PEP Epirus – Strengthening SMEs for technological modernization and energy saving investments

The programme

 Η EYD Region of Epirus is issuing the Call for the 2014-2020 programming period entitled Support to SMEs for investments in technological modernization and energy saving, in the framework of CIP Epirus.

The call is aimed at supporting existing SMEs to:

• Integration of automation systems and technological modernization for the production of modern and quality products and services.
• Investment in the implementation of new product and service standardisation systems, adapted to market demand.
• Investments in energy saving systems.
• Integration of green infrastructure to reduce the environmental footprint of the business.

Who it concerns

Beneficiaries of the Action Quality Modernization is existing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Supported enterprises can operate in all eligible sectors of activity (Sectors of Activity) as listed in the published call, while priority will be given to investment projects in the sectors of the regional strategy for smart specialisation: μεταποίηση πρωτογενούς τομέα, βιομηχανία της εμπειρίας (τουρισμός, πολιτισμός και δημιουργική βιομηχανία), παροχή υπηρεσιών υγείας – ευεξίας, παροχή υπηρεσιών ΤΠΕ.

The main Participation Requirements for SMEs submitting a proposal are:

• To be active in the eligible sectors of activity (KAΔ) before 1/1/2016, as well as to carry out the corresponding expenditure in the Region of Epirus.
• Be active or be active in the Region of Epirus.
• Operate exclusively in one of the following forms: corporate/commercial enterprises (limited liability companies, limited liability companies, limited liability companies, limited liability companies, partnerships) and sole proprietorships.
• To keep books of category B or C of the CPA.
• The total amount of de minimis aid received by the company in the past, including aid under this measure, must not exceed EUR 200 000 in the three years preceding the year in which the aid was granted.
• Not be bankrupt, wound up or administered by the courts.
• not be subject to recovery of aid following a previous Commission decision declaring an aid illegal and incompatible with the internal market.
• Not to include in their investment plans expenditure that has been financed and/or included in another programme financed by national or Community funds.
• Submit one investment proposal per VAT number.
• Not be an offshore company.

Program Budget

 The total Subsidised Public Expenditure of the Action Support to SMEs for investments in technological modernisation and energy saving, under this Call for Proposals, is estimated at € 5.000.000.

The Public Expenditure of the Action is financed by the Greek State and the European Union, and in particular by the European Regional Development Fund in the framework of the Operational Programme Epirus of the NSRF 2014-2020.

The subsidised budget of each investment project ranges from €80,000 to €330,000.

Amount of subsidy

The amount of the grant is 60% of the cost of the investment project.

To cover the private contribution, the potential beneficiary of the aid may use either own resources or borrowing.

Expenses subsidized

 The call for proposals can fund proposals concerning:

• Buildings, facilities and surroundings (up to 100% of the subsidised budget): Investment expenditure for the construction, upgrading, configuration of building infrastructure in order to protect the environment and achieve higher energy efficiency.
• Machinery and other equipment (up to 100% of the subsidised budget): Investment expenditure for the acquisition of machinery and equipment, fixed assets of high energy efficiency, in order to save energy, protect the environment, reduce the environmental footprint. Eligible is the cost of purchasing means of transport, up to a total cost of 25,000 euros.
• Software and software services (up to 10% of the subsidised budget): Investments for the acquisition of non-physical or financial assets, such as specific software for automation and quality control of production, operation and networking of the business, development of e-services, development of e-sales.
• Expenditure for third parties/technical and business consultancy (up to EUR 3 500): This category includes expenditure: a) for certification of an energy management system according to the ISO 50001 standard and b) for the provision of specialised services relating to the preparation, implementation, monitoring and management of the investment project.

Please note that the date of eligibility of expenditure is the date of submission of the application for funding.

Important dates

 The start date for the online submission of Investment Plans to the State Aid Information System ( www.ependyseis.gr/mis ) is set at 21/11/2018 at 13.00 with closing date on 28/02/2019 at 15.00.

There is no question of priority for the submission of files as the evaluation for all proposals will start after 1/3/2019.
 
Date of commencement of eligibility of expenditure: Date of submission of the proposal.
 
The period of implementation of the investment may not exceed 18 months from the date of adoption of the decision of inclusion.

Useful files

Πρόσκληση υποβολής αιτήσεων χρηματοδότησης επενδυτικών σχεδίων στη Δράση