EENergy: Call for Funding Energy Eficiency Actions up to €10,000!

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We would like to remind you that the Call for the «EENergy» Project will be open until 15th of May 2024 at 17:00 CET.

The Call aims to support at least 1800 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the development of action plans by the EEN Network’s Sustainability Advisors, so that the SMEs achieve an improvement in their energy efficiency of at least 5%. 900 of these SMEs will be selected and will receive direct financial support (grant) of up to 10,000 euros. The project is funded by the EU Single Market Program (SMP) and will be implemented with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

Eligible Activities:

  1. Investments: Covers the implementation, acquisition, purchase, and/or installation of new software, hardware, equipment, or other technologies.
  2. Advisory Services: Includes advisory and consultancy services related to identifying and implementing energy efficiency improvements, as well as energy audits.
  3. Skills & Training: Covers access to training sessions, seminars, and programs for educating and upgrading employees on energy efficiency matters.

The above activities can be combined with each other and have a total budget exceeding €10,000, but the grant provided will not exceed €10,000 per SME.

The planned activities must be designed to target an energy reduction of at least 5%. For the completion of contractual obligations, this reduction will be measured in terms of energy consumption in kWh (or equivalent kWh units provided by the SME) and will be measured within the appropriate scope of the activity performed.

How you can participate:

Interested Cypriot SMEs should contact the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, or send an email at eency@ccci.org.cy and afterwards, the sustainability advisor of EEN Cyprus will assist them in designing a customized action plan for energy efficiency and in submitting their application. The application form and the Guide for Applicants are available on the website of the EENergy project (https://eenergy.grantplatform.com/).

The application must provide information regarding the company itself, as well as the activities aimed at improving energy efficiency by at least 5%, and the anticipated funding for the implementation of these activities (Action Plan). After the call closure, all applications will be verified for eligibility, and the selection process will be conducted through a randomized draw. Upon contracting with the funded beneficiaries, the implementation of the action plans will commence.

All SMEs that apply and meet the specifications, whether they receive funding or not, during the implementation of their action plan, will receive assistance from EEN sustainability advisors and will also receive anonymous reports comparing their energy performance with that of all other candidate companies (in terms of size, sector, and location).

Eligibility Criteria:

– It is a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) as defined by the Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC:

(a) Employs fewer than 250 persons; and

(b) Has:      (i) either an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million or

                      (ιι) an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.

 

To verify the above limits, the company must first determine whether it is: an autonomous, partner or linked enterprise. To confirm which category you fall into, you can refer to the User Guide issued by the European Commission in all official languages. In particular please seepage 15–Step 4: “How do I calculate these data”. You are also advised to complete and present a “Declaration” regarding SME qualification. Attached.

  • It was incorporated before the 1st of January 2023 (Registration Nu. Dpt. of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver)
  • Registered in the VAT Registry
  • It is not «undertaking in difficulty» i.e. is not in financial difficulty, bankruptcy, liquidation proceedings, legal proceedings or other similar situation in accordance with Commission Regulation 651/2014/EC (Art. 2, Par. 18).

For any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following phone numbers: 22889752, 22889769, or via email at eency@ccci.org.cy.

Stalo Demosthenous Senior Oficer CCCI

Department of European Affairs & Programmes Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus

Tel. 22889752, stalo@ccci.org.cy

 

Announcement and Presentation of New Entrepreneurship Support Plan – 2nd Call for Proposals

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We would like to inform you that the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the Cyprus Youth Organization (CYYO), has announced the 2nd Call for Proposals for the New Entrepreneurship Support Plan.

The aim of the project is to develop, support and promote entrepreneurship by focusing on specific population groups such as young people and women who wish to engage in entrepreneurship in any economic activity, except those listed in Annex I of the Plan Guide, by making use of their knowledge, experience, training and talents.

Beneficiaries:

  • Young men and women who have been legally resident in areas under the exclusive control of the Republic of Cyprus for the last six months and have free access to work.
  • Unemployed or employed
  • Young men and women aged 18-29, men 30-50 and women 30-55
  • They have not been engaged in business activity in the last six months prior to their application, i.e. not self-employed or with more than 25% participation in an active business.

The sponsorship amount is 70% for young people aged 18-29 and 60% for men aged 30-50 and women aged 30-55.

The sponsorship is calculated on the cost of the eligible investment costs (Equipment, Special Facilities, Buildings – purchase, construction, renovation/remodelling, Promotion) with a maximum eligible budget perenterprise of €120,000 for activities related to manufacturing, services and tourism.

The total budget allocated for the needs of the Plan is €20 million and may be modified.

Interested parties can obtain the Guide to the Plan, which contains all the details, the Model Application

Form and other required forms, from the website of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry HERE.

For more information, those interested can contact the competent Ministry officials at 22867178/156/194 and the Youth Officer, Anna Loizou, at 22402615.

The date of application will be announced at a later stage.

CCCI, as the Coordinator of the EEN Cyprus, will organise a two-hour event on 14 May 2024, at 16:30, at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce, in order to present the Plan in detail and answer any questions. To register for the event, click HERE.

We would also like to inform you that the Cyprus Youth Organisation will hold a series of events to present the Plan. Details HERE.

Presentations at the events will be conducted in Greek. Participation is FREE of charge.

Remaining at your disposal.

Stalo Demosthenous Senior Officer CCCI

Department of European Affairs & Programmes Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus

Tel. 22889752, stalo@ccci.org.cy

Electronic Newsletter “International Networking and Cooperation Opportunities” – March 2024

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We would like to inform you that the electronic newsletter “International Networking and Cooperation Opportunities” with selected partnering proposals from abroad has been published. To see the Edition of March 2024, please click HERE

Event at CCCI with the President of the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis

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On the occasion of the visit of the President of Estonia, His Excellency Mr. Alar Karis, in our country, you are invited to the Cyprus-Estonia Business Forum, which will take place on Wednesday 27th of March 2024, at the CCCI on the 1st floor.

This is an event of great importance for the business community, which aims to underline the strategic importance of the relations between Cyprus and Estonia and to facilitate the development of long-term synergies.

The Business Forum will be addressed by the President of Estonia, who will be accompanied by a business delegation consisting of 11 companies operating in the Maritime, Cybersecurity, and IT sectors.

The event will first start with a networking lunch between 13:30 – 14:30, to give participants the opportunity to meet and talk in person with members of the business delegation from Estonia and other attendees.

This will be followed by presentations on the latest trends, challenges, and developments in the fields of Maritime, Cybersecurity, and IT will be delivered by Deputy Ministers of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Mr. Nicodemos Damianou, and Shipping, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis.

After that, companies from Estonia will present their products and services in an effort to connect them with the Cypriot companies that will participate in order to develop partnerships. To view the profiles of Estonian companies, click HERE.

The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.

Those companies and organizations interested in participating in the event should complete the online registration form located HERE.

Final Agenda

Due to strict security measures, please arrive in the room by 14:30pm.

For any questions or further information, interested parties are invited to contact the following numbers: +35722889749/52/69/72/06, or by email: eency@ccci.org.cy.

INVITATION Awareness Event Interpreting the EU Regulations relating to Agrifood and Green Line Trade

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The EU One Stop Shop Supporting Green Line Trade & Businesses along with the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, cordially invite you to their jointly organized event. The purpose of this event is to provide information and ensure compliance within the business community concerning:

  • The harmonized European regulations for agricultural products
  • The European Regulation for the Green Line and
  • The procedures for agrifood crossing the Green Line

This event is suitable for businesses who might be interested in buying or selling agrifood products across the Green Line.

Additionally, the event will feature the work of the Enterprise Europe Network, which provides integratedsupportservicesto Cypriot enterprises interested in locatingfunding, obtaining information and guidance, accessing training and partnerships, or seeking help and advice.

Your presence would greatly contribute to the success of this informative occasion.

Date: 20/03/2024 Time: 14:30

Venue: Conference room, 1st floor – Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)

Address: Deligiorgi str. 3, 1066, Nicosia

The event will be conducted in English. Please find the Agenda below. Registration for the event is required. To register please click HERE.

For any further information or enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following telephone numbers: +357 22 022538 and + 357 22 889749, or via email: info@eu-oss.com and eency@ccci.org.cy.

Alexander Apostolides
Team Leader
EU One Stop Shop
Supporting Green Line Trade & Businesses
Tel. +357 22022538
Email: alex.apostolides@eu-oss.com

Yours faithfully,
Stalo Demosthenous
Senior Officer CCCI
Department of European Affairs & Programmes
Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus
Tel. +357 22889752
Email: stalo@ccci.org.cy

 

Presentations from the Awareness Event  “Interpreting the EU Regulations relating to Agrifood and Green Line Trade”, held on 20 March 2024 at The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). The CCCI, Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, in collaboration with the EU One Stop Shop Supporting Green Line Trade & Businesses, organized an Awareness Event with title “Interpreting the EU Regulations relating to Agrifood and Green Line Trade” with the aim of informing SMEs about the Green Line regulations.

See the Presentations from the Awareness Event “Interpreting the EU Regulations relating to Agrifood and Green Line Trade”.


Speakers:

Anthemis Melifronidou

Filippos Georgiades

Richard Moody

Kemal Baykalli

AGENDA

Awareness Event

Interpreting the EU Regulations relating to Agrifood and Green Line Trade 20th of March 2024, 14.30-18.00

Conference room, 1st floor – Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Deligiorgi str. 3, 1066, Nicosia

 

1. 14:30-15:00 Arrival – Registration
 

2.

 15:00-15:15 Opening remarks (Welcome):

  • Mr. Alexander Apostolides, EU OSS Team Leader
  • Ms. Stalo Demosthenous, EEN Cyprus Coordinator
 

3.

 15:15 -15:35 Presentation on the EU Regulations relating to Agrifood:

  • Mr. Richard Moody, EU OSS Legal Expert
 

4.

 15:35 –16:20 Presentation on Regulations & Standards and Phytosanitary Certification & Marketing Rules:

  • Mr. Fillipos Georgiades, Public Health Officer, Ministry of Health
  • Dr. Athemis Melifronidou, Head of Plant Health and Quality Control Service, Department of Agriculture
 

5.

 16:20- 16:35 Presentation on Green Line Trade: Practical Steps

  • Mr. Kemal Baykalli, EU OSS GLT Expert
 

6.

 16:35 –16:40 Closing remarks:

  • Mr. Alexander Apostolides, EU OSS Team Leader
 

7.

 16:40 – 18:00 Networking & Coffee Break

 

 

Evaluation Survey of EU-OSHA in Cyprus on OiRA Risk Assessment Tools

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We would like to inform you that the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is conducting a survey to evaluate the Online Interactive Risk Assessment Tools (OiRA) it has developed in the following areas/sectors:

  • Hairdressers/Barber Shops,
  • Office Work – Public Administration, Ø Catering,
  • Butcher Shops, Ø Schools,
  • Vehicle Repair and Paint Workshops, Ø Cafes,
  • Small Shops,
  • Small Tourist Accommodation, Ø Bakeries and
  • COVID-19

If your business has used any of the OiRA tools to conduct free risk assessments, your participation in this survey is important.

If you are interested in sharing your experience, please send an email to Kyrillos.Spyridopoulos@ecorys.com, and then a representative of ECORYS will contact you for a 30-minute interview. For information purposes, ECORYS is the company conducting the survey on behalf of EU-OSHA.

At this point, we remind you that all companies are obliged to carry out and have a written risk assessment report, which is why the OiRA tools greatly assist in the preparation of the report and generally in the whole risk assessment process.

In particular, OiRA tools include all the steps necessary for a written risk assessment, from identifying and assessing risks in the workplace to making decisions to implement risk prevention measures, taking action and monitoring specific processes.

In the framework of its cooperation with the Department of Labour Inspection and EU-OSHA, the CCCI is actively involved in the process of disseminating and encouraging Cypriot businesses to use the existing OiRA tools as well as in the development of new tools in other economic activities.

In addition, the CCCI, as coordinator of the EEN (Enterprise Europe Network) Cyprus, carries out various activities to increase the awareness of businesses on occupational safety and health issues.

In our experience, proper Risk Assessment at work is key to creating safe and healthy workplaces and conditions.

For any questions or more information, please contact Mr. Andrea Alexi and Mrs Stalo Demosthenous at 22889708 and 22889752.

 

Visa Innovation Program Europe 2024 – Submit Applications until 4th of March 2024

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It is aimed at FINTECH start-ups & scale-ups

The Visa Innovation Program Europe 2024 is an Acceleration and Development Program for innovative products and services in the field of fintech to emerge faster in the market.

The aim of the program is to provide fintechs with:

  • Opportunities to work with potential customers and partners across Visa’s global network
  • Market networking and access to global VCs and angel investors through pitching presentations
  • Access to an international network of mentors and experts to guide and share knowledge and best practices in relation to design, prototyping and testing with real users. The network of consultants consists of Visa Program managers, Eleven, Hackquarters and their partners such as Endeavor, Finnovating, Portugal Fintech Association, Talent Garden, as well as experienced and distinguished executives from the global fintech industry and banking experts.
  • Support from the Visa Developers Platform for connectivity and data transfer between software applications (Application Programming Interface APIs)
  • Networking at international events and conferences
  • Investment opportunity from Eleven, to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Program seeks the most innovative fintechs that address one (or more) of the following challenges:

  • Artificial intelligence and drive next-generation payment experiences – Embedded Finance and Commerce Empowerment
  • Money Movement Flows
  • Sustainable and Inclusive Future

Applicants should provide market proven solutions that address one of the above areas/challenges.

The application process is very simple and only takes a few minutes. Click HERE.

Applications will be open until 4th of March, 2024. Fintechs that apply will be informed by the end of March whether they will take part in the next phase.

 

The introduction to the Stock Exchange as a mean of capital raising

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It is aimed at SMEs and start-ups

One of the most important problems that businesses and mainly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face for their growth is the limited availability of finance.

The listing of businesses on the stock exchange is an alternative source of financing.

The expected benefits from the listing of businesses, their obligations and the process of raising funds through the stock exchange are the main topics that will be discussed at the information event organized by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus Stock Exchange with the support of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus on the 13th of March 2024, at 15:00.

The event will take place at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Deligiorgi str., 1066, Nicosia, 1st floor.

Due to the limited number of seats, the event will be held on a first come, first served basis. Registration is required and can be made no later than 11/3/2024. For registration HERE.

Admission is free. The event will be conducted in Greek.

For any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following phone numbers: 22889749/52/69 or via email at eency@ccci.org.cy.

 

Presentations from the Seminar “The introduction to the Stock Exchange as a mean of capital raising”, held on 13 March 2024 at The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

The CCCI, Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, in collaboration with the Cyprus Stock Exchange, organized a Seminar on “The introduction to the Stock Exchange as a mean of capital raising” with the aim of informing SMEs about alternative ways of financing.

See the Presentations from the Seminar “The introduction to the Stock Exchange as a mean of capital raising”.

 

Speakers:

Maria Petsa

Eliza Stasopoulou

Vasileios Margaris

Loizos Loizou

EENergy: Open Call for Funding Energy Efficiency Actions up to €10,000!

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We would like to inform you that the application submission for the “EENergy” Project has started with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by at least 5%. The project is funded by the European Single Market Programme (SMP) and will be implemented with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

The call aims to support at least 1800 SMEs in developing action plans to improve their energy efficiency through sustainability advisory services provided by EEN Sustainability Advisors. 900 of these eligible SMEs will receive direct financial support (grant) of up to 10,000 euros.

The Call will remain open until 15th of April 2024, at 17:00 CET.

Eligible Activities:

  1. Investments: Covers the implementation, acquisition, purchase, and/or installation of new software, hardware, equipment, or other technologies.
  2. Advisory Services: Includes advisory and consultancy services related to identifying and implementing energy efficiency improvements, as well as energy audits.
  3. Skills& Training: Covers access to training sessions, seminars, and programs for educating and upgrading employees on energy efficiency matters.

The above activities can be combined with each other and have a total budget exceeding €10,000, but the grant provided will not exceed €10,000 per SME.

The planned activities must be designed to target an energy reduction of at least 5%. For the completion of contractual obligations, this reduction will be measured in terms of energy consumption in kWh (or equivalent kWh units provided by the SME) and will be measured within the appropriate scope of the activity performed.

How you can participate:

Interested Cypriot SMEs should contact the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, and afterwards, the sustainability advisors of EEN will assist them in designing a customized action plan for energy efficiency and in submitting their application. The application form and the Guide for Applicants are available on the website of the EENergy project (https://eenergy.grantplatform.com/).

The application must provide information regarding the company itself, as well as the activities aimed at improving energy efficiency by at least 5%, and the anticipated funding for the implementation of these activities (Action Plan). After the call closure, all applications will be verified for eligibility, and the selection process will be conducted through a randomized draw. Upon contracting with the funded beneficiaries, the implementation of the action plans will commence.

All SMEs that apply and meet the specifications, whether they receive funding or not, during the implementation of their action plan, will receive assistance from EEN sustainability advisors and will also receive anonymous reports comparing their energy performance with that of all other candidate companies (in terms of size, sector, and location).

For the definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), please refer to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC.

For any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following phone numbers: 22889752, 22889769, or via email at eency@ccci.org.cy.

Presentations from the Seminar “Sick Building Syndrome – Information and intervention”, held on 8 February 2024 at The Cyprus Institute

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The CCCI, Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, in collaboration with the Department of Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance and the European Digital Innovation Hub of Cyprus (EDIH), organized a Seminar on “Sick building syndrome: Information and Intervention” aimed at promoting safety and health in the workplace held on 8 February 2024, at The Cyprus Institute.

See the Presentations from the Seminar “Sick Building Syndrome – Information and intervention”.

Stalo Demosthenous

Constantinos Loizou

Dr. Olga Nicolaidou

Dr. Anixi Antonakoudi

Dr Katerina Plati

Dr. George Biskos