New funding opportunities for businesses in Karditsa and Thessaliotida are offered by the Local LEADER Programme of Karditsa – Thessaliotida 2023–2027, through the 1st Call for private investment, training and cooperation.
The programme is implemented by Karditsa Development Company (AN. KA. A.E.) , within the framework of Intervention P3-77-4.1 “Support for Local Development through LEADER (CLLD)”, with the aim of strengthening entrepreneurship, productive activity and sustainable local development.
The call has a total public expenditure of 2.954.400 euros , while the aid rates are determined according to the sub-intervention. Different grant rates are provided for basic business investments, while higher rates apply to specific actions.
The closing date for submission of applications is 15 December 2026, at 15:00.
Which areas does LEADER Karditsa – Thessaliotida cover?
The programme applies to the whole of the Regional Unit of Karditsa , with the exception of the area within the approved town plan of the Municipal Community of Karditsa.
In addition, it covers the Municipal Unit of Thessaliotida of the Municipality of Domokos .
The intervention area includes areas of the Municipalities of Karditsa, Palamas, Sofades, Mouzaki, Lake Plastira and Argithea, in accordance with the geographical boundaries of the call.
Before preparing an investment proposal, it is necessary to confirm that the exact implementation location is within the eligible area.
Which businesses can receive funding?
LEADER Karditsa – Thessaliotida 2026 includes different categories of investments that can contribute to the development and modernisation of the local economy.
The main categories include:
Processing of agricultural products , for the creation or modernisation of production units.
Processing of non-agricultural products , in accordance with the activities provided for.
Forestry sector , for eligible investments in related units.
Craft industry and handicrafts , as well as the production of goods after primary processing.
Tourism businesses , subject to the special conditions of the call.
Service-providing businesses , depending on the activity and the sub-intervention.
Investments in energy and water saving, bioeconomy and circular economy .
Eligibility is assessed on the basis of the NACE code, the activity, the implementation area and the specific conditions of each sub-intervention.
What are the subsidy rates?
The aid rates of the programme vary according to the type of investment, the size of the business, the implementation area and the aid regime applied.
Indicatively:
65% for investments in the processing of agricultural products, processing of non-agricultural products and units in the forestry sector.
60% or 65% , depending on the case, for specific investments in craft industry, handicrafts and the production of goods after primary processing.
Up to 80% for eligible investments in energy and water saving, bioeconomy and circular economy.
90%–100% for certain cooperation actions and 100% for training actions provided for.
Important: The 90% and 100% rates do not constitute a general subsidy rate for the creation or modernisation of a business. They relate to specific sub-interventions with a different subject matter and conditions.
The exact aid rate of each business investment is determined after checking the relevant sub-intervention.
What is the maximum investment amount?
The maximum eligible budget varies depending on the category of investment.
For the main investments aimed at strengthening the local economy, the eligible budget may reach up to 300.000 euros .
Specifically for the processing of agricultural products, an eligible budget of up to 400.000 euros is provided for .
For intangible actions, the maximum eligible budget is up to 20.000 euros .
The above amounts concern the size of the eligible investment plan and not the amount of the subsidy that the business will receive.
Public aid is calculated in accordance with the applicable grant rate and the finally eligible expenditure.
What expenditure is funded by LEADER Karditsa?
The programme may support investments for the establishment of new businesses, the expansion of existing activities and the modernisation of production and professional premises.
Depending on the sub-intervention, potentially eligible expenditure includes:
Building works , construction and fitting out of professional premises.
Purchase and installation of production and machinery equipment .
Procurement of other professional equipment.
Energy upgrading and water-saving interventions.
Studies and other provided-for services linked to the investment.
Other expenditure permitted by the respective sub-intervention.
The eligibility of each expense is assessed in accordance with the detailed terms of the call.
How is the available funding allocated?
Of the total public expenditure of 2.954.400 euros , specific amounts are directed to different categories of investment.
For the main business activities, the following are provided:
842.400 € for processing units producing agricultural products.
572.000 € for processing units producing non-agricultural products.
143.000 € for units in the forestry sector.
429.000 € for craft industry, handicrafts and the production of goods after primary processing.
364.000 € for tourism sector businesses.
208.000 € for service-providing businesses.
200.000 € for energy and water saving, bioeconomy and circular economy.
The call also includes available resources for training and cooperation actions.
Clarification: These amounts constitute allocations of public expenditure per sub-intervention and not the maximum subsidy amount that an individual business may receive.
What applies to tourism investments?
LEADER Karditsa – Thessaliotida includes a special sub-intervention for funding tourism sector businesses.
However, tourism investments are subject to specific geographical and operational restrictions.
The establishment of new tourism accommodation units is provided for only in mountainous areas , in accordance with the terms of the Local Programme.
Therefore, before preparing a tourism investment, a check of the exact location, the proposed activity and the specific eligibility conditions is required.
Who can participate?
Depending on the sub-intervention, beneficiaries may be natural persons, existing or to be established legal entities and eligible private bodies .
The programme may therefore be used both for the creation of new business activities and for the development and modernisation of existing businesses.
The possibility of participation depends on the specific terms of the call and the characteristics of each investment project.
What are the basic participation conditions?
For an investment to be included, the eligibility criteria of the beneficiary and the investment plan must be met.
Among the key elements examined are:
The business activity and the enterprise’s NACE code.
The exact area where the investment will be implemented.
The subject matter and the eligible budget.
The required permits, approvals and technical studies.
The ability to cover the private contribution.
The completeness of the investment file and supporting documents.
Investment proposals are assessed in accordance with the criteria of the call, while submitting an application does not automatically entail approval of funding.
When does the application submission deadline expire?
The electronic submission of applications for LEADER Karditsa – Thessaliotida 2026 takes place during the following period:
- Submission opens: 15 September 2026, 13:00
- Closing date: 15 December 2026, 15:00
Applications are submitted electronically via the Integrated State Aid Information System (OPSE) , accompanied by the required supporting documents and information for the investment plan.
Timely preparation is essential , especially when technical studies, licensing or additional documents are required.
Why is timely preparation important?
Submitting an investment proposal under LEADER requires more than completing an electronic application.
The initial eligibility check, the correct formulation of the budget, the gathering of the required supporting documents and the organisation of the investment file are essential stages of the process.
Particularly for investments that include building works, mechanical equipment or required licensing, preparation should begin well before the closing date.
Proper organisation helps the business identify possible outstanding issues in good time and proceed with a complete submission.
AFS HANDLES YOUR APPLICATION!
AFS – Athens Financial Services provides comprehensive support to businesses and investors wishing to take advantage of the funding opportunities of LEADER Karditsa – Thessaliotida 2023–2027 , taking over the process from the initial eligibility check through to the submission of the application and support during 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 Karditsa or Thessaliotida?
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 closing date: 15 December 2026, 15:00.
Contact us:
- 📞 210 831 7702
- 📧 info@afs.gr
- 🌐 www.afs.gr (the original link needs verification)
- 🌐 www.afs.gr
- Or fill in the contact form and the AFS team will contact you.
