The call is addressed to existing small and very small enterprises that operate or will operate on the islands with a population of up to 3,100 inhabitants (2021 census).
It aims to establish businesses and strengthen the competitiveness of new micro and small enterprises on small islands with a population of up to 3,100 inhabitants (where this is defined as the tax differentiation threshold under Law 4172/2013), according to the latest census of 2021.
This initiative aims to address the challenges of globalisation and the post-lignite era, with a view to safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones.
Under the terms of the Call, funding applications from €20,000 to €150,000 are supported. The percentage of public funding amounts to 70% of the grant budget set out in the funding application.
The scheme encourages investment projects aimed at utilising and developing modern technologies, modern and innovative processes and methods in the production process, with a view to improving the products manufactured and/or services provided and their operations in general, including initiatives that utilise modern technologies, infrastructure and best practices in energy efficiency improvements. Each investment project should include expenditure relating to the sub-categories defined as expenditure that contributes to Environmental Protection and Energy Saving, at a rate of at least 30%.
The initiative will focus on the priority areas of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy.
The rate of 7% for indirect expenses as a proportion of the finally certified direct expenses must be adhered to.
- The companies that will receive subsidies must increase their workforce during the implementation of the investment, resulting in an increase in GVA of at least half (0.5) a unit, and this increase must be maintained for at least one year after the investment is completed.
- The investment plan should not relate to the establishment or expansion of tourist accommodation facilities of any kind (including main and non-main hotels as defined in Law 4276/2014, where applicable, as well as any other form, such as short-term property rentals via digital platforms within the context of the sharing economy, etc.).
- The initiative aims to help micro and small enterprises on small islands respond to the challenges of globalisation and the post-lignite era, and to improve their position in the domestic and international markets, with the ultimate aim of safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones.
- The Action will be implemented in accordance with EU Regulation 2023/2831 of 13 December 2023 (OJ EL L 15.12.2023) on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid.
It should be noted that the comparative assessment will be used to evaluate funding applications.
Who is it intended for:
Existing small and very small enterprises which, on the date of electronic submission of the funding application, have at least two (2) full, completed financial years (for which the relevant tax returns have been submitted).
Submission period: from 8 May 2025 to 10 July 2025
The funding application must be submitted, exclusively electronically, via the Integrated State Aid Management Information System and must be accompanied by all the supporting documents set out in ANNEX III: “Documents to be Submitted / Included”. Funding applications in which all mandatory fields have not been completed will not be accepted and will not proceed to the next stage. Please note that if the total score obtained by the application falls short of that specified in the chapter ‘BENEFICIARIES – TERMS & CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION’ of this document, the application will not be submitted.
Type of aid: Grant / Subsidy
Area of application:
1. North Aegean Region
2. Crete Region
3. South Aegean Region
Terms and conditions: As set out in the Invitation
What is funded:
Eligible Expenditure
A) Expenditure on Equipment, Transport and Instruments
Production and Mechanical Equipment, Automation Systems and Specialised IT Systems, Digital Office Equipment, Other Business Equipment, Equipment for Environmental Protection and Energy Saving, Circular Economy Equipment, Equipment for the Installation of Photovoltaic Systems and Storage Systems for Electricity Generation and Meeting Own Needs (Self-generation), Electric Vehicles.
B) Expenditure on Buildings, Facilities and Surrounding Areas
Building Interventions for Environmental Protection, Energy Saving, Water and Waste Treatment, Buildings, Facilities and Surrounding Areas.
C) Costs of providing services
Consultancy support for monitoring the implementation of the investment plan; certification and compliance of products with national, harmonised and optional standards of European countries and/or countries outside the EU; certification of services and procedures in accordance with national, harmonised and other European and international standards; promotion and outreach costs; participation in trade fairs; and technical studies directly linked to the costs of the investment plan.
D) Indirect Costs
Indirect Costs (7% of the eligible direct costs of the investment plan).
Budget: €20,000,000
Source: espa.gr