New funding opportunities for businesses and investors in Imathia are being created by the 1st Call of the LEADER Imathia 2023–2027 Local Programme for Private Actions .
The programme is part of Intervention P3-77-4.1 “Support for Local Development through LEADER (CLLD)” and aims to strengthen local entrepreneurship, create new economic activities and modernise existing businesses.
Eligible investment budgets may reach up to 300.000 euros , while for certain agricultural product processing investments the maximum limit amounts to 400.000 euros .
Application submission opened on 1 October 2026 , with a closing date of 14 January 2027 .
Which areas does LEADER Imathia cover?
The programme applies to the eligible intervention area of Imathia, enabling the development of business activities in areas that meet the geographical conditions of the call.
The built-up areas of the cities of Veria, Naousa and Alexandria are excluded from the application area.
Therefore, the exact location of implementation is a key eligibility criterion and must be checked before preparing the investment proposal.
Which businesses can receive funding?
LEADER Imathia is aimed at different sectors of the local economy, with support opportunities both for existing businesses and for new business activities, depending on the sub-intervention.
The investment categories include:
Processing of agricultural products , for the creation or modernisation of related production units.
Processing for the production of non-agricultural products , in accordance with the eligible activities.
Crafts and handiwork , aimed at the development of local production businesses.
Tourism activities , under the special conditions of the call.
Service-providing businesses , provided they fall within the categories provided for.
Energy and water saving and circular economy investments , in accordance with the terms of the respective sub-interventions.
Eligibility to participate is determined by the NACE code, the activity, the geographical location and the specific terms of each category.
What is the maximum investment amount?
The maximum eligible budget varies depending on the type of investment plan.
For the basic investments included in strengthening the local economy, the budget may amount to up to 300.000 euros .
Specifically for the sub-intervention of processing units producing agricultural products, the maximum eligible budget may reach 400.000 euros .
For intangible actions, a ceiling of 40.000 euros is provided.
Important clarification: The above amounts refer to the maximum eligible budget of the investments and not to the amount of the subsidy that a business will receive. The final public aid is determined by the applicable grant rate and the specific terms of the sub-intervention.
Which expenses can be financed?
The programme can support the creation of new business facilities, the expansion of existing activities and the modernisation of production or operational equipment.
Depending on the category of the investment, potentially eligible expenses include:
Building works, construction and fit-out of business premises.
Purchase and installation of production and mechanical equipment.
Procurement of professional equipment for the operation or modernisation of the business.
Energy upgrading and resource-saving interventions.
Other expenses directly connected with the investment and provided for by the relevant sub-intervention.
The eligibility of each expense is examined on the basis of the subject matter of the investment plan and the specific terms of the call.
What applies to tourism investments?
LEADER Imathia includes support opportunities for business activities in the tourism sector.
However, tourism investments are subject to special conditions and geographical restrictions, especially when they concern the creation of new accommodation units.
Before drawing up a relevant investment proposal, it is necessary to examine the exact installation area, the type of tourism activity and the specific requirements of the corresponding sub-intervention.
Who is entitled to participate?
Beneficiaries may be, depending on the sub-intervention, existing or to-be-established entities, natural or legal persons , who meet the prescribed conditions.
This means that the programme can be used both for the development of an already operating business and for the launch of a new business activity.
Participation, however, is not automatic. Each investment plan is examined in terms of the activity, the NACE code, the area of establishment, the budget and the other eligibility criteria.
When does the application submission deadline expire?
The period for electronic submission of applications has been set as follows:
- Submission opens: 1 October 2026
- Closing date: 14 January 2027
Applications are submitted electronically via the Integrated State Aid Information System (OPSE) , accompanied by the required investment file and the prescribed supporting documents.
Timely preparation is particularly important, as certain investment plans may require technical studies, permits or additional documents.
What are the basic admission conditions?
In order for funding eligibility to be considered, it must be confirmed that the business and the investment plan meet the requirements of the relevant sub-intervention.
Among the key elements assessed are:
The eligible business activity and the corresponding NACE code.
The exact geographical location of implementation.
The subject matter and eligible budget of the investment.
The required licences, approvals and technical conditions.
The ability to cover the required private contribution.
The completeness of the investment file and supporting documents.
Proposals are subject to an evaluation and selection procedure, in accordance with the call criteria.
Why is timely preparation important?
Submitting an investment plan is not limited to completing an online application.
It is first necessary to check eligibility, structure the budget appropriately, gather the supporting documents and organise a complete investment dossier.
Especially where building works, licensing or technical studies are foreseen, preparation may require more time.
Starting the process in good time enables the business to identify any potential outstanding issues and organise its investment proposal more effectively before the deadline.
How can AFS support you?
AFS provides comprehensive support to businesses and investors wishing to take advantage of the funding opportunities of LEADER Imathia 2023–2027, undertaking the process from the initial eligibility check through to the submission of the application and support during the implementation of the investment.
Our support includes:
Checking the eligibility of the business and the investment plan.
Preparation and organisation of the investment file , in accordance with the requirements of the call.
Submission of the funding application via the competent information system.
Monitoring and support during implementation of the investment.
Our aim is for every business to know the funding opportunities available to it and to proceed with proper preparation, an organised investment file and specialised guidance at every stage.
Are you planning a new investment or do you want to develop your business in Imathia?
Do not let a possible funding opportunity go untapped. Contact AFS so that we can examine the possibility of including your investment plan in the programme.
📅 Application deadline: 14 January 2027
Contact us:
- 📞 210 831 7702
- 📧 info@afs.gr
- Or fill in the contact form and the AFS team will contact you.
