NSRF Epirus New Opportunity: Subsidy of up to 100% and €60,000 for a New Business
Funding for unemployed people and employees in part-time, rotational, or seasonal employment who plan to establish a new business in the Region of Epirus.
The NSRF Epirus “New Opportunity” program funds unemployed people and employees in part-time, rotational, or seasonal employment to establish a new micro-enterprise in Epirus. The investment plan may reach up to €50,000 or up to €60,000 for a collaborative business scheme.
The action applies exclusively to businesses under formation. The application is submitted before the commencement of business activity and is evaluated comparatively against the other applications within the same Sub-action.
Region of Epirus
Unemployed people and specific categories of employees
New micro-enterprise under formation
€10,000 to €50,000
Up to €60,000
Electronically through OPSKE
New Opportunity Epirus: Support for Unemployed People and Employees Starting a Business Activity
“New Opportunity: Support for unemployed people and part-time employees to start a business activity in Epirus” is an action under the Epirus 2021–2027 Program. Its objective is to help individuals create a sustainable business activity and transition from unemployment or limited employment to self-employment.
The aid is not a fixed amount paid without supporting documents. It finances specific eligible expenses of the business plan, such as equipment, software, a website, professional services, promotion, and social insurance contributions.
The business must be under formation
The new business must not have commenced operations before the final online submission of the funding application. The legal form, Activity Codes, place of establishment, and ownership structure must be planned before registering the business with the tax authority.
NSRF Epirus for a New Business with a Subsidy of up to €60,000
The program funds investment plans from €10,000 to €50,000. When the new business is created by a collaborative scheme of eligible beneficiaries, the budget may reach up to €60,000.
| Type of investment plan | Minimum budget | Maximum budget |
|---|---|---|
| Individual beneficiary | €10,000 | €50,000 |
| Collaborative scheme | €10,000 | €60,000 |
When the subsidy reaches up to 100%
The funding rate varies by Sub-action and expense category. Most investment expenses are funded at a rate of up to 90% under Sub-action 1 and up to 80% under Sub-action 2. Specific expenses, such as the beneficiary’s eligible social insurance contributions, may be funded at up to 100%.
| Category | Sub-action 1 | Sub-action 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic aid intensity for investment expenses | Up to 90% | Up to 80% |
| Eligible social insurance contributions | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Private contribution | Depending on the expenses | Depending on the expenses |
Sub-action 1 and Sub-action 2 in the NSRF Epirus New Opportunity Program
The program is divided into two different Sub-actions. The applicant cannot choose freely. The applicable Sub-action is determined by the place of establishment, the business activity, and the specific requirements of each Sub-action.
Sub-action 1 – ITI/OXE Areas
This concerns the establishment of new businesses in areas that participate in the Integrated Territorial Investment Strategy of Epirus.
The basic funding intensity for most eligible expenses may reach up to 90%.
Sub-action 2 – Rest of Epirus
This concerns the establishment of new businesses within the regional dimension of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy.
The basic funding intensity for most eligible expenses may reach up to 80%.
| Element | Sub-action 1 | Sub-action 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical scope | Specific ITI areas | Rest of the Region of Epirus |
| Basic aid rate | Up to 90% | Up to 80% |
| Social insurance contributions | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Activity check | Check of ineligible Activity Codes | Check of eligible Activity Codes |
| Strategic connection | ITI Strategy | Regional dimension of the Smart Specialisation Strategy |
| Evaluation | Separate ranking | Separate ranking |
Who Is Eligible for the New Opportunity Program for Unemployed People and Part-Time Employees
Beneficiaries are individuals who belong to a specific category of unemployed people or employees and will establish a new micro-enterprise in the Region of Epirus.
Main categories of beneficiaries
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1
Registered DYPA unemployed persons
They must retain their status as registered unemployed persons on the application submission date.
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2
Part-time employees
This includes employees who meet the specific requirements of the call.
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3
Employees in rotational employment
The form of the employment relationship must be proven by official employment records.
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4
Seasonal employees
Their status is assessed according to the critical date specified in the call.
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5
Collaborating beneficiaries
Two or more eligible persons may create a collaborative business scheme.
What else is checked
- Individual and family income
- The applicant’s age
- Previous business activity
- Participation in another existing business
- Previous funding for starting a business
- Receipt of an old-age pension
- The business’s place of establishment
- Eligibility of the Activity Code
- The relevance of studies or experience to the activity
Subsidy of up to 100% for Starting a New Business in Epirus
Public funding is calculated on the eligible expenses of the business plan. The remaining amount constitutes the private contribution and is covered by own funds or, optionally, bank financing.
| Example | Eligible budget | Rate | Indicative grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-action 2 business | €20,000 | 80% | €16,000 |
| Sub-action 1 business | €30,000 | 90% | €27,000 |
| Sub-action 1 business | €50,000 | 90% | €45,000 |
| Collaborative scheme | €60,000 | By expense category | Calculated in detail |
The private contribution must be realistic
The beneficiary must be able to cover the portion of the budget that is not funded, as well as any ineligible expenses and cash-flow requirements until the grant is disbursed.
Eligible Expenses and Eligible Activity Codes for a New Business in Epirus
Eligible expenses must be necessary for the operation of the new business, be directly connected to the declared Activity Code, and be documented in the business plan.
Equipment and installation
- Machinery and production equipment
- Professional tools
- Computers
- Furniture and operational equipment
- Customer service equipment
Digital presence
- Professional website
- Online store
- Software and digital applications
- Customer management systems
- Digital operational tools
Services and promotion
- Corporate identity
- Logo design
- Promotional material
- Professional services
- Investment support services
Operational needs
- Eligible social insurance contributions
- Expenses related to operations
- Other categories permitted by the call
Different Bussiness Activity Code (KAD) checks for each Sub-action
Sub-action 1 applies a list of ineligible activities, while Sub-action 2 applies a specific list of eligible Activity Codes. For this reason, the assessment should not be based only on a general description of the business idea.
Scoring Criteria and Approval Requirements in the NSRF New Opportunity Program
The evaluation is comparative. This means that eligible applications are scored and ranked in relation to the other proposals within the same Sub-action.
Eligibility allows an application to be evaluated. Final approval depends on the score, the available public expenditure, and the proposal’s position in the ranking.
Key factors affecting the score
- Income: The applicant’s declared income carries significant weight.
- Age: The age category may provide additional points.
- Female entrepreneurship: The participation of a female beneficiary may be scored positively.
- Studies and professional experience: Their relevance to the new activity is assessed.
- Collaborative scheme: Cooperation between eligible beneficiaries may strengthen the proposal.
- Business Plan: Clarity, supporting evidence, and viability are assessed.
- Budget: Expenses must be necessary, reasonable, and documented.
What the Business Plan must demonstrate
- That there is genuine demand for the product or service
- That the applicant can carry out the activity
- That the budget is realistic
- That revenue and expense forecasts are included
- That the business can continue after the subsidy
- That the main business risks have been identified
OPSKE Application for the Epirus New Opportunity Program
The application is submitted electronically through the Integrated State Aid Information System – OPSKE. The process is not limited to completing a simple electronic form.
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1
Beneficiary eligibility check The applicant’s unemployed or employee status and key personal restrictions are verified.
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2
Sub-action selection It is determined whether the investment belongs to Sub-action 1 or Sub-action 2.
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3
Area and KAD check The registered office, place of implementation, and exact eligible KAD are identified.
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4
Budget planning Expenses are organized by category and aid rate.
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5
Business plan preparation The market, competition, sales, financial data, and viability are documented.
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6
Collection of supporting documents All mandatory documents are checked before final submission.
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7
Electronic submission through OPSKE The application is finalized within the program deadline.
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8
Commencement and implementation Following submission, the business commences operations, the project is implemented, and verification requests are submitted.
NSRF Consultant for a New Business in Epirus – Support from MegaProfit
MegaProfit undertakes the complete preparation and monitoring of the investment plan, from the initial assessment through completion and final disbursement.
Before the application
- Eligibility assessment
- Selection of the correct Sub-action
- Activity Code and area check
- Score estimation
- Budget planning
- Private contribution assessment
From submission to payment
- Business Plan preparation
- Supporting document review
- Submission through OPSKE
- Support during evaluation
- Investment plan amendments
- Verification and disbursement requests
Author and scientific editor
Panagiotis Grafakos
Economist · Class A Accountant · Business and Investment
Consultant · Digital Marketer and SEO Strategist.
With more than 30 years of professional experience, he supports unemployed people, new professionals, and businesses in the planning, submission, and implementation of investment programs.
Last updated: 26/07/2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NSRF Epirus New Opportunity Program
What is the NSRF “New Opportunity” program in Epirus?
It is a program under NSRF Epirus 2021–2027 that funds unemployed people and employees in part-time, rotational, or seasonal employment so they can establish a new micro-enterprise in the Region of Epirus.
How much is the subsidy for a new business in Epirus?
The investment plan may range from €10,000 to €50,000. For a collaborative scheme, the budget may reach up to €60,000.
When does the subsidy reach up to 100%?
The 100% rate applies to specific expense categories, such as eligible social insurance contributions. Most investment expenses are funded at up to 90% under Sub-action 1 and up to 80% under Sub-action 2.
What is the difference between Sub-action 1 and Sub-action 2?
Sub-action 1 concerns specific areas covered by the ITI Strategy, while Sub-action 2 concerns the rest of the Region of Epirus and is linked to the regional dimension of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy.
Can a person registered as unemployed with DYPA participate?
Yes. The applicant must be registered in DYPA’s Register of Unemployed Persons on the application submission date and must meet the remaining requirements of the call.
Can a part-time employee participate?
Yes, provided that the person had the required form of employment on the critical date specified in the call and meets the personal, income, and business-related conditions.
Must the business have already commenced operations?
No. The program concerns businesses under formation. The business activity commences after final submission of the application, in accordance with the terms of the call.
Which Activity Codes are eligible under the New Opportunity program?
The check differs by Sub-action. Under Sub-action 1, the list of ineligible Activity Codes is examined, while under Sub-action 2 a specific list of eligible Activity Codes applies.
How is the application score calculated?
The score is affected by factors such as income, age, female entrepreneurship, the relevance of studies or experience to the activity, the collaborative scheme, and the quality of the Business Plan.
When is the application deadline?
The submission deadline is September 9, 2026, at 15:00, unless a newer official amendment is published.
How is the application submitted through OPSKE?
The application is submitted electronically through OPSKE together with the business plan, budget, and all mandatory supporting documents. After finalization, there must be no material omissions.
