The TRACE project is launching the third and final round of funding for SMEs in the tourism and culture sector, offering support for the development of circular business strategies, access to professional training, and environmental certification.
Through this call, 16 SMEs from Belgium, Spain, Romania, Italy, and Cyprus will have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to €7,200 to improve their business model in line with circular economy principles.
Additionally, SMEs from across the European Union will benefit from high-level webinars, led by business and finance experts, to better understand how to transform their activities in a more sustainable way.
What benefits does this call offer?
- Financial grants of up to €7,200 for the development of circular strategies and environmental certification
- Sustainability assessment and the creation of a circularity action plan
- Mentorship and peer learning for best practice exchange and skills development
- Specialized webinars on sustainability, business development, and access to financing
- Certification schemes for sustainable businesses
- Study visits and matchmaking to build local partnerships
- Monitoring of sustainability and circularity KPIs
How does the selection process work?
Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility and impact criteria, and the selected SMEs will receive support throughout several phases:
February 20 – March 20, 2025, 17:00 CET
- application period and evaluation of submissions
April – May 2025
- capacity-building activities: webinars, study visits, peer learning
- grant allocation and financial support for strategy implementation
- direct support: certification, business development, and circular action plans
Deadlines
- Application submission: March 20, 2025, 17:00 CET
- Announcement of beneficiaries: April 2025
- Implementation of activities and grant allocation: April – May 2025
CITI Cluster assists local and central public organizations in establishing public-private partnerships, provides consultancy for identifying non-reimbursable funding sources, and supports the development of applications and solutions in the smart city domain. For more details or assistance in the application process, we invite you to contact us.
