Applications are now open for businesses in the Attica Islands under the LEADER 2023–2027 programme, following the publication of the 1st Call for Proposals for Private Investment Projects.

The programme is aimed at both existing businesses and businesses under establishment and provides funding for investment projects, with grant rates of up to 80% and an eligible budget of up to €400,000, depending on the investment category.

The application period began on October 20, 2026, and will close on February 10, 2027, at 3:00 PM, with applications submitted through the Integrated State Aid Information System (OPSKE).

Which Areas Are Covered by the LEADER Attica Islands Programme?

The programme covers the following areas:

Agistri, Aegina, Kythira – Antikythera, Poros, Troizinia – Methana, Salamina, Spetses and Hydra.

A key requirement is that the investment must be implemented within the programme’s eligible geographical area. In addition, each investment project must meet the specific requirements of the relevant sub-measure.

Particular attention should be paid to investments involving the establishment of new tourist accommodation facilities, as specific geographical restrictions and eligibility requirements apply, which vary depending on the area.

Which Businesses Are Eligible?

LEADER Attica Islands 2026 covers a broad range of business activities and may provide funding for both the establishment of new businesses and the expansion or modernisation of existing ones.

The main categories include investments in: -

• of tourism and food service businesses,
• processing of agricultural products,
• processing of non-agricultural products,
• crafts and handicrafts,
• other productive activities,
• service provision,
• energy upgrades, energy and water efficiency, circular economy and bioeconomy.

The eligibility of each business will depend on its activity, the relevant Business Activity Code (KAD), the location of the investment and the specific requirements set out in the final call.

How Much Funding Is Available Through the LEADER Attica Islands Programme?

The grant rate and maximum eligible budget vary depending on the type of investment.

Investment category	Maximum eligible budget	Grant rate up to
Processing of agricultural products	400.000€	65%–80%
Processing of non-agricultural products	300.000€	65%–80%
Crafts, handicrafts and other productive activities	300.000€	60%
Τourism and food service businesses,	300.000€	60%
Service provision	300.000€	60%
Energy upgrades – water efficiency – circular economy	300.000€	80%

The increased subsidy rates of up to 80% for processing activities apply to specific investment projects in Kythira and Antikythira, in accordance with the specific terms and conditions of the call for proposals.

Which Expenses Can Be Covered by the Funding?

Depending on the category and sub-measure under which the investment project falls, funding may cover expenses related to the establishment, expansion, modernisation or relocation of a business.

Indicatively, these may include:

• construction works and the configuration or renovation of business premises,
• purchase and installation of production or mechanical equipment,
• purchase of other professional equipment,
• energy-efficiency upgrades,
• investments aimed at reducing energy and water consumption,
• investments related to the circular economy and sustainable business operations.
• Digital equipment, software, and information systems.
• Quality certifications and related services.
• Technical studies, permits, and consulting services.
• Eligible advertising and promotional activities.

Eligible expenses are subject to specific restrictions and maximum limits for each category and must be necessary and directly related to the investment project.

What About Tourism Investments?

A key distinction in the call for proposals concerns the establishment of new tourist accommodation facilities.

Funding is not available for all areas covered by the programme, as specific geographical restrictions apply.

For example, Aegina is not among the eligible areas for the establishment of new tourist accommodation facilities, while different eligibility requirements apply to the modernization of existing tourism businesses.

Additionally, eligibility depends on the type of accommodation, the required standards, accommodation capacity, and the necessary permits and approvals.

For this reason, each tourism investment project requires an individual assessment before preparing the application.

Why is early application preparation important?

Eligibility for a LEADER programme does not automatically mean that an investment project will be approved for funding.

Investment proposals are assessed and scored according to specific criteria. For this reason, the maturity of the investment project, the proper structuring of the budget and the timely collection of the required information and documentation can significantly affect the outcome of an application.

Even before the final call is published, businesses can assess the eligibility of the business and its Business Activity Code (KAD), the investment area and premises, the structure of the investment, potential licensing requirements, the required private contribution and the overall readiness of the investment project.

Early preparation helps ensure that the application is complete, properly documented, and submitted within the specified deadline.

What Is the Application Deadline for the LEADER Attica Islands Programme?

Application Opening Date: October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2027, at 3:00 PM.

Early preparation is particularly important, as gathering the required documentation, preparing the necessary studies, and substantiating the investment project may take considerable time.

AFS handles your LEADER Attica Islands application

AFS – Athens Financial Services provides comprehensive support to businesses and investors interested in taking advantage of the LEADER Attica Islands programme..

Our support includes the initial eligibility assessment of the business and the investment, evaluation of the investment project, organisation and preparation of the required documentation, as well as the preparation and submission of the funding application.

AFS can also support the business throughout the subsequent stages, by monitoring the investment and the requirements associated with the implementation of the approved project.

Applications for the LEADER Attica Islands Programme are already open, with the deadline set for February 10, 2027. Don’t leave the preparation of your investment project until the last minute.

Contact us immediately:

📞210 831 7702
✉️ info@afs.gr

Alternatively, complete the contact form and the AFS team will get in touch with you.