The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) informs its member businesses and all interested parties that the Institute for Entrepreneurship Development has published the 3rd open call for the STAGE (Sustainability Transition Programme) programme, which was developed in the context of the green transition of European businesses.
The aforementioned program is a means of financial support for businesses, accompanied by individualized sustainability tools and concerns grants that aim to strengthen SMEs for their green transition, sustainability reporting and investment readiness.
Under the Grant Programme, up to €50,000 is provided, alongside practical consulting support to small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to develop investment ideas for innovation and the zero waste economy.
The aforementioned grant can be utilized by businesses in order to:
- prepare their "green" investment plan, which will include modernization and technological innovation, automation, digitization, implementation of renewable energy sources or circular economy models, etc., and
- receive additional services required for the preparation of the aforementioned investment plan, such as feasibility studies, technological audits, data collection and analysis of carbon footprint assessment, prototyping, piloting and demonstration, adaptation of business processes, support for the use of testing facilities and other specialized consulting and guidance services for the relevant preparation.
The current call will remain open until May 31, 2024 and is open to small and medium-sized enterprises from across the EU, as well as from countries associated with the Horizon Europe programme.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
The STAGE Grant Funding Programme is open to industrial SMEs that comply with the rules set by the European Commission and:
- have between 5 and 250 employees
- have an annual turnover of less than €50 million or an annual balance sheet of less than €43 million
- Are established in a member state of the European Union or in third countries associated with Horizon Europe
Τρίτες χώρες που συνδέονται με το Horizon Europe
ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES
The STAGE eco-system involves SMEs from all 14 European Industrial Ecosystems defined by the EC, including:
- Textiles
- Electronics
- Mobility-Transport-Automotive
- Βιομηχανίες Ενέργειας
- Renewable Energy
- Agri-Food
- Health industry
- Digital services
- Construction
- Retail
- Proximity & Social Economy
- Tourism
- Creative & Cultural Industries
- Aerospace & Defence
HOW IT WORKS?
Up to 100 SMEs will be selected and funded during the programme’s duration. Successful applicants will sign a contract for the financial grant. The contract includes 2 stages of the grant:
- 1st stage – EUR 5 000 lump sum for the development of an investment project plan for sustainability transformation. The grant is to be released when the investment plan is submitted not later than 3 months after signing grant contract.
- 2nd stage – up to EUR 45 000, calculated as a percentage of the private investment received for the investment plan (for sustainability transition) implementation. The amount will only be provided if a contract of private investment is received within the period of 6 months from signing the contract.
Fill out the evaluation form to show your interest in subsidized programs. A representative from our relevant department will get in touch with you promptly.
Business evaluation questionnaire for inclusion in funding and subsidy programs
