Green Assist call for proposals to support sustainable projects by European SMEs

With the support of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), CINEA has launched a new call for proposals. It is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in receiving advice to develop, accelerate, or improve their green investment projects.

The call has a budget of €3 million. It is implemented within the framework of the Green Assist program, an EU-funded advisory service provided under InvestEU and financed by the LIFE program.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this call is to empower SMEs to prepare financially viable green or more sustainable investment projects across a wide range of sectors.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Any legal entity that meets the following criteria:

• Established in the EU-27 or in a third country associated with the LIFE program (i.e., Ukraine, Moldova, Iceland, North Macedonia, Montenegro).
• It meets the EU definition of an SME: it is engaged in an economic activity; it has fewer than 250 employees; its annual turnover is ≤ €50 million or its balance sheet total is ≤ €43 million.
• It has a valid VAT or registration number.
• It is not in financial difficulty and is not excluded from EU funding.
• It is not currently receiving a LIFE Programme grant.

REQUIREMENTS

Projects must:

• Offer a clear environmental benefit.
• Fall within the investment areas supported by Green Assist: natural capital, biodiversity, circular economy and bioeconomy, adaptation to climate change and natural hazards, sustainable spatial design, environmental remediation (air, water, and soil), and greening of non-environmental sectors (e.g., industry, agriculture, forestry, blue economy).
• Have a minimum investment value of €1 million.

BENEFITS

Green Assist offers free, personalized expert advisory services, including:

• Business model development and market analysis
• Financing strategies
• Environmental validation
• Monitoring, reporting, and verification
• Support in regulatory compliance, governance, and technical compliance.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 18, 2026.