The future of businesses is inextricably linked to sustainability, and companies should take an active role in shaping it to secure long-term success.

Priority for attracting private financing will be allocated to demonstrative business solutions that offer clear environmental and/or climate benefits. They could focus on various sustainable practices such as waste management, circular production models, resource efficiency, etc.

Here is the key:

The Sustainability Transition programme for Agile and Green Enterprises – STAGE – has announced a new funding opportunity for industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) keen to boost their green transformation and attract investments.

Funded by the European Commission, the third Open Call under the STAGE Financial Grant Programme is launched for applicants across the EU and associated members to the Horizon Europe Programme. It is designed to support their sustainability transition with up to €50,000 in two different funding stages.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2024 (17:00 CET).

Beneficiaries will be able to utilize these funds for:

  • Preparation of an investment project plan.
  • Additional services needed for the investment plan preparation (e.g. feasibility study; technology audit; due diligence analysis; prototyping, etc.)

Important: Funding should be spent on services provided by Sustainability and Financial Advisors, registered on the STAGE Network.

That is why advisors can also benefit from the Open Grant Call and receive payment by the beneficiaries for the expert services they provide! All they need to do is register on the platform and join the STAGE Ecosystem.

How to Apply

The process is similar to previous calls. Companies are required to join the STAGE network under the recruitment call for enterprises and complete the Initial Assessment.

After that they need to match with a Sustainability Advisor, visit the Applications section of the STAGE Platform and follow the instructions to apply.

Here you can download a short guidance with the main steps of the STAGE journey that we have designed to help you during the process.

More information about the STAGE Programme can also be found on: www.stagepartners.eu

The STAGE team also offers extensive support via email, informational sessions, hands-on guidance, and feedback.

Source: STAGE Programme