Equity is the most expensive way to fund growth. Yet many companies never check whether they qualify for public funding that does not dilute ownership.
The main families of incentives
- R&D and innovation tax credits. Available in a number of European countries for qualifying research and development activity, including software and engineering work.
- Innovation and export grants. Regional, national and EU-level programmes that co-finance projects.
- Energy-efficiency certificates. In some jurisdictions, energy-saving works generate certificates that can be monetised.
- Local incentive programmes. The UAE and wider GCC offer programmes for specific sectors, locations and activities, which change over time.
Why companies miss out
- Awareness. Teams do not realise their normal work qualifies.
- Documentation. Claims need technical and financial evidence gathered as work happens, not months later.
- Timing. Many programmes have deadlines or look-back limits.
How to assess eligibility
Start with three questions: which legal entities do we have and where, what are we building or improving that is new to us or the market, and what did it cost? A short screen against relevant programmes will tell you quickly whether a full application is worthwhile.
Manage risk honestly
Any claim can be reviewed by the authority. Good preparation - clear narrative, evidence trail, consistent accounting - is the best protection.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the rules in force. This article is general information, not tax or legal advice.