New ESPA Action “Start Entrepreneurially” Announced 100% Funding up to €36,000 for Young Graduates
The official call for the “Start Entrepreneurially” Action under the “Competitiveness” Programme (ESPA 2021–2027) has been announced, with a total budget of €70,000,000. The action aims to strengthen self-employment opportunities for higher education graduates and support the development of new entrepreneurial initiatives in key sectors of the economy.
Application Period
Funding applications must be submitted exclusively online through the OPSKE Information System from 06/05/2026 until 30/06/2026 at 15:00.
Key Features & Funding Structure
The programme is implemented through a simplified cost scheme (lump-sum funding) for the first 18 months of operation of the new business, offering a 100% funding rate:
- €13,000 for sole proprietorships (paid in 3 installments: €4,400 during the first semester, €4,300 during the second semester, and €4,300 during the third semester).
- €21,000 for partnerships or multi-shareholder business schemes (paid in 3 equal installments of €7,000 every semester).
- Additional €15,000 (unit cost) for the creation of one (1) new full-time job position (Annual Work Unit – AWU).
As a result, the total grant amount may reach up to €36,000 per business plan.
Eligibility Criteria & Evaluation
Eligible beneficiaries are higher education graduates who intend to operate in an independent professional workspace and within eligible business activity codes (KADs).
Applications will be evaluated competitively, based on social, income, and geographical criteria. The budget allocation is divided into:
€55 million for Less Developed Regions
€15 million for Transition Regions (Attica and South Aegean)
About Entec Consultants
As the evaluation process is competitive and the submission period ends on June 30th, timely and accurate preparation of the application file in OPSKE is crucial.
The experienced consulting team of Entec Consultants, with extensive expertise in the successful management of development programmes (ESPA, Development Law, Recovery Fund), undertakes the complete eligibility assessment, scoring process, and submission of your proposal.
For more information and a preliminary evaluation, contact us today.