A new EU-funded grant programme has officially opened for businesses operating in the North Aegean Region of Greece, offering grant funding of up to 70% for investment projects in tourism and agri-food processing.
With a total public budget of €8 million, the programme supports existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to modernize their operations, improve competitiveness and invest in sustainable growth. The funding initiative is implemented under the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Strategies of Chios and Mytilene, as well as the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) for the Small Islands of the North Aegean.
The Call for Applications Is Officially Open
This is not a pre-announcement. The programme has been officially launched, and applications are currently being accepted.
Application Period 25 June 2026 – 30 September 2026 (15:00 local time)
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to existing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) established in the eligible areas of the North Aegean Region.
Applicants must implement an investment project within one of the following territorial strategies:
- Sustainable Urban Development Strategy – Chios
- Sustainable Urban Development Strategy – Mytilene
- Integrated Territorial Investment – Small Islands of the North Aegean
Funding Categories
1. Tourism and Cultural Value Chain Development
The first funding category supports businesses that contribute directly or indirectly to the development and enhancement of the region's tourism offering.
Eligible businesses may operate in sectors such as:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Professional services
- Manufacturing
- Creative industries
- Businesses supplying products or services that strengthen the local tourism ecosystem
The programme encourages investments aimed at:
- Modernising business operations
- Introducing digital technologies
- Improving energy efficiency
- Adopting innovative production methods
- Increasing productivity and competitiveness
2. Value-Added Processing of Agricultural Products
The second funding category focuses on SMEs involved in the secondary processing of agricultural products, creating products with higher added value through modern production methods.
Supported investment projects may include:
- Production modernization
- Installation of new equipment
- Innovation , technology adoption & digital transformation
- Sustainable production practices & Quality certification
Eligible Investment Costs
The programme finances a broad range of business investment expenses, including:
- Machinery and production equipment
- Business equipment and specialised instruments
- Building construction and renovation works
- Improvements to business premises
- Professional and consulting services
- Product certification
- Marketing and promotional activities
- Indirect project costs
Eligible Investment Budget
Depending on the specific funding category and geographic area, eligible investment budgets range from €10,000 to €300,000.
Grant Rates:
Tourism and Cultural Value Chains
Tourism and Cultural Value Chains:
- Chios SUD Strategy: 50%
- Mytilene SUD Strategy: 50%
- ITI – Small Islands: 70%
Secondary Processing of Agricultural Products:
- Chios SUD Strategy: 70%
- Mytilene SUD Strategy: 70%
- ITI – Small Islands: 70%
Total Programme Budget
The programme is supported by a total public budget of €8 million, allocated across the different territorial strategies of Chios, Mytilene and the Small Islands of the North Aegean.
AFS Manages Your Grant Application from Start to Finish
Preparing a successful funding proposal requires technical expertise, strategic planning and thorough documentation.
At AFS, we provide complete grant application management services, including:
- eligibility assessment of your business,
- Investment planning
- Preparation of the funding proposal
- electronic submission of the application,
- Ongoing project support throughout the implementation process
If your business operates in the North Aegean Region and you are interested in securing funding through this programme, the AFS team is ready to manage your application from initial assessment through to successful project completion.
