Portugal To Take Off: Acceleration Program in California - Accelerate your business growth in California with expert mentorship and networking

FAQ

• 1. Who can apply to the Portugal To Take Off acceleration program?

  We are looking to support early-stage, tech-enabled companies with customers in Portugal or elsewhere in Europe. We welcome both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) companies with a strategy to enter the US market.

• 2. How much does the program cost?

  The program is free of charge. Selected companies will be responsible for their own travel and subsistence expenses, including airfare, lodging, transportation, meals and related costs associated with participation in the in-person activities in California.

• 3. How are the participating companies selected? What are the selection criteria?

  We will select four companies with differentiated products that have strong potential in the Californian market. Experience in other international markets is considered an advantage.
  
  

  Applications are evaluated based on Product Market Fit and the Impact of the Project for the Portuguese Economy, as detailed below.
  
  

  Product Market Fit
  
  

  Low: The company does not appear to have a product that is differentiated from the competition and/or does not appear to have the technological, financial and human resources required to scale in the US market.
  
  

  Medium: The company has a product that is differentiated from the competition and aligned with its market strategy and/or appears to have the technological, financial and human resources required to scale in the US market, although there are some doubts about its readiness to enter the market.
  
  

  High: The company has a differentiated product, international customers and appears to have the technological, financial and human resources required to scale successfully in the US market.
  
  

  Impact of the Project for the Portuguese Economy
  
  

  Low: The product appears to address a limited market demand and/or the project appears to face challenges in scaling and/or the value created in Portugal is limited.
  
  

  Medium: The product appears to address significant market demand and/or the value created in Portugal and for the regional economy is significant.
  
  

  High: The product addresses strong market demand, is highly scalable, can be deployed across multiple global markets and creates significant value in Portugal and for the regional economy.
  
  

  Applications are evaluated by AICEP and the Program Mentors and Managers based on Product Market Fit and the Impact of the Project on the Portuguese Economy.

• 4. How does the application process work?

  The application process begins with an online application form, which must be completed in English. The questions are designed to help AICEP and the Program Mentors and Managers understand both your business needs and your commitment to entering the US market. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video conference interview conducted in English.

• 5. What can you expect from the program?

  Throughout the program, you will participate in online workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions to refine your go-to-market strategy and strengthen your commercial presentation. In addition, the mentors and AICEP will facilitate introductions to potential customers, partners and investors. The program also includes one-on-one meetings with potential customers and concludes with an in-person Demo Day in California, according to the timeline above.

• 6. How will my data be used?

  By submitting an application, participants agree to the processing of personal and business data for the purposes of evaluation and programme management, in accordance with AICEP's Privacy Policy.

• 7. Are programme sessions recorded?

  Audio recording, video recording and photography are not permitted during workshops, pitch training sessions, panels and other programme activities.