Want to invest in new technology, digital systems or automation? There is funding for it. The amount depends on how large an investment you're planning, from quick checks for smaller projects to EU funds for larger investments.
Two tracks depending on the size of your investment
Digitalisation support effectively splits into two tracks. Which one suits you depends on how large an investment you're planning and how much administration you're prepared to handle.
Small to medium investment (up to about SEK 500,000): Digitalisation checks and business development checks via Tillväxtverket and regional bodies. Faster process, simpler application.
Large investment (SEK 500,000 and up): EU funds via ERDF or ESF+. Requires co-financing and a more extensive application, but covers a larger share of the cost.
| Business development checks | ERDF funding | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum amount | SEK 250,000 | No ceiling (millions possible) |
| Co-financing | 50% | 50% (often) |
| Processing time | Weeks | 3-6 months |
| Requirements | Max 50 employees, not listed | Regional benefit, measurable goals |
| Suits | Buying in external expertise | Larger digital projects |
Business development checks - for the smaller investment
Tillväxtverket's business development checks are grants for buying in external expertise. They cover 50% of the cost, up to SEK 250,000.
What you can use them for:
- Implementing business systems (ERP, CRM)
- Automating manual processes
- Analysing digitalisation needs with an external expert
- Building e-commerce or a digital sales channel
- Cybersecurity review
Requirements: up to 50 employees, not publicly listed, not municipally owned. You apply through Tillväxtverket's e-service.
ERDF - for the larger digitalisation investment
The ERDF is the EU's fund for regional development. In Sweden the money is distributed through regional structural fund programmes. The funding targets innovation, digitalisation and competitiveness.
Requirements to apply for ERDF support:
- The project must have clear regional benefit
- Co-financing is required - often 50% from your own capital or public co-financing
- Measurable goals and an approved project plan
The processing time is longer than for checks - expect 3-6 months from application to decision.
Regional digitalisation initiatives
In addition to the national programmes, many regions offer their own digitalisation support. These vary greatly between regions and are replaced when the money runs out. Contact your region's regional development company or County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelse) for current programmes.
Who can apply for digitalisation support?
Most programmes target small and medium-sized companies with up to 250 employees, registered in Sweden, with a digital project tied to business development.
Your industry can matter - check whether there are sector-specific programmes in your field. Agriculture, manufacturing and retail have their own programmes in some regions.
Not sure which track suits your digitalisation investment? Contact us - the analysis is free and you pay nothing until the funding is granted.