The beneficiaries of the scheme are:

1. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Republic of Cyprus.

2. Businesses engaged in eligible sectors as defined in the scheme (industry, tourism, services, technology, agri-food, etc.).

3. Businesses that maintain legal operation, have a valid operating license, and have no pending insolvency proceedings.

*Excluded:

1. Businesses in sectors such as primary agricultural production, tobacco, high-alcohol beverages, gambling.

2. Businesses considered problematic, as defined by EU regulations

1. Building works and space configuration, such as renovations, extensions, or adaptations of buildings.

2. Machinery and equipment for the production process.

3. Digital technologies, software, and information systems.

4. Consulting services related to business development, digital transformation, or certification.

5. Certifications (ISO, EMAS, HACCP, etc.).

6. Promotion and marketing actions, such as participation in exhibitions, website creation, and branding.

Non-eligible expenses: Vehicle purchases, operating expenses (salaries, rent, utility bills), taxes, and fees.

1. The funding rate ranges between 40% – 60% of eligible costs, depending on the region and the size of the business.

2. Maximum grant amount: up to €200,000 per business.

3. Minimum investment budget: approximately €20,000.

4. The business is required to cover the remaining costs with its own participation or a loan.

1. Excluded sectors:
   Employers active in the following sectors are not eligible for subsidies:
   – Primary production of fisheries and aquaculture.
   – Processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products with subsidies linked to quantity/price.
   – Primary production of agricultural products.
   – Processing and marketing of agricultural products with conditions of passing on aid to primary producers.
   – Activities directly linked to exports.
   – Aid requiring the use of domestic goods and services instead of imported ones.

2. Training Program:
   – Duration: 10 – 420 hours.
   – Conferences are not approved.
   – The training must address a need that cannot be met in Cyprus.
   – There must be a detailed daily program from the organizer abroad.

3. Participants:
   – Each employee can participate once per year.
   – More than one employee from the same employer is not allowed to attend the same subsidized program.
   – Their duties must be directly related to the content of the program