The platform for submitting electronic funding applications opened on Wednesday (18/02) at 1:00 PM for the new initiative “Integrated program to support new entrepreneurship for unemployed individuals aged 18–29, with emphasis on women and the digital & green economy.” The application deadline is until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
Read: 279 permanent hires coming to OPEKA, e-EFKA and DYPA
Kerameos: “Unemployment in our country has reached 7.5%”
It should be noted that the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, stated: “Unemployment in our country has reached 7.5%. This is the second-lowest unemployment rate in Greece’s history, and we haven’t been at 7.5% for 18 years. However, there are certain sectors where there is room for improvement, such as youth and women.
In this direction, we are launching through the Ministry of Labor, via DYPA, a program to support new entrepreneurship for unemployed individuals aged 18-29, with emphasis on women and the digital and green economy. Women often face more barriers in accessing the labor market.
That’s why we work systematically to create an environment of equal opportunities that will encourage initiative and support effort. Our goal is to provide incentives, reduce obstacles, and strengthen women’s employment”.
Program objectives
The program aims to encourage self-employment through the creation of new small and medium-sized enterprises by 2,114 unemployed individuals, aged 18-29, who are not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).
Special emphasis is placed on:
Supporting women’s entrepreneurship
Developing activities that fall within the digital economy
Strengthening business plans that contribute to the green economy
Budget
The initiative is implemented throughout Greece and is co-financed by:
The Greek State
The European Social Fund (ESF+)
within the framework of the “Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021–2027” Program.
The total public expenditure amounts to €37,000,000.
Who are the beneficiaries
Beneficiaries are registered unemployed individuals in DYPA’s digital registry, aged 18 to 29, who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs).
Applications and business plans are submitted through OPSKE: https://app.opske.gr/
Grant amount & payment
The grant amounts to €17,500 and is paid in three installments:
1st installment: €4,700 upon business launch
2nd installment: €6,400 after the first semester ends
3rd installment: €6,400 after the second semester ends
The grant duration is 12 months from the business launch date.
Information
The process and evaluation criteria are described in detail in the Public Call:
