STARTING A BUSINESS (NSRF 2026 Grant Programme for Higher Education Graduates)

Applications for the “Starting a Business” programme open on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. This new NSRF (ESPA) funding initiative supports higher education graduates in establishing their own businesses.

The programme offers NON-REPAYABLE grants to businesses under establishment and newly established businesses whose founders obtained their first higher education degree (university/TEI) after 1 January 2016.

Eligible Business Categories

A) Businesses Under Establishment

Businesses that will be established after submitting the funding application and no later than 365 days following approval under the programme.

B) Newly Established Businesses

Businesses that have already been established on or after 1 January 2025.

Funding Details

The programme has a total budget of €70,000,000.

The funding period is 18 months, with grants ranging from €13,000 to €36,000, paid in three instalments.

Sole Proprietorships

The grant amounts to €13,000, with an additional €15,000 available if employees are hired.

Companies / Multi-Shareholder Businesses

The grant amounts to €21,000, with an additional €15,000 available if employees are hired.

Payment Schedule

• 1st instalment: €4,400 for sole proprietorships or €7,000 for companies, following completion of the first six months of business operation.
• 2nd instalment: €4,300 for sole proprietorships or €7,000 for companies, following completion of the second six months.
• 3rd instalment: €4,400 for sole proprietorships or €7,000 for companies, following completion of the third six months.

Important: Beneficiaries may choose a 12-month implementation period instead of 18 months. However, the grant is reduced from €13,000 to €8,700 for sole proprietorships and from €21,000 to €14,000 for companies.

Application Dates

• Applications Open: 6 May 2026
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Eligibility Requirements

You may participate in the programme if you meet the following requirements when submitting your application:

• Your business must operate exclusively under eligible Activity Codes (KAD).
• Your first higher education degree (university/TEI) must have been obtained after 1 January 2016.
• Your business must operate from an independent professional premises.
• Your personal income for the latest tax year must not exceed €30,000, or €75,000 if you are a dependent family member.
• For newly established businesses, registration with the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) must have taken place on or after 1 January 2025.
• You must not be employed as a salaried employee, either by your own business or by another employer, throughout the programme’s duration. You must also not receive an old-age pension.
• You may submit only one funding application, either individually or as a member of a legal entity.
• Your business must operate under one of the following legal structures:
  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Société Anonyme (SA / AE)
  • General Partnership (OE)
  • General Partners in Limited Partnerships (EE)
  • Limited Liability Company (EPE)
  • Private Company (IKE)
  • Civil Cooperatives
• Your business must not share premises with another business and must not operate as a franchise.

Application Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated through a competitive selection process.

Businesses receiving the highest evaluation scores will be approved for funding.

We Handle the Entire Application Process

Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the application process, including:

• Free preliminary eligibility assessment to estimate your application score before submission.
• Collection and preparation of all required supporting documents.
• Accurate and complete electronic submission of your funding application.

Complete the form below and don’t miss this funding opportunity!