For Social economy entities in the following eligible regions: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (FR) OR Andalusia (ES) OR Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Campania, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardegna (IT);
This Call is aimed at the selection of existing social enterprises in order to support them in the greening of processes and activities. We aim to enhance their investment readiness, facilitate access to finance, and to foster collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders across various levels (territorial, national, European levels).
Selected participants will embark on a comprehensive journey designed to empower them in the realm of sustainable entrepreneurship. Through tailored training sessions and personalized coaching, they will strengthen their environmental performance and acquire the necessary financial resources to support their investments.
Expected duration of participation
the course will consist of a training, lasting approximately 10 sessions of 4 hours each, provided from September 2024 to January 2025 (1 online/in person session of about 4 hours every 2 weeks). Companies who have attended at least 80% of the training will be invited to apply for a grant, to be used by beneficiaries exclusively to pay dedicated technical assistance services to support their access to finance. The use of the grant is expected to take place from February to July 2025.
Who can apply?
The applicants must be companies already formally established which meet the following eligibility criteria:
- with registered or operational headquarters in the Regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (FR) OR Andalusia (ES) OR Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Campania, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardegna (IT);
- having any legal form suitable for economic activities, including cooperative, limited companies, etc.
- applicants must be an SME (employing less than 250 persons with an annual turnover of up to EUR 50 million, or a balance sheet total of no more than EUR 43 million) as per the EU definition in line with the EU recommendation 2003/361. SMEs self-assessment: SME Questionnaire (europa.eu);
- having already produced and delivered a product or a service, in exchange of financial compensation;
- be considered part of the “social economy” sector: they are capable of generating positive social, territorial and/or environmental impacts; their business model aims at reinvesting most of the profits back into the organisation and/or a social/territorial/environmental cause; they actively seek to incorporate various stakeholders in their decision making.
Project acronym
SOFIGREEN
Full name of the EU funded project
Social Finance for Social Greening
Cascade funding under SMP-COSME-2022-SEE-01
Total funding available: 568 000€
Opening date: 10 May 2024
Deadline for applications: 19 July 2024 13:00 (Brussels time)