Business body highlights EU funding opportunities for Cypriot SMEs

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has drawn attention to European funding opportunities available to Cypriot SMEs and startups through the Cascade Funding mechanism, particularly for businesses working in technology, innovation and the green transition. In a circular to its members, Keve said the European Commission’s Cascade Funding mechanism could provide smaller businesses with access to financial support and other assistance through open calls launched by projects funded under European programmes. The mechanism, also known as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), is designed to broaden access to European funding by allowing organisations involved in EU-funded projects to provide support to businesses and organisations that were not part of the original project. Keve said the mechanism was particularly aimed at facilitating the participation of SMEs, startups and other stakeholders involved in innovation in European initiatives. According to the chamber, Cascade Funding calls could be particularly relevant to businesses seeking to develop, test, demonstrate or bring innovative products, services and technologies to market. Depending on the individual call, support can include direct financial funding, pilot applications and access to technological infrastructure. Businesses may also receive guidance, mentoring and business development services, while some opportunities can provide access to international networking. Keve stressed that the requirements for participation and the level of co-financing vary between individual calls. The chamber said it had compiled an indicative table of selected Cascade Funding opportunities that were open at the time of its communication and could be of interest to Cypriot SMEs and startups. The information was based on opportunities available as of September 4, 2026, and Keve stressed that the table was not exhaustive. The opportunities cover a range of areas, including culture and creative industries, advanced manufacturing and raw materials, agri-food and the circular economy. Other areas include cybersecurity and transport, robotics, women’s entrepreneurship and deep tech, as well as social actions and rights. For each funding opportunity, the information provided includes a brief description of the programme and a relevant link. The table also identifies the thematic area covered by each opportunity, the types of businesses or organisations eligible to apply and the deadline for applications. Keve said the initiative was intended to make it easier for Cypriot companies to identify relevant funding opportunities among the range of European programmes available to them. The chamber is also inviting companies to register their interest in receiving a monthly update covering Cascade Funding as well as other European funding mechanisms and programmes. The monthly updates are intended to help companies identify funding opportunities at an early stage that could match their business needs, investment priorities and growth and innovation plans. Keve said companies interested in receiving the updates could register their interest and provide their company details through a short form made available by the chamber. The initiative comes as European funding programmes continue to offer SMEs and startups opportunities to support the development and testing of new technologies, products and services without requiring them to participate directly in the wider EU-funded projects behind the calls.