SMEs that need support for the design and implementation of energy efficiency-related activities can apply to the EENergy open call, and potentially benefit from a 10,000 Euro EENergy grant in addition to Enterprise Europe Network sustainability advisory services.

The program will support at least 1800 SMEs in developing Action Plans for improving their energy efficiency and will also include an EENergy grant of up to 10,000 euros for at least 900 SMEs. The EENergy grant is a one-time support mechanism that will be granted to the individual SMEs after the preparation and implementation of a concrete action plan targeting at least a 5% improvement in energy efficiency.

How you can participate

To participate in the open call and become eligible to receiving a grant, SMEs must work with specialised sustainability advisors from the Enterprise Europe Network, who will support interested SMEs in designing a customised energy efficiency action plan and submitting their application to the EENergy open call. The application form is available on the project website.

The application must provide accurate information about the company itself, as well as the type of planned energy efficiency improvements and the anticipated funding to implement its action plan. From all eligible applications, SMEs will be selected at random to receive a grant of up to 10,000 euros. All eligible applicants that participate in the open call, whether they receive the grant or not, will continue to benefit from the advisory services and assistance of the Enterprise Europe Network sustainability advisors during the implementation of their action plan, and will also receive anonymised reports benchmarking their energy efficiency performance to the one of all other applicants (with reference to size, sector and location).

Hanne Bregendahl Pihl, Coordinator of the EENergy project states: «When working with SMEs through our Enterprise Europe Network services we often experience companies have big plans, but limited finances. The EENergy project provides a rather unique opportunity for companies to apply for financial support for the implementation of energy efficiency improvements, while at the same time receiving the individual support of Enterprise Europe Network sustainability advisors to work with the opportunities identified in the action plan. This will help the company become more energy efficient independent of whether or not they receive the 10.000 EUR grant.”