As we mentioned last week, the NSFR Competitiveness Program for 2021-2027 announced the announcement of the Digital Transformation of SMEs state aid package. Actions with a total budget of 300,000,000 euros are aimed at closing the backlog of Greek enterprises in the implementation and integration of modern digital technologies in their production activities, as well as meeting the target needs of SMEs depending on their existing digital and technological maturity, as well as their various investment needs .

Today we will present the key elements of Action 2 – Enhanced Digital Transformation of SMEs in accordance with the published notice. The action concerns companies that seek to increase their digital and technological maturity through comprehensive investments in new ICTs that will increase their competitiveness.

Existing medium, small and micro enterprises can apply for equity financing. Eligible business activity categories (eligible business activities) are detailed in the call to action.

The main conditions for the participation of companies applying for financing are as follows:

– Submit a single funding application for each VAT number.

– Be active in Greece and invest exclusively in one category of the region (with the same intensity of assistance).

– Keep simple or double digit books and have at least one (1) full closed administrative form.

– Be active in an eligible investment plan CSD for at least one (1) year, and the investment relates exclusively to an eligible CSD.

– Have at least five (5) full-time or part-time dependents during the calendar year prior to applying for funding.

– Be of a corporate/commercial nature with an appropriate operating license.

– Not be in the stage of bankruptcy, liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings.

– Ensure private participation of at least 25%.

– Investment projects should be in the nature of an initial investment, so work on an investment project should not begin before the application for assistance has been submitted.

– Score at least 80 points on the Invitation Digital Maturity Questionnaire.

– Score at least 50 points on graded criteria that relate to the description of the submitted investment plan, the number of employees (EME) and the digital maturity of the business.

It is noted that co-location of companies is not allowed, so it is not possible to use the equipment and/or software of the supported investment by another company.

As indicated in the published data, the minimum and maximum total supported budget of the funding application is set between 50,000 and 650,000 euros. The maximum duration of completion of the physical and economic facility may not exceed fifteen (15) months from the date of issue of the approval decision.

Assistance rates depend on the size of the business, the category of expenses and the location of the investment plan and do not exceed 50% of the eligible budget.

Key cost categories covered by Action 2 – Enhanced Digital Transformation of SMEs:

– Estimated cost equipment: supply of complex plant or personnel management systems, production automation with robotic systems, CNC machines, 3D printers, 3D scanners, modernization of internal data networks, supply of complex technological systems and mechanical equipment for production systems and equipment Industry 4.0, security systems and equipment (such as space surveillance, cyber defense, etc.), automation systems, robotic systems, digital sensors and controllers, digitally controlled mechanical equipment, advanced digital manufacturing systems, etc.

– Estimated cost applications/software: delivery of advanced business resource and process management applications (e.g. ERP, WMS, EDI, BMPS, etc.), image processing, 3D models and CAD, IoT, large scale analytics data, digital security, customer and supply chain management, artificial intelligence tools, production optimization, service modernization, digital facility management, etc.

– Provision of services related to digital upgrade, with an estimated cost: Technical support for setting up and integrating new systems into the work of SMEs, certification of systems, etc.

The release date of the detailed call to action (February 15, 2023) is defined as the start of cost eligibility.

The full text of the announcement can be found at http://21-27.antagonistikotita.gr/.

Applications are accepted from February 23, 2023 until the budget is exhausted.

* Ms. M. Paspalari is the Managing Director of AMBIO SA.