ESPA 2021-2027 (Partnership Agreement for the Development Framework) is Greece's primary EU-funded financing framework. With a total budget of €26.2 billion -- €20.9 billion in EU contribution and €5.3 billion in national co-financing -- it funds digital transformation, green transition, and business development initiatives.
The program encompasses 8 thematic and 13 regional operational programs. Grant rates range from 40% to 80% of eligible costs, depending on business size, sector, and geographic location. Eligible budgets typically range between €30,000 and €400,000.
Eligible expenses include equipment, software, payroll costs for new positions, consulting services, certification costs, and construction works. ARROW Consulting manages the full lifecycle -- from planning and submission to implementation monitoring and disbursement.
Current active calls focus on supporting new SMEs, SME digital transformation (€300 million budget), tourism (€250 million increase), and green entrepreneurship.
Who is this for
ESPA targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in manufacturing, technology, tourism, services, and green energy sectors. Particularly suitable for startups, existing SMEs seeking digital transformation, and businesses in less-developed regions.
Key Benefits
High Subsidy Rates
Grants from 40% to 80% of eligible costs, depending on business size and sector.
Digital Transformation
Funding for software, e-commerce, cloud services, and digital infrastructure to modernize your business.
Employment Support
Coverage of payroll costs for new positions and employee training expenses.
Green Transition
Dedicated actions for energy upgrades, renewable energy sources, and circular economy initiatives.
Broad Expense Coverage
Eligible expenses: equipment, construction, software, certifications, consulting services, and payroll.
New Entrepreneurship
Dedicated programs for establishing new SMEs with enhanced subsidy rates.
How It Works
Eligibility Assessment
We analyze your business profile, activity codes, and financials to identify the most suitable ESPA programs for your needs.
Investment Plan Design
We design your investment plan with optimal budget allocation, maximizing the evaluation score.
Drafting & Electronic Submission
We prepare the complete application file -- business plan, supporting documents, feasibility study -- and submit electronically via the PSKE platform.
Monitoring & Appeals Support
We monitor the evaluation progress and support any appeals or clarification requests.
Implementation & Disbursement Management
We manage project implementation, submit disbursement requests, and ensure proper completion.
ESPA FAQ
Eligible businesses are SMEs with approved NACE activity codes, registered in GEMI, with healthy financials. Exact requirements vary by action. Some actions target existing businesses, while others target newly established or to-be-established enterprises.
Rates typically range between 40% and 80%. The exact rate depends on the specific action, business size, geographic location, and sector. Smaller businesses and less-developed regions receive higher rates.
Implementation duration depends on the specific action. Typically it ranges between 18 and 24 months from the inclusion date. Application preparation requires 2-4 weeks, while evaluation takes 2-6 months.
Eligible expenses include equipment, software, construction works, payroll for new hires, certification costs, consulting services, studies, rent, and marketing expenses. Each action defines specific categories and maximum percentages per category.
In most ESPA actions, expense eligibility begins after electronic submission of the application. Expenses incurred before submission are not recognized, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the call.
Consulting fees are typically an eligible expense within ESPA. ARROW Consulting offers a free initial eligibility assessment. Contact us for a customized quote.
Assess Your ESPA Eligibility
Contact us for a free eligibility assessment and identification of the most suitable ESPA actions for your business.