Why funding applications get rejected

Most rejected applications are not turned down because of the idea. They fail on a formal point that could have been caught before submitting. These are the most common, and what to check for each.

The ΚΑΔ code is not eligible

The most frequent reason. The investment must be in an eligible ΚΑΔ, at the place and in the way the call sets. See the guide on how ΚΑΔ codes affect eligibility.

The business misses a basic criterion

Before anything else, check:

• Size. Many calls are only for small and medium-sized enterprises as defined by the European Commission. Linked and partner enterprises count in the calculation.
• Closed financial years. If the call requires a set number of closed financial years, a younger business is not accepted.
• Place of investment. A regional programme only accepts investments in its region.

The de minimis ceiling is exceeded

Many grants are given as de minimis aid, with a ceiling per business over three years set by Regulation (EU) 2023/2831. Every de minimis grant the business has received counts towards it, and in some cases those of linked businesses too. Make a complete list before you apply.

Expenses outside the rules

An application may be approved for a smaller amount, or rejected, when the budget includes:

• expenses that are not among the call's eligible expenses
• expenses above the limits set per category
• expenses made before the eligibility start date

The last one is the easiest to miss: an order or deposit placed before the date the call sets can make the expense ineligible. Ask before you commit.

Documents missing or not matching

Assessors compare what you declare in the application with the business's records. Applications fail when:

• a document is missing or expired, such as a tax or social security clearance certificate
• the financial figures in the application do not match what was filed with AADE
• the business's details in GEMI are out of date
• supplier quotes do not cover what the call asks for

The application was submitted late

Some calls assess applications in order of submission until the budget runs out. In those, a correct application submitted late may not be funded. Others score all applications together after the deadline. The call states which applies. The changes page shows when a programme opens or changes.

Before you submit

Read the whole programme guide, not only the summary, and check each criterion against your real figures. The eligibility check covers the basic criteria. For everything else, get in touch before you submit.