Η Public Employment Service (DYPA) is promoting the new Employment Entrepreneurship Grants Scheme for 3,000 young freelancers aged 18 to 29, with a focus on the digital economy. The total budget amounts to 45 million euros. The total amount of the subsidy reaches 14,800 euros, with the main objective of promoting the employment of the unemployed through their support for the creation of new businesses.

The action is co-financed by the Greek State and the European Social Fund.

Through the action, unemployed people are strengthened for the new business creation which they will adopt directly advanced digital practices in the whole range of their activities, (from headquarters to factories and from warehouse to distribution of their products or services) as dictated by the requirements of the "4th Industrial Revolution".

The digital economy includes indicatively:

• telecommunications services (fixed - mobile - internet telephony)
• PC services
• software (consulting services for equipment)
• software consultancy services
• database operations
• PC maintenance and repair etc.)
• provision of services via the Internet
• broadband services
• office automation systems
• telematics applications
• satellite services
• digital television
• providing security solutions for electronic systems
• manufacture of RFID equipment
• electronic procurement management
• e-commerce
• eBusiness
• distance education
• website design
• Digital printings
• entertainment with digital media

Potential beneficiaries, on the date of submission of the online funding application, must cumulatively fulfill the following conditions:

• a. To be unemployed registered in the D.YPA.A. register, aged 18 to 29 years (have completed the 29th year of age and are going through the 30th).
• b. Be out of education, employment or training and meet the age criterion at the date of submission of the funding application.
• c. Have completed the personalized approach process and agreed on an individual action plan.
• d. They must be Greek citizens or citizens of another EU state or expatriates who have the right to reside and work in our country or citizens of third countries who have a valid residence permit at least for the duration of the program.
• e. Male candidates must have fulfilled or been legally released from their military obligations. Potential beneficiaries attach electronically - when applying for funding (investment proposal) - the certificate of military status. Expatriates or citizens of EU countries provide a responsible declaration that they have no obligation to fulfill their military obligations, without requiring the presentation of a relevant certificate from the country of origin.

The control of the above conditions is carried out through PS PES and/or responsible declarations of the potential beneficiaries.

Potential beneficiaries must cumulatively comply with the following conditions:

• 1. To establish their businesses and operate legally within the Greek territory.
• 2. The start of activity at the DOU takes place after the date of submission of the funding application and no later than within 60 days from the date of posting the decision to include acts on the website of the D.Y.P.A. and informing beneficiaries via e-mail.

An extension of 30 days beyond the 60-day period may be granted after the beneficiary submits a relevant extension request and a relevant decision by the Head of the KPA2.

The duration of the grant is set at twelve (12) months. The period of 12 months applies from the date of commencement of business activity in the DOU.

The flat-rate amount of support for new businesses/beneficiaries of the digital economy action amounts to €14,800 and is paid in three installments as follows:

• 1st installment of 4,000 euros: after the start of activity at the DOU and in any case after the issuance of the Amendment to the Incorporation Decision.
• 2nd installment of 5,400 euros: after the end of the 1st semester from the start of the business, after verification of the operation for a period of 6 months.
• 3rd installment of 5,400 euros: after the end of the second semester from the start of the business, after verification of the operation for a period of 6 months.