STAR GROWTH 2nd Open Call aims to: 

• Support SMEs by adopting sustainable and innovative practices through customised technical support activities and capacity building programs;
• Support SMEs through processes of i) preparation and / or application for sustainability / environmental certification, ii) preparation and / or generation of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) studies and Organization Environmental Footprint (OEF) studies, iii) implementation of improvement measures following the recommendations of the PEF / OEF studies, iv) developing of sustainability strategy plans;
• Support SMEs for training and capacity building activities in order to empower their staff towards innovation and sustainability;
• Support SMEs by increasing SMEs’ competitiveness via boosting innovation in sustainable and resilient tourism.

By applying to the STAR GROWTH 2nd Open Call SMEs have the opportunity to receive funding to implement sustainable and /or digitalisation oriented activities.

By pursuing sustainability and environmental certification, generating PEF / OEF studies, and implementing improvement measures following the recommendations of the PEF / OEF studies, the organisation can

• improve its environmental performance and reduce its environmental impact,
• meet stakeholder expectations, increase its visibility and improve its market reputation,
• differentiate itself from competitors and appeal to consumers who prioritise environmental issues,
• reduce its costs and increase its profitability.

By providing training and capacity building activities that upskill staff on key issues and trends (sustainability, digital innovation and data management issues), SMEs can stay competitive and differentiate themselves from others in the industry as well as promote sustainable practices such as their competitiveness, customer experience and operational efficiency.

SMEs operating in “predominantly urban regions” are not eligible for receiving funding in the form of grants. SMEs operating in “predominantly urban regions” will be added to Network list for inviting to SG events, as they could be possible candidates for participating based on their already expressed interest. SMEs must define their operating region in the application form.

There are three types of typologies, as listed:

• Predominantly rural regions: >50% of the population lives in rural municipalities or <50% of the population lives in urban municipalities;
• Significantly rural regions / intermediate: 15-50% of the population lives in rural municipalities or 50-85% of the population lives in urban municipalities;
• Predominantly urban regions: <15% of the population lives in rural municipalities or >85% of the population lives in urban municipalities.