“I evolve,” “Innovations,” and “I’m moving” are the three new programs, which will finance the Greek small and average business. They are implemented by the Chief Secretariat of the Ministry of Development within the limits of “Business 2009” program. Minister Kostis Hadzidakis announced that the issued budget for implementing the programs is ?180 million. Applications with proposals and projects will be accepted from November 9, 2009 and the final deadline is January 10, 2010.

The first program “I evolve 2009” aims to finance the average business and more specifically firms, which have started working before January 1, 2005 and which want to invest in manufacturing – promotion of new products. The programs’ budget is ?100 million and the program will finance completed business plans for new manufacturing infrastructure, in order to strengthen the presence of those firms on the international market.

The second program “Innovations” aims to attract newly created small firms, which want to invest in the revival of traditional products. The programs’ budget is ?24 million for already established firms and ?16 million for new ones. Each project can be financed with between ?50 000 and ?200 000 for existing firms and between ?30 000 and ?200 000 for new ones. Funds will be given for applications of the industrial technology, energy, environment, cultural heritage, transportation and services. All firms will have to declare that the subsidies will be spent for equipping and organizing the premises and on marketing.

The third program “I’m moving” aims to attract already created firms, which want to move their activities in the provinces and are created by people under 55 years old, permanent Athens or Thessaloniki citizens. This program will encourage decentralizing industrial activities from big cities and will support regions from the periphery of the country. Firms, which want to move their activities outside Athens or Thessaloniki, can be granted with ?12 million and ?28 million will be given to creating a new business in the provinces by people up to 55 years old, who are citizens of either Athens or Thessaloniki. The budget for firms, which will be working for recycling or for limiting pollution, is between ?30 000 and ?200 000; between ?30 000 and ?100 000 for tourist firms and between ?20 000 and ?100 000 for firms dealing with trade and services.