How to apply for ACCIO vouchers for sustainability and innovation projects

The ACCIÓ vouchers (Cupons ACCIÓ) are grants from the Government of Catalonia, delivered through its agency ACCIÓ, that let Catalan SMEs engage consultancy services in innovation, sustainability, strategy and internationalisation at a heavily reduced cost. They work as a fixed-value voucher that covers the service provided by an accredited supplier, up to the ceiling of each voucher.

For an SME that wants to measure its carbon or water footprint, redesign a product or prepare a European R&D project, they are a useful lever to get started without bearing the full cost of the advice.

This guide explains what the ACCIÓ vouchers are, what types exist, their reference amounts for 2026, the eligibility rules and how to apply step by step.

What are the ACCIO vouchers?

The ACCIÓ vouchers are financial vouchers that ACCIÓ awards to SMEs to fund specialist external consultancy services. The grant takes the form of a fixed maximum amount per voucher: the company hires an accredited supplier from ACCIÓ's directory and the grant covers the service up to that ceiling, so the SME reduces the investment needed to launch the project.

They are generally awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the available budget runs out, so they tend to be taken up quickly. They are granted under the de minimis regime.

Why are they attractive to SMEs?

The vouchers substantially lower the cost of launching sustainability, innovation or internationalisation projects, and give access to specialist consultancy that many SMEs would not otherwise commission. In addition, the deliverables (an environmental diagnosis, a decarbonisation plan or a verified footprint) provide a basis for later steps: improving your position in public tenders with environmental criteria, preparing European projects or strengthening relationships with customers who require sustainability data.

Types of ACCIO voucher and reference amounts

The voucher offer is renewed each year and amounts can vary between calls. As a reference, in the 2026 call the main vouchers and their maximum amounts are:

• Sustainable innovation voucher (“green”): environmental diagnoses, water footprint calculation, carbon footprint or ecodesign. Maximum amount: 8,000 euros.
• European R&D programme voucher: preparation of proposals for European calls. Maximum amount: 12,000 euros.
• Growth strategy voucher: strategic reflection and business-model redesign, including decarbonisation plans. Maximum amount: 8,000 euros.
• Internationalisation voucher: preparation of market-entry plans. Maximum amount: 8,000 euros, with a specific export-launch option of up to 10,500 euros.
• Innovation protection voucher: industrial and intellectual property. Maximum amount: 3,000 euros.

Sustainability projects usually fit the sustainable innovation voucher. If you want to measure the environmental impact of a product across its life, the service will rely on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Always confirm the active lines and their amounts in the call in force, as they change from one year to the next.

Eligibility and call deadlines

In general terms, to qualify for an ACCIÓ voucher a company must be an SME with an operating establishment in Catalonia, that is, have fewer than 250 employees and a turnover or balance sheet within the EU's SME limits. Applicants are usually required not to have received the same type of voucher in the immediately preceding calls.

The deadlines depend on each call. ACCIÓ publishes the terms annually, with the opening dates, the project execution period and the justification deadline. Before applying, it is therefore worth reviewing the current conditions on the ACCIÓ website.

How to apply for an ACCIO voucher step by step

1. Define the need: decide whether your priority is reducing your water footprint, redesigning products or opening new markets. Our guide on how to measure the water footprint in companies can help you prioritise.
2. Select an accredited supplier: use ACCIÓ's official directory and filter by the speciality you need. Only accredited suppliers can deliver the service tied to the voucher.
3. Submit the application online: through ACCIÓ's office, attaching the documentation and quote the call requires.
4. Execute the project: the supplier delivers the service within the set period.
5. Justify the grant: on completion you submit the report and supporting documents, and ACCIÓ processes payment according to the call's terms.

Example of use: optimising water consumption

A sustainable innovation voucher can be used, for example, so that a company with intensive water consumption carries out a water life cycle assessment of its processes. That study identifies the critical points of consumption, assesses recirculation options and defines indicators per unit produced. From there, the company can prioritise efficiency investments, reduce its grey water footprint and document its progress to customers and investors. The outcome depends on each case, but the voucher lowers the barrier to the initial diagnosis.

Additional benefits of the ACCIO vouchers

• The technical reports from an innovation voucher make it easier to prepare applications for European programmes such as Horizon Europe.
• Having a sustainability diagnosis backed by an accredited supplier can improve your position in public tenders that value environmental criteria.
• Environmental projects strengthen the employer brand and relationships with customers who demand sustainability credentials.

Frequently asked questions about the ACCIO vouchers

Do the vouchers cover equipment purchases?

No. They fund consultancy services; buying machinery or hardware falls outside the grant.

Can you apply for more than one voucher?

Generally yes, as long as they are different types and the company does not exceed the de minimis aid ceiling, set by Regulation (EU) 2023/2831 at 300,000 euros per single undertaking over a three-year period. Confirm the conditions in the call in force.

What happens if the project is delayed?

The terms usually allow you to request a justified extension before the deadline. Check the specific procedure in the call.

Does the grant fund a water footprint study under ISO 14046?

Yes, a water footprint study fits the sustainable innovation voucher when the service commissioned includes that analysis. Check the eligible scope in the call.

Conclusion

The ACCIÓ vouchers are one of the most accessible routes for Catalan SMEs to start sustainability, innovation and internationalisation projects with public support. Because they work through calls and run out fast, it is worth having the project defined and the supplier chosen so you can apply as soon as the window opens. If you are planning a carbon footprint, LCA or water management project and want to work with auditable data, you can contact the Manglai team.