On 23 February 2026, CINEA launched a new call for projects under Green Assist, the EU advisory initiative supporting the development of sustainable investment projects across Europe.
With a budget of €3 million available to provide tailored advisory support to SMEs, the call aims to support companies in developing and scaling their green investment projects.
The call is implemented in close coordination with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), ensuring broad outreach and support throughout the EU.
Turning green ambitions into investable projects
Green Assist provides tailored technical advisory services delivered by specialised, hand-picked experts. Selected SMEs will receive hands-on support to strengthen business strategies, improve financial structuring, validate environmental performance and address regulatory or technical challenges.
By enhancing project maturity and reducing investment risk, Green Assist helps mobilise private capital for the green transition. The initiative addresses advisory gaps that often prevent smaller companies from accessing finance, thereby reinforcing EU added value by strengthening Europe’s green competitiveness, sustainability objectives and investment capacity.
This call places particular emphasis on projects in the circular economy and bioeconomy sectors, while remaining open to other environmental investment areas supported under Green Assist. The objective is clear: to help SMEs transform environmentally beneficial projects into solid, investment-ready initiatives capable of attracting financing and scaling up their impact across Europe and beyond.
Who can apply?
The call is open to eligible SMEs established in the EU-27 and LIFE associated countries (Ukraine, Moldova, Iceland, North Macedonia and Montenegro).
Projects must demonstrate a clear environmental benefit and meet minimum investment thresholds.
Interested companies are invited to contact their EEN Sustainability Adviser for guidance and pre-screening before submitting their application. Email miriam@dublinchamber.ie
The call is open until 18 May 2026.
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/green-assist-launches-new-call-projects-seeking-strengthen-their-green-investments-2026-02-23_en