and local AV rental. Finally, the programme allows one networking event per mission, with catering and accessibility support.

How to apply and deadlines

Apply electronically in WOD2021 between 20 August and 30 September 2026. Each applicant may submit only one application. All documents require a qualified electronic signature. Therefore, arrange your e-signature in advance. For consultations contact lawp@lubelskie.pl or call 81 46-23-831 and 81 46-23-812.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat working with Polish SMEs, this call can create client opportunities. Polish rules can differ from your home country. For example, employers pay social insurance to ZUS (the social security institution). Public healthcare runs via NFZ (the national health fund). Many residents use a PESEL number (national ID number) for registrations. Also, small state aid often appears as de minimis support. Therefore, prepare local documents and a PESEL or company KRS early. In addition, note that organisers must meet Polish procurement rules when spending public funds.

Local consultants like Agnieszka already organise small trips. Consequently, the funding lets them scale. Moreover, regional exporters gain cheaper access to fairs. For many firms this means faster international growth.

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