A new funding opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thessaly opens this November, through the "Grow Smart" program. The program aims to finance investment plans that enhance innovation, extroversion, and competitiveness of businesses in the region, in line with the priorities set by the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process of the Region of Thessaly for the period 2021–2027.
Applications for participation in the program will officially open on November 27, 2025.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants are existing businesses that:
- have registered their activity with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) before January 1, 2023,
- have at least two complete, closed fiscal years,
- have submitted and cleared the required tax forms (E3 & N) for the years 2023 and 2024.
The subsidized budget for each investment plan ranges from €50,000 to €425,000, while public expenditure covers 70% of the total budget. The remaining 30% is covered by private contribution.
Objective of the Program
The "Grow Smart" program focuses on the production of innovative products and services, increasing exports, creating new jobs, and overall improving the competitiveness of Thessalian businesses.
This is a targeted initiative that supports the transition of businesses toward green, digital, and smart growth, with an emphasis on the sectors highlighted in the Regional Specialization of the National Strategy for Smart Specialization for Thessaly.
What Is Funded
Personnel Costs
- Full salary costs for newly hired staff
- Up to 20% of the subsidized budget and up to €30,000
- Up to 2 FTEs and up to €15,000/FTE
Equipment, Vehicles & Instruments
- Environmental protection and energy-saving equipment
- Investments in the circular economy
- Photovoltaic systems and energy storage systems up to 25% of the budget
- Electric vehicles up to 40% and up to €100,000 in total (€50,000 per vehicle)
- Digital, production, and mechanical equipment
Buildings & Facilities
- Up to 70% of the subsidized budget
- Includes renovations, improvements, and space configurations
Services & Consulting
- Funding application submission up to €1,500
- Implementation consulting support up to 4% and up to €5,000
- SaaS services, cloud computing up to 20% of the budget
- Product or process development studies up to 10%
- Certifications up to 3 standards and up to €10,000 in total (€5,000/certificate)
- Packaging design, labeling, and branding up to 7% and up to €15,000
- Intellectual property, patents, and technology transfer up to 10% and up to €20,000
Software
- Purchases and licenses up to 30% of the budget
Indirect Costs
- Up to 7% of eligible direct costs
Why It Is Worth Participating
The "Grow Smart" program is not just a subsidy — it is a strategic opportunity for businesses in Thessaly to evolve technologically, become more sustainable, and strengthen their presence in both the Greek and international markets.
Interested parties can find detailed information and the official call text on the ESPA website:
👉 https://www.thessalia-espa.gr/proskliseis/prosklisi-04ke-anaptyssomai-exypna-stin-perifereia-thessalias/
How Roomismo Can Help You
Within the framework of the program, SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions such as Roomismo are also funded and can be included as eligible expenses.
Roomismo is a comprehensive reservation and customer management software for hotels, rental rooms, and tourist accommodations, helping improve efficiency, reduce OTA commissions, and boost direct bookings.
If you own a hospitality business in Thessaly, you can take advantage of the "Grow Smart" program to fund the purchase or upgrade of Roomismo, significantly reducing the investment cost for the digital upgrade of your business.
