Entama 2026: EDP expands Iberian entrepreneurship programme to 12 municipalities

EDP opens applications for a new phase of its programme supporting local entrepreneurs across 12 additional municipalities in central Portugal. Entama supports projects that contribute to sustainable economic development in the territories where EDP operates.

Following the success of its first two editions, EDP has now launched the third edition of Entama, an Iberian programme aimed at entrepreneurs, start-ups, associations and local stakeholders. The goal is to support initiatives that have an impact on job creation, the valorisation of local resources and the economic revitalisation of territories.

Entrepreneurial momentum was clearly visible in the latest edition, with 25 applications received from different municipalities across the Douro region. Five projects were selected for support, located in Vila Pouca de Aguiar (2), Alijó (2) and Torre de Moncorvo (1), reflecting the diversity of initiatives and the economic and social potential of the region.

In this new edition, now launching in Portugal – with applications open until 30 June – EDP is extending the Entama programme to new territories in central Portugal, covering 12 municipalities: Góis, Oleiros, Arganil, Sertã, Tomar, Abrantes, Ferreira do Zêzere, Vila de Rei, Sardoal, Pedrógão Grande, Pampilhosa da Serra and Figueiró dos Vinhos, once again seeking projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental development of these areas.

Selected projects may benefit from funding of up to €20,000, as well as ongoing support, mentoring and integration into a collaborative network aimed at ensuring their consolidation in the medium and long term. Applications must be submitted via the programme’s online platform, where participation conditions are also available.

Entama positions local entrepreneurship as a key driver of social and territorial development, promoting the role of entrepreneurs as agents of change. More than business creators, the entrepreneurs supported by the programme are responsible for identifying opportunities, energising communities and contributing to the attractiveness of these territories.

In low-density regions, each new project represents not only a new product or service, but also new employment opportunities, increased economic dynamism and a concrete response to depopulation challenges, contributing to job creation, stronger value chains and population retention. Additional factors such as the involvement of local suppliers, community development, gender equality, inclusion and technological innovation are also valued.

A territory-driven model

The five projects selected in the second edition stood out for their positive impact on the Douro region, particularly through their focus on local development and innovation. The selected projects were:

• DAURUM Local Impact (Alijó), a sustainable nautical tourism project using solar-powered boats, promoting employment and supporting the local economy;
• Douro Vintage – Traditional Gastronomy (Alijó), which delivers traditional Douro meals, prepared with local products, to tourist accommodation;
• ASGE – Com inteligência. Pelo Futuro (Torre de Moncorvo), an integrated and digital management solution for agricultural operations;
• Kalaiako (Vila Pouca de Aguiar), a regenerative tourism project that enhances local heritage and tackles depopulation;
• Integrated Services for HVAC, Photovoltaics and Maintenance Development (Vila Pouca de Aguiar), focused on energy efficiency and sustainable climate solutions.

The entrepreneurs selected in the Douro edition were recognised at an event held at Vila Pouca de Aguiar Municipal Hall last Monday, 25 May, marking the conclusion of the 2025 cycle and the launch of a new phase of the programme in Portugal.

For EDP, Entama is more than a funding programme: it is a community of entrepreneurs who share knowledge, experiences and opportunities. Through this initiative, EDP reinforces its commitment to the territories where it operates, promoting collaboration between companies, municipalities and local stakeholders to build sustainable, long-term solutions.

In 2026, the programme evolves into a more flexible model, running throughout the year in two phases with specific calls for applications by territory, aligned with the regions where EDP operates. This approach enables the programme to adapt to local needs and strengthen the identification of projects with transformative potential, consolidating its contribution to economic development and to a fair and inclusive energy transition.

The programme is developed under the global social impact strategy EDP Y.E.S. (You Empower Society), the Group’s global social impact plan, which foresees a total investment of €300 million by 2030 to support more than 500 social responsibility projects across several regions.