The submission of applications for businesses in the Islands of Attica has started, through the LEADER 2023–2027 programme, following the publication of the 1st Call for Private Actions.
The programme concerns existing as well as businesses under establishment and provides for the financing of investment plans with a subsidy rate that may reach up to 80% and an eligible budget of up to €400,000, depending on the category of the investment.
Applications began on 20 October 2026 and end on 10 February 2027, at 15:00, through the Integrated State Aid Information System (OPSE).
Which areas does LEADER Islands of Attica concern?
The programme implementation area includes:
Agkistri, Aegina, Kythera – Antikythera, Poros, Troizinia – Methana, Salamina, Spetses and Hydra.
A basic condition is that the investment is implemented within the eligible implementation area, while the more specific terms of the sub-intervention under which each investment plan is included must also be met.
Particular attention is required for investments in the establishment of new tourist accommodation, as special geographical restrictions and conditions are provided that do not apply uniformly to all areas.
Which businesses can receive funding?
LEADER Islands of Attica 2026 covers a wide range of business activities and can finance both the creation of new businesses and the expansion or modernisation of existing ones.
The main categories include investments in the sectors:
- tourism and catering,
- the processing of agricultural products,
- the processing of non-agricultural products,
- crafts and handicrafts,
- other productive activities,
- the provision of services,
- as well as energy upgrading, energy and water saving, the circular economy and bioeconomy.
The eligibility of each business will depend on its activity, the corresponding activity code (KAD), the implementation area of the investment and the special terms provided for in the final call.
How much is the subsidy under LEADER Islands of Attica?
The amount of the subsidy and the maximum eligible budget vary depending on the type of investment.
Investment category Eligible budget up to Subsidy up to
Processing of agricultural products
400.000€
65%–80%
Processing of non-agricultural products 300.000€ 65%–80%
Craft industry – handicrafts – other production activities 300.000€ 60%
Tourism – catering 300.000€ 60%
Provision of services 300.000€ 60%
Energy upgrade – water saving – circular economy 300.000€ 80%
The increased aid rates of up to 80% for processing categories concern specific investment cases in Kythera and Antikythera, in accordance with the special terms of the call.
What expenses can the funding cover?
Depending on the category and sub-intervention under which the investment plan falls, the funding may cover expenses related to the establishment, expansion, modernisation or relocation of a business.
Indicatively, these may include:
- building works and fit-out of business premises,
- purchase and installation of production or mechanical equipment,
- procurement of other professional equipment,
- energy upgrade interventions,
- investments in energy and water saving,
- interventions related to the circular economy and the sustainable operation of the business.
Digital equipment, software and information systems.
Quality certifications and related services.
Technical studies, licensing and consultancy services.
Eligible promotional and advertising actions
Eligible expenses are subject to specific restrictions and maximum limits per category, and must be necessary and directly linked to the investment plan.
What applies to tourism investments?
A significant distinction of the call concerns the establishment of new tourist accommodation.
The possibility of funding does not apply indiscriminately to all areas of implementation of the programme, as special geographical restrictions are provided for.
For example, Aegina is not included in the areas provided for the establishment of new tourist accommodation, while different conditions apply to the modernisation of existing tourism businesses.
At the same time, eligibility depends on the category of the accommodation, the required specifications, the capacity and the licensing requirements provided for.
For this reason, each tourism investment requires an individual assessment before the application is prepared.
Why is timely application preparation important?
The possibility of participating in a LEADER programme does not automatically mean approval of funding.
Investment proposals are assessed and scored on the basis of specific criteria. For this reason, the maturity of the investment plan, the correct structuring of the budget and the timely collection of the required information can materially affect the progress of an application.
Before the publication of the final call, the eligibility of the business and the NACE code, the area and site of implementation, the structure of the investment, any licensing needs, the private contribution and the overall readiness of the investment plan can already be assessed.
Timely preparation contributes to the complete and substantiated submission of the application within the prescribed deadline.
Until when are applications submitted for LEADER Islands of Attica?
Opening of submissions: 20 October 2026, 13:00.
Closing date: 10 February 2027, 15:00.
Timely preparation is particularly important, as the gathering of supporting documents, the drafting of the required studies and the substantiation of the investment plan may take considerable time.
AFS undertakes your application for LEADER Islands of Attica
AFS – Athens Financial Services undertakes the entire process for businesses and investors wishing to make use of LEADER Islands of Attica.
Our support includes the initial eligibility check of the business and the investment, the assessment of the investment plan, the organisation and preparation of the required file, as well as the preparation and submission of the funding application.
At the same time, AFS can support the business at the subsequent stages too, by monitoring the investment and the requirements associated with the implementation of the approved plan.
Applications for LEADER Islands of Attica have already started and the deadline ends on 10 February 2027. Do not leave the preparation of your investment until the last minute.
Contact us immediately:
📞210 831 7702 ✉️ info@afs.gr
Or fill in the contact form and the AFS team will contact you:
