Just Transition: start-up grants for unemployed people in lignite areas and small islands (planned, DYPA)
ESPA (NSRF) 2021-2027 · Just Transition Programme (Just Transition Fund) – DYPA action
Δημόσια Υπηρεσία Απασχόλησης – ΔΥΠΑ, Υπουργείο Εργασίας και Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης (Public Employment Service DYPA, Ministry of Labour and Social Security) · χρηματοδότηση ΕΥΔΑΜ
In plain words
A new programme will fund 1,000 unemployed people to start their own business in Western Macedonia, the Megalopolis area and small islands, with priority for 18–29 year-olds and women. DYPA has not opened applications yet and the amount per person is not announced.
Who can apply
Unemployed people aged 18+ registered with DYPA, in the mainland Just Transition areas (Western Macedonia, Megalopolis and neighbouring municipalities) and small islands of the North/South Aegean and Crete with fewer than 3,100 residents. Priority for 18–29 year-olds and women.
What it pays for
A grant to start a new business or become self-employed. The amount and payment schedule will be set in DYPA's public call (€17.9m in total for 1,000 people).
What must be true for you
Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.
- Registered as unemployed with DYPA
- Link to the eligible areas (mainland Just Transition areas or small islands under 3,100 residents)
- All other rules will be set in the public call
How to apply
- Register or renew your registration as unemployed with DYPA
- Watch dypa.gov.gr and eydam.gr for the public call
- Prepare a simple description of your business idea and costs now
- When it opens, apply as the call says (DYPA's similar national start-up schemes were submitted in OPSKE)
Where to apply: Θα οριστεί στη δημόσια πρόσκληση της ΔΥΠΑ (dypa.gov.gr)
Deadline
DYPA has not yet issued its public call for unemployed people. No date has been announced.
Sources we read
Research notes: Based on EYDAM call 4.2.2 issued 11/05/2026 inviting DYPA (sole beneficiary) to submit the action by 30/06/2026: €17.9m for 1,000 unemployed people (priority axes 4 and 5A of the Just Transition Programme). DYPA's call to unemployed people was not listed on OPSKE (where DYPA's national start-up calls appear) as of 17/10/2026, and DYPA's own site could not be read; timing and amount per person unknown. Separately, a JTP 'pre-employment' programme for 3,000 unemployed 18–30 year-olds (€27.6m, call 4.2.3, also via DYPA) is planned — not listed as a separate record.