Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region launches €2 million initiative to boost social enterprises

Under a decision by Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, the regional administration will allocate €2 million through the program “Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2021–2027” to support both existing and newly established social enterprises. The initiative aims to reinforce job creation while ensuring the sustainability of community-focused businesses across the region.

Support for 25 Social Enterprises

Through the initiative “Action ESO4.1.st: Support Measures for Existing and New Social Enterprises in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace”, the region will provide funding and advisory support to 25 social enterprises.

The program is expected to create more than 40 new jobs while safeguarding dozens of existing positions.

Supported enterprises operate across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Manufacturing and food processing
• Tourism
• Cultural initiatives
• Education and training
• Digital economy and information technology
• Healthcare and mental support services
• Social care services

A key feature of the program is its 100% coverage of eligible costs, making the initiative fully grant-funded. Additional direct and indirect expenses will also be covered through a simplified cost mechanism amounting to 40% of eligible wage costs.

The program is co-financed by the European Social Fund, reflecting the European Union’s broader commitment to inclusive economic development.

Special Event in Kavala

The results of the funding call were presented during a special event and press conference held on March 2, 2026, at the “Nikolaos Martis” hall of the Kavala Regional Unit.

The event was organized by Deputy Regional Governor for Development, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Economy Alexandros Iosifidis, and gathered representatives of social enterprises from across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

“KALO is a key pillar of the development policy of our administration and Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis,” Iosifidis said while addressing participants.

“Our goal is growth with a strong social dimension and without exclusions. Through this call, we are not simply supporting social enterprises — we are giving them the real opportunity to become sustainable and expand.”

Focus on Youth, Women and Vulnerable Groups

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen youth and female entrepreneurship, while promoting the employment integration of vulnerable social groups.

According to Iosifidis, social enterprises create opportunities for people in the region to develop their skills and build careers locally by utilizing regional resources in sectors such as agri-food production, tourism and culture.

The program also aims to increase women’s participation in the economy by supporting collective entrepreneurial initiatives led by women.

At the same time, social economy organizations serve as an important mechanism against social exclusion by providing second chances in employment for individuals who are often overlooked by the traditional labor market.

Strengthening Local Development

Panagiotis Koudoumakis, head of the Managing Authority for the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace regional program, emphasized that the administration is committed to working closely with social enterprises.

“Through networking, cooperation and continuous technical support, we can strengthen the potential of social economy organizations and create synergies that deliver tangible results for employment and social cohesion in our region,” he said.

Representatives of social enterprises attending the event highlighted that the initiative offers them a crucial opportunity to expand their activities, overcome financial challenges and contribute to local development.

They also praised the regional administration for launching the program, describing it as a positive step toward the long-term sustainability of social enterprises in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

“No Citizen Left Behind”

The event concluded with a message reflecting the administration’s broader political vision for the region.

“Together we are building a region that creates, produces and cares,” officials said, emphasizing the goal of lower unemployment and greater opportunities for local communities.

Senior regional officials attending the event included Deputy Regional Governor Charalambos Dalkitzis, Deputy Regional Governor for Social Policy Alexandros Panagiotidis, and Deputy Regional Governor for Sports and Employment Stelios Ignatiadis.

Source: Agonas.gr