These days a new call for applications for the digital kit for SMEs and micro-businesses with less than 50 workers is closing. Since December 2021, when the Spanish government launched the first one, some 300,000 bonds worth 1.3 billion euros have been granted. As the global budget for the digitalization of SMEs reached 3,067 million, the deadline was wisely extended until the end of next year, allowing companies with more than 50 workers to join. Is the country’s digital landscape changing thanks to the investment made?
The most positive aspect is that the request is not cumbersome: Redes.es has implemented zero paper and, despite the low reputation of public platforms, it has worked. You must register and complete a self-diagnosis to know the degree of digital maturity of the applicant company. From that moment, you choose the desired digital option and the name of the agent who will help you implement it and in a couple of weeks it is achieved; The collection is delayed a little longer until supporting documents are presented.
On the contrary, there is a broad consensus that the amounts granted are excessively limited: 2,000 euros for companies with between 0 and 3 workers; 6,000, between 3 and 10 workers; and 12,000, between 10 and 50 workers. By sector, a third corresponds to service companies, such as shops, restaurants and hotels. Neither the amounts seem adequate for each section, nor the money too attractive to take the first big leap towards digitalization. No one is upset if they want to get started in e-commerce, but if they want to create a basic website, manage one or more social networks, rent a CRM or ERP application, the amount is small. Even less, if the businessman decides to move forward; No continuity of this subsidy has been foreseen, taking into account that the “valley of death” until results are achieved lasts some time.
On the other hand, despite the enormous efforts made, the lack of information has turned digital kits into a practically unknown initiative. It is known that in this country contact between the administration and SMEs is difficult and there is a lack of demiurges to bring them closer; The channel of associations and groups has not been encouraged, which is why the efforts of institutions such as CaixaBank, which on its own initiative have managed more than 30,000 projects, are commendable.
The result of this first stage is that some green shoots of digitalization are seen among SMEs, but the outlook remains quite bleak since only 25% of the country’s 1.3 million small business owners have been interested. Under current conditions, it seems like a difficult task to get applicants for 58% of the remaining funds, especially if SME intermediaries are not involved – and remunerated.
