Programs for New Businesses in Greece 2025 – The Ultimate Guide

Discover all the funding programs for new businesses in Greece in 2025, with guides, criteria, amounts, and practical tools for a successful application.

Key Funding Programs for New Businesses in Greece (2025)

What is a new business funding program?

A new business funding program is any organized initiative that provides financial support to individuals or groups to establish or develop a business. It is usually implemented by state or European bodies (such as NSRF, DYPA), as well as private initiatives (funds, incubators). These programs cover part or all of the costs of establishment, equipment, or operation.

A new business funding program is any organized initiative that provides financial support to individuals or groups to establish or develop a business. It is usually implemented by state or European bodies (such as NSRF, DYPA), as well as by private initiatives (funds, incubators). These programs cover part or all of the costs of establishment, equipment, or operation.

1.2 The Main Programs

What Are the Main Programs for New Businesses in Greece in 2025?

The most important funding programs for new businesses in 2025 are:

• NSRF for New Businesses – See more

• DYPA (formerly OAED) – Subsidy €14,800 & €17,000 – Read in detail

• Leader & Regional Programs – More here

• TEPIX III (Entrepreneurship Fund) – Details

• Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) – See information

• Private funds, incubators, accelerators – See types

• Angel investors/startup competitions – More

NSRF for New Businesses

The NSRF provides a subsidy of up to €100,000 covering up to 70% for new businesses that meet specific eligibility criteria (legal form, NACE code, age, location, etc.). The program covers expenses such as equipment, salaries, rent, promotion, and more.

DYPA €14,800/€17,000

The DYPA program targets unemployed individuals who want to start their own business, offering funding up to €14,800 (for unemployed aged 18–29) and up to €17,000 (for unemployed aged 30–55). It covers expenses for establishment, equipment, and initial operating costs.

Leader / Regional Programs

LEADER and Regional programs are announced by local Development Agencies. They focus on agricultural entrepreneurship and local development, offering subsidies for equipment, infrastructure, innovation, and new job creation.

TEPIX III

The Entrepreneurship Fund (TEPIX III) offers favorable loans for new and innovative businesses, with low interest rates and grace periods. It is suitable for large investments or scaling.

HDB, Private Funds, Incubators

The Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) and various private funds support new businesses with loans, guarantees, mentoring, or equity. Incubators and accelerators provide access to funding, expertise, and networking opportunities.

Angel Investors / Startup Competitions

Angel investors and startup competitions provide seed funding and access to specialized networking for startups with innovative projects. Ideal for early-stage startups.

1.5 Internal Links

• More about NSRF for New Businesses

• Complete Guide for DYPA €14,800/€17,000

• How to find Leader & Regional Programs

• All about Startup Competitions & Angel Investors

Eligibility Criteria for New Business Programs in Greece

The basic eligibility criteria for new business programs in Greece include: age or status (e.g., unemployed, young, woman), legal establishment of the business, eligible NACE codes, no debts to the Public Sector/EFKA, and no previous receipt of similar subsidies. Each program may specify additional special criteria.

What Are Eligibility Criteria?

Eligibility criteria are the basic conditions that a candidate must meet to apply for a funding program. They include: age, status (unemployed, young, woman), legal form of the business, eligible NACE codes, and geographic location.

Comparison of Criteria by Program

Examples (Eligible & Ineligible)

NSRF for New Businesses

• Eligible: Newly established LLC with eligible NACE code, based in Greece, without previous subsidy.

• Ineligible: Company with overdue debts or with NACE code outside the program scope.

DYPA

• Eligible: 29-year-old unemployed with unemployment card starting a sole proprietorship.

• Ineligible: Active entrepreneur without the right to register as unemployed.

Leader/Regional

• Eligible: Farmer operating in an integrated area.

• Ineligible: Large company outside the agricultural sector.

TEPIX III

• Eligible: Startup with a sustainability plan.

• Ineligible: Company with negative equity.

Checklist: Do You Meet the Criteria?

• I am over 18 years old (or within the age limit)

• I have or intend to establish a legal business

• My NACE code is eligible

• I have no debts to the Public Sector/EFKA

• I have not received any other state subsidy for the same purpose

• I am unemployed/young/woman (if required)

• My business location is in an eligible geographic area

FAQ

Who can receive NSRF funding for a new business?
Usually young entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs with eligible NACE codes, who have not already received funding and meet the specific criteria of the action.

Do I need to be unemployed to receive a subsidy?
Only in programs like DYPA. In most NSRF programs, it is not necessary.

Can I participate if I already have a business?
In some programs it is allowed, provided the business is newly established and meets the criteria.

• Check again the NACE code and the deadlines of the call.

• Do not start your business before the announcement is issued if required.

• Maintain a clean record (tax and social security).

• Request a free evaluation if you have doubts.