The launch of 5 new actions of the NSRF 2014-2020, with a total budget 365 million euros, on boosting entrepreneurship, upgrading hospitals' energy efficiency and supporting local economies announced by the Ministry of Economy and Development .

Regarding the new programs, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Development, Alexis Charitsis, stated:

"We proceed to targeted interventions that respond to real needs of the economy and local communities, putting into practice our commitment to fair and sustainable development. The new programs are implemented in the context of our strategy to upgrade basic infrastructure, support local economies and substantially enhance productive activity. Similar initiatives will follow in the coming period."

The new NSRF actions:

Digital Step (€50 million budget) and Digital Jump (€50 million budget) NSRF

They are about support very small, small and medium-sized businesses of all sectors for targeted investments in Information and Communication Technologies . In the context of the action Digital Step, investment projects may be submitted from 5.000 euros to 50.000 euros, while in the Digital Jump from 55.000 euro to 400.000 euro.The the rate of subsidy shall be 50%. Expenses of equipment, software and services provided by third parties (hosting, Internet connection, services for the development of digital advertising material, translation of the content of the online store, etc.) are covered.

Qualitative Modernisation (budget €150 million)

The action Qualitative Modernisation About medium-sized enterprises for the implementation of investment projects from €50,000 to €400,000. The aim of the action is to support enterprises to produce high quality products and services and to improve their export potential. The the rate of subsidy shall be 50%. Costs relating to:

• design, standardization and certification of products and services
• means of transport
• the supply of production equipment
• the wage costs of employees (new staff)

Open Shopping Centres (€50 million budget)

The programme aims to strengthen and stimulate economic activity developed in commercial areas and in particular in areas with significant tourist and cultural resources. The Municipality in cooperation with the local Trade Association or Chamber of Commerce will implement a coherent plan of interventions. The aim of the cooperation is the functional and aesthetic upgrade of public space and the organization of economic activity in the logic of the "smart city". The maximum budget of the proposals to be submitted is 1,9 million euros and the rate of aid is 100%.

Energy Upgrading of Public Buildings - Production of Energy from CHP or RES in hospitals (budget 65 million euro)

Potential beneficiaries are the NHS Hospitals with a capacity of more than 400 beds for the Region of Attica and 200 beds for the less developed regions. It includes interventions for:

• energy upgrading and energy saving
• the installation of combined heat and power (CHP) units
• the utilization of Renewable Energy Sources