Digital Kit: What It Is, Who Can Apply, and How to Request It

📍 This guide covers subsidies in Spain. Captaru operates in several countries; each has its own aid and regulations.

Digitalization is no longer an option; it's a necessity. For many SMEs and freelancers, however, taking this step can seem like a mountain to climb. This is where the Digital Kit comes in, a key initiative by the Spanish Government to boost the digital transformation of businesses like yours.

In this article, we'll break down exactly what the Digital Kit is, who is eligible to apply, and most importantly, how you can do it to take advantage of these digitalization grants.

What is the Digital Kit and What Is It For?

The Digital Kit is a program of financial aid, funded by the European Union through Next Generation EU funds, aimed at subsidizing the implementation of market-available digital solutions for SMEs, micro-enterprises, and freelancers. It is managed by Red.es, a public business entity attached to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation.

Imagine you want to create a professional website, better manage your clients, sell online, or improve your business's cybersecurity. The Digital Kit offers you a digital voucher that you can use to contract these services from specialized companies, known as "Digital Agents."

What digital solutions does it cover? The catalog is extensive and adapts to different needs:

• Website and internet presence: To give your business online visibility.
• E-commerce: Create your own online store and sell your products or services.
• Social media management: Professionalize your presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
• Customer management (CRM): Organize your customer information and improve relationships with them.
• Business Intelligence and Analytics: Better understand your business data to make informed decisions.
• Process management (ERP): Optimize and automate key company tasks.
• Electronic invoicing: Modernize your invoicing system.
• Virtual office: Tools for collaborative and efficient work.
• Secure communications: Protect your communications and data.
• Cybersecurity: Strengthen your business's protection against attacks.

Each of these solutions has a maximum aid amount assigned, and you choose the ones that best suit your business.

Who Can Apply for the Digital Kit? Requirements and Segments

The Red.es Digital Kit is aimed at small businesses, micro-enterprises, and freelancers in Spain. To facilitate allocation and adapt to different needs, three main segments have been established based on the number of employees:

• Segment I: Small businesses with 10 to fewer than 50 employees. They can receive a digital voucher of up to 12,000 euros.
• Segment II: Small businesses or micro-enterprises with 3 to fewer than 10 employees. The voucher amounts to up to 6,000 euros.
• Segment III: Small businesses or micro-enterprises with 0 to fewer than 3 employees (including freelancers). The voucher is up to 2,000 euros.

Key requirements to be a beneficiary:

• Be a small business, micro-enterprise, or freelancer. (Depending on the segment you belong to).
• Not exceed the de minimis aid limit (small state aid that does not require notification to the European Commission).
• Be up-to-date with tax and Social Security obligations.
• Not be considered a company in crisis.
• Not incur any of the prohibitions provided for in Article 13 of Law 38/2003, of November 17, General Subsidies.
• Be registered in the Census of entrepreneurs, professionals, and withholding agents of the State Tax Administration Agency or in the equivalent census of the Foral Administration, and the minimum incorporation period must be as established in the call (normally, there is no minimum age requirement, but it is important to check this in each specific call).
• Have an assessment of the Digital Maturity Level, which you can obtain on the Acelera pyme platform.

It is essential to review the specific call's terms and conditions to which you are applying, as requirements may be updated or detailed further.

How to Apply for the Digital Kit? Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for this digitalization aid may seem complex, but by following these steps, the process becomes simpler:

1. Register on Acelera pyme and take the diagnostic test

Access the Acelera pyme platform (www.acelerapyme.es) and register. Once inside, you will need to take a digital self-diagnosis test. This test, lasting about 10-15 minutes, will give you an idea of your digital maturity level and help you identify areas where you need to improve the most. It is an essential requirement to apply for the voucher.

2. Consult the catalog of solutions and Digital Agents

On the Acelera pyme platform itself, you will find the catalog of digital solutions and the list of Digital Agents affiliated with the program. Digital Agents are the companies that offer the subsidizable services and solutions. You can research which ones best fit your needs and budget (always within the voucher limits).

3. Request your Digital Kit voucher on the Red.es electronic headquarters

Once you are clear about which solutions interest you and have completed the test, go to the Red.es electronic headquarters. There you will find the open call for your segment. You will need to fill out the online application form, providing the requested documentation. It is a 100% telematic process, and you will need a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN to identify yourself.

Tip: Have all your company's information at hand (CIF, bank details, number of employees, etc.) to speed up the process.

4. Await the aid resolution

Once the application is submitted, Red.es will review your file. If you meet all the requirements, you will receive a resolution granting your digital voucher. This voucher is a virtual credit that you can spend on the solutions you choose.

5. Choose your Digital Agent and formalize the agreement

With your voucher granted, contact the Digital Agent you have chosen (or several, if you are implementing different solutions). You will sign an "Agreement for the Provision of Digitalization Solutions." The Digital Agent will be responsible for implementing the solution and justifying the aid to Red.es.

6. Implementation and justification

The Digital Agent will implement the digital solution in your business. Once the service is completed and after a period (usually 3 months), the Agent will issue the invoice and submit the justification of the aid to Red.es. The amount of the digital voucher will be paid directly to the Digital Agent, and you will only have to pay the VAT for the solution, which is not subsidizable.

Conclusion: Your Digital Leap Is One Step Away

The Digital Kit represents an exceptional opportunity for SMEs and freelancers to modernize their businesses, gain competitiveness, and adapt to the demands of the current market. Don't miss this chance to boost your digitalization with the support of European funds.

If you need help to better understand the terms, prepare documentation, or find other aid that complements the Digital Kit, platforms like Captaru can be your best ally. Registering is free and allows you to start preparing your projects and subsidy applications at no cost, opening up a world of possibilities for your business growth.