{"id":25925,"date":"2026-11-09T10:31:42","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T08:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/?p=25925"},"modified":"2026-11-09T10:31:47","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T08:31:47","slug":"greenset-open-call-smes-cyprus-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/greenset-open-call-smes-cyprus-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Open Call for SMEs in Cyprus \u2013 GreenSET MEDSSIM Pilot 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GreenSET project is launching an open call for <strong>Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Cyprus<\/strong> to participate in the MEDSSIM sustainability pilot actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selected SMEs will receive <strong>free expert support from a trained Business Support Organisation (BSO)<\/strong>, tailored mentoring, practical tools and support from GreenSET experts as they develop or improve an innovative and sustainable service with potential application in tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This open call aims to select <strong>3 SMEs in Cyprus<\/strong> to pilot the MEDSSIM methodology, developed by partners of the Interreg Euro-MED GreenSET project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each selected SME will be matched with one BSO trained in the MEDSSIM methodology. The Nicosia Tourism Board (NTB) and GreenSET MEDSSIM experts will accompany the process throughout the pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Participation is free of charge for selected SMEs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SMEs do <strong>not<\/strong> need to be currently active in tourism. Any eligible SME wishing to develop or improve a service with potential application in tourism may apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is MEDSSIM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MEDSSIM \u2013 <strong>MED Sustainable Service Innovation Methodology<\/strong> \u2013 is a practical, step-by-step method designed to help SMEs create circular and sustainable services applicable in tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It supports SMEs in strengthening their innovation capacity and competitiveness, while helping them use resources more efficiently and reduce their environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The methodology guides SMEs through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>internal discovery and ecosystem mapping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>opportunity identification and idea generation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>service development and validation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sustainable business model design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>implementation and continuous improvement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What support will selected SMEs receive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selected SMEs will benefit from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustainability assessment using the MEDSSIM methodology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailored guidance and mentoring from experts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support in developing strategic improvements and business model innovations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support in developing a <strong>Service Concept Form<\/strong> for green and circular transformation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunity to test practical digital, green and operational tools to improve services and reduce costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visibility as an EU-level best practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in transnational learning activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of the pilot, each SME will have developed a <strong>Service Concept Form<\/strong>, providing a personalised roadmap for business improvement and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who can apply?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eligible applicants are <strong>SMEs registered in Cyprus<\/strong> that meet the EU SME definition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fewer than 250 employees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>annual turnover of no more than \u20ac50 million <strong>or<\/strong> a balance sheet total of less than \u20ac43 million<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applicants may come from <strong>any sector<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism experience is <strong>not required<\/strong>. SMEs may apply if they are interested in developing a new service, or adapting an existing service, for potential application in tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>tourism and hospitality service providers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ICT and digital companies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>creative and cultural businesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>manufacturing SMEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional and business services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>companies developing sustainable products or services that could be relevant to visitors or the tourism ecosystem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is expected from participating SMEs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>participate in workshops, training and mentoring sessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>appoint a dedicated contact person<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>allocate sufficient staff time to the pilot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>share relevant operational information needed for the MEDSSIM process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>work with the assigned BSO and GreenSET experts throughout the pilot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contribute to the development of their Service Concept Form<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>allow their participation and outcomes to be included in relevant GreenSET project materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>be available, where appropriate, for project communication and promotion activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participation requires approximately <strong>8 working days of engagement over around two months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Selection criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eligible applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Motivation and commitment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Capacity and resources to participate<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Openness to innovation and collaboration<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Terms of Participation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please read the Terms of Participation before submitting your application<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/GreenSET-MEDSSIM-Pilot-2026OPEN-CALL-FOR-SMEs-IN-CYPRUSTerms.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Terms of Participation<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to apply?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/tally.so\/r\/laqXAW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GreenSET invites SMEs in Cyprus to apply for the MEDSSIM Pilot 2026. Selected SMEs will receive free expert support, mentoring and practical guidance to develop or improve sustainable services with potential application in tourism. Deadline: 23 November 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":25927,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[84,85,115,82],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eu-projects","category-featured","category-greenset","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25925"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25930,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25925\/revisions\/25930"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ntb.org.cy\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}