Calls for projects to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses

The aim of this call for projects is to select groups of operators capable of organizing and deploying large-scale support-actions or awareness-raising programs, each in response to the specific needs of at least 1,500 VSEs/SMEs.

Two types of projects will be funded:

• Accompaniment-actions: these courses for company managers, lasting around ten hours and spread over 2 or 3 weeks, are designed to enable them to experiment with a specific use or type of digital solution in response to a concrete need. They will be run by professionals specializing in supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized businesses, and will take place in several stages (identification of the need, raising awareness of the benefits of digital technology, concrete implementation, guidance on how to take things further).
• Awareness-raising sessions: these educational sessions focus on the operational difficulties faced by VSEs/SMEs, which can be resolved by digital solutions or uses. They can take place online or in person.

What are the eligibility criteria?

This call for projects is based on the principle of a collaborative, partnership-based approach involving operators working at national and/or local level, and sector-specific players who are able to contact VSEs/SMEs who are far removed from the digital world, and who are familiar with their concrete needs.

A lead partner is identified and mandated by the other members of the consortium to act as Bpifrance’s administrative and financial contact, and to organize and coordinate the various actions proposed. Legal entities governed by public law may join groups whose leader must be a legal entity governed by private law.

Applicants to the call for projects must also :

• Demonstrate their technical and financial capacity to carry out the project,
• Be up to date with their tax and social security obligations.

What type of financing?

The maximum remuneration provided for operators under this call for projects is a subsidy per company supported, capped at :

• 300 per company for action support,
• 100 per company for awareness-raising.

There will be an initial payment at the start of the project, followed by quarterly payments based on supporting documents. Applicant operators may offer a service at a higher selling price, subject to identified co-financing (OPCO, Region, etc.).

Link to application form:Je m’inscrite (bpifrance.fr)

Calendar of events:

• Application deadline:February 15, 2021 at 12 noon
• Project selection:March 12, 2021
• Notification to selected operators from March 15, 2021