Grants for new businesses in 2026: ESPA and other options
A new business cannot apply to every programme: many calls ask for closed financial years. Some calls, though, are made for businesses that are just starting. You will find them here, with what to know before they open.
Open and upcoming programmes for new businesses
No programme is open or upcoming right now.
Who counts as a new business
There is no single definition across programmes. Each call says what it means: usually counted from the start of activity registered with the tax authority (ΑΑΔΕ), or by the number of closed financial years.
Some calls also accept businesses not yet registered, so you apply before starting. The call then sets the date by which you must register. Always check this in the call itself, because it differs from programme to programme.
Where the funding can come from
ESPA calls for new businesses
Sector and regional ESPA 2021–2027 programmes periodically issue calls for new or start-up businesses that fund part of an investment.
DYPA programmes
DYPA (formerly OAED) runs programmes for unemployed people starting their own business. They usually require registration as unemployed before you apply.
The Development Law
Some schemes under the Development Law (Law 4887/2022) are aimed at new businesses. Applications also go through ΠΣΚΕ (ependyseis.gr).
Loans and guarantees
The Hellenic Development Bank offers loans and guarantees on favourable terms through partner banks. It is not a grant, but it helps cover the private share.
What to prepare before a call opens
- 1Choose your main activity code (ΚΑΔ) carefully. Eligibility often depends on it.
- 2Decide where the seat and the investment will be, because many programmes are regional.
- 3Write a short business plan and a budget backed by supplier quotes.
- 4Work out how you will cover the private share and the costs until the grant is paid.
- 5Have your taxisnet credentials and your tax and social security clearance certificates ready.
Read before you apply
How ΚΑΔ codes affect eligibility
What a ΚΑΔ code is, why calls check it first, which code counts, and what to watch for before you add a new one.
Why funding applications get rejected
The most common reasons a funding application is rejected or cut, and what to check before you submit.
ESPA 2021–2027: what it is, who can apply
What ESPA 2021–2027 funds, which programmes run it, and the steps to check whether your business can apply.
New business questions
Can I apply before I register the business?
Only if the call accepts businesses not yet registered. You must then register within the deadline the call sets, or the application is rejected.
Do I have to be unemployed to get a grant?
Not for ESPA calls in general. DYPA programmes for new self-employed people, however, usually require registration as unemployed. The call states the condition.
Is the whole investment funded?
Rarely. Most programmes cover a share of the eligible expenses and the rest is the private share. Each call sets the percentage.
Does the activity code I register matter?
Yes. Calls set which activity codes are eligible and often check the main code or the investment's code. It is worth checking before you register.
Official sources
Want to hear when a new one opens?
Leave your email and sector. We will let you know when a programme that concerns you opens or changes.
Found a programme? The application is the hard part.
We check your eligibility against the call, prepare the file and tell you honestly whether it is worth applying.