Subsidies: Strengthening of existing companies in Megalopolis and Western Macedonia

From the program management authority “Just Development Transition” of NSRF 2021-2027the modification of the action titled “Strengthening of existing SMEs in the regions of the Just Transition Territorial Plans of the Region of Western Macedonia and Megalopolis”. The amendment concerns the acceptable dates of the bank balance confirmations in order to cover the same participation of the investor as well as the deadline for submitting proposals. Due to the interest of the action, today we will recall its main elements.

This is an action which is implemented with funding from the specific program with a total budget of 30 million euros. Its main objective is the upgrading, modern adaptation, diversification, productive change and reorientation of existing businesses operating in the areas covered by the Territorial Just Transition Plans, so as to address the social and economic impacts arising in these regions from the European Union’s goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The action aims to implement actions that take advantage of modern technologies, infrastructure and best practices in the field of energy upgrading, the circular economy and the adoption of clean energy sources, creating jobs, at the same time as improving the products and services produced by these businesses . In addition, it promotes investment projects that focus on the use and development of modern technologies.

According to the invitation, the action is aimed at existing small and medium enterprises. Existing companies are understood to have at least 2 complete closed management years by the date of submission of the financing application. The basic conditions for the participation of businesses are the following:

1. Have the status of a very small or small or medium-sized enterprise.

2. To meet the conditions of application of Reg. E.E. 1407/2013 (De Minimis) on which the action is based. More specifically, the total amount of aid of minor importance (De Minimis) received by the single enterprise, including the aid from this action, should not exceed the amount of 300,000 euros within a three-year period (current financial year and the two previous 2 ) before the time of granting the legal right to the aid.

3. To operate legally.

4. To operate in an acceptable, according to Corporate/Commercial Law, legal form.

5. To be active in the Greek territory and to invest exclusively within the following areas:

– Region of western Macedonia.

– Municipality of Megalopolis, Peloponnese Region.

– Municipality of Oichalia, Peloponnese Region.

– Municipality of Gortynia, Peloponnese Region.

– Municipality of Tripoli, Peloponnese Region.

6. Have at least one of the eligible KAD of the call before submitting the funding application.

7. To provide evidence of funds availability at a rate of at least 30% of the total P/Y of the investment plan.

8. Have not completed the physical object of the investment or have not fully implemented it before submitting the funding application.

The proposed investment plan should:

– Relates to at least one of the eligible SSCs that will be included in the annex with the eligible areas of activity (SCS) of the invitation.

– Includes costs that contribute to environmental protection and energy saving.

– Includes the creation of at least one new job (equivalent to an Annual Work Unit) during the implementation of the investment plan.

According to the published data, indicatively and not restrictively, an investment plan may include the following costs:

– Expenditures for buildings and surrounding area. Buildings, facilities and surroundings.

– Equipment and transport costs.

– Software costs.

– Expenses for providing services.

– Personnel expenses.

– Indirect costs (7% on other categories).

The total subsidized budget (including indirect costs) ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 euros. The maximum duration of implementation of the physical and financial object of the investment plan cannot exceed 12 months from the date of issuance of the decision approving the evaluation results. The public expenditure for all investment projects amounts to 70% of the subsidized budget, while the remaining amount is covered by private participation. The private participation can be covered either with own resources or with bank loans, or with a combination of both.

The full text of the invitation can be found at the addresses https://www.espa.gr/ and https://eydam.gr/.

Applications are due by May 10, 2024.

* Mrs. M. Paspaliari is an executive of AMBIO SA