New funding opportunities for businesses and investors are available through the LEADER Pella 2023–2027 Local Programme, under Intervention P3-77-4.1 “Support for Local Development through LEADER (CLLD)”.

The programme supports investments involving the establishment of new businesses, as well as the development, expansion and modernisation of existing businesses within the programme area.

For the main business-related sub-measures, the grant rate can reach up to 65%, while the eligible budget for investment projects can reach up to €400,000, depending on the investment category.

The application period is already open, with a deadline of 18 December 2026 at 15:00.

Which businesses are covered by LEADER Pella 2026?

LEADER Pella 2026 covers a broad range of business activities, with the aim of strengthening local entrepreneurship and creating new opportunities for growth.

The main categories include investments in: -

• processing of agricultural products,
• processing for the production of non-agricultural products,
• forestry,
• crafts and handicrafts,
• tourism,
• service provision.

The eligibility of each investment depends on the specific business activity, the relevant Business Activity Code (KAD), the location of the investment and the specific requirements of the sub-measure under which the investment project falls. ΚΑΔ, την περιοχή υλοποίησης και τους ειδικούς όρους της υποπαρέμβασης στην οποία εντάσσεται το επενδυτικό σχέδιο.

How much is the LEADER Pella grant?

For the main business investments, the grant rate can reach up to 65% of the eligible budget.

The maximum eligible investment budget varies depending on the investment category.

For investments involving the processing of agricultural products, the eligible budget can reach up to €400,000, while for other categories of business investment it can reach up to €300,000.

The final grant rate and maximum eligible budget are determined by the investment category and the specific conditions applicable to each investment.

What does LEADER Pella fund?

The programme can support investments involving the establishment, development, expansion and modernisation of business activities, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant sub-measure.

The main categories of eligible expenses may include:

• construction works and configuration of business premises,
• other professional equipment,
• other equipment required for business operations,
• studies and research related to the investment,
• technical support services for the implementation of the investment project.

The eligibility of each expense depends on the investment category and the specific requirements of the relevant sub-measure.

LEADER Pella and tourism investments

The programme also provides funding opportunities for businesses operating in the tourism sector, as part of efforts to strengthen and diversify the area’s tourism offering.

The eligibility of a tourism investment for funding depends on the type of activity, the location where the investment will be implemented and the specific characteristics of the investment project.

For this reason, an individual assessment of the investment and the requirements of the relevant sub-measure is necessary.

Who can participate?

Depending on the relevant sub-measure, eligible applicants may include individuals, existing legal entities and legal entities under establishment, provided that the applicable requirements are met.

The programme may therefore be used both by existing businesses planning a new investment and by investors seeking to establish a new business activity in the area.

What is the deadline for LEADER Pella 2026?

The application period opened on 9 September 2026.

Application deadline: 18 December 2026 at 15:00.

As the application process requires the preparation of a complete investment file and the necessary supporting documentation, interested businesses and investors should begin assessing and preparing their investment in good time.

Key eligibility requirements

To qualify for funding under LEADER Pella, an investment must meet the requirements of the relevant sub-measure, while the eligibility of both the business and the proposed investment must be confirmed.

Key factors assessed include:

• the business activity and relevant Business Activity Code (KAD),
• the location of the investment,
• the scope and nature of the investment,
• the investment project budget,
• any required licences and approvals, where applicable,
• the ability to cover the required private contribution.

Investment proposals are subject to an evaluation and selection process based on the programme’s criteria.

Why Early Preparation Matters

Eligibility for the programme does not automatically guarantee approval for funding.

Proper structuring of the investment project and its budget, together with the timely collection of the required supporting documentation, contributes to the preparation of a complete and mature investment file.

Particularly where an investment includes construction works, equipment or required licences and approvals, the preparation process should begin well before the programme deadline.

AFS handles your LEADER Pella application

AFS – Athens Financial Services provides end-to-end support to businesses and investors seeking to take advantage of the funding opportunities available through LEADER Pella 2026..

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

AFS can also support the business following approval by monitoring the requirements associated with the implementation of the investment project.

PLANNING AN INVESTMENT IN PELLA?

AFS HANDLES YOUR APPLICATION.

Contact us immediately:

📞 210 831 7702
✉️ info@afs.gr

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