Applications Open for SME Export Support Program

By Wednesday, June 11, the new ESF program ‘Export Orientation’ will be launched, allowing entrepreneurs to submit applications. As announced in a press conference by Deputy Minister of Finance, Nikos Papathanasiou, and the heads of the Greek Development Bank, President Nikos Zavvou and CEO Ismini Papakyriakou, applications will be available no later than next week for existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that wish to receive financial support for their export activities, whether they already export or aim to expand into international markets. The new ‘Export Orientation SMEs’ program has a total budget of 200 million euros, with the application platform expected to remain open for two months. Eligible recipients are existing SMEs involved in the production or trade of products aiming to boost their export activity. Eligible expenses include participation in international trade fairs, product and service certification according to international standards, marketing costs in foreign markets, and advisory services for developing export strategies. The support percentages are expected to cover up to 50% of the eligible budget for general cases and up to 60% for businesses meeting specific criteria, such as operating in remote or island regions. Applications will be submitted electronically through the Integrated Information System for Managing State Aid (IPSKE), and evaluations will be conducted via a comparative process requiring a minimum score of 65%. The Ministry of Finance and the Greek Development Bank hope this program will significantly enhance the presence of Greek SMEs in international markets, improving competitiveness and contributing to increased national exports, crucial for shaping a more outward-oriented production model. It is worth noting that the program’s announcement was made in January with an intended start in April and lasting until the end of June, but delays have pushed the application opening to the coming days.