Accelerate your green transformation!
The GreenSET project is launching an open call for SMEs from MED regions to participate in the MEDSSIM sustainability pilot actions.
Selected SMEs will receive free expert support, tailored mentoring, practical tools, and European-level visibility as they design innovative, sustainable tourism service concepts.
This open call aims to select 3 SMEs per country to pilot the MEDSSIM methodology, developed by partners of the Interreg MED GreenSET project.
Participation is free of charge for selected SMEs.
Overall, 27 SMEs from the Interreg MED programme area (3 per partner country) will be selected. SMEs do not need to be active in tourism at present. Any company wishing to develop a service with potential application in tourism is eligible to apply.
What is MEDSSIM?
MEDSSIM (MED Sustainable Service Innovation Methodology) is a practical, step-by-step method designed to help SMEs:
- Use resources more efficiently
- Reduce waste
- Create circular and sustainable services in tourism
- Become more environmentally friendly
- Strengthen innovation and competitiveness.
How does the MEDSSIM methodology work?
It guides SMEs through the following key phases:
- internal discovery & ecosystem mapping
- opportunity identification & idea generation
- service development & validation
- sustainable business model design
- implementation & continuous improvement.
What support will selected SMEs receive?
Selected SMEs will benefit from:
- Sustainability assessment using the MEDSSIM methodology
- Tailored guidance and mentoring from experts
- Support in developing strategic improvements and business model innovations
- Support in developing Service Concept Forms* for green and circular transformation
- Opportunity to test practical digital, green, and operational tools to improve services and reduce costs
- Visibility as an EU-level best practice
- Participation in transnational learning activities.
Pilot support will last approximately 2 months
At the end of the pilot action, as a result, each SME will create a Service Concept Form tailored to the specific SME’s needs, expectations, and maturity level, developed and finalized through the support received.
*A Service Concept Form is the SME’s personalised roadmap for business improvement and growth.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants
SMEs:
- Registered in Crete, Greece
- Meeting the EU SME definition:
- <250 employees
- ≤ €50M turnover or < €43M balance sheet total
What is expected from participating SMEs?
- Participation in workshops, trainings, and mentoring sessions
- Appointment of a dedicated contact person
- Sharing necessary operational information for analysis
- Implementing developed services
- Agreeing that their involvement and outcomes may be shared publicly in project materials, such as case studies, results, portfolios and best-practice catalogues.
- Availability for possible participation in the promotion of the project.
Selection criteria
- Motivation and commitment
- Capacity and resources to participate
- Openness to innovation and collaboration
How to apply
Submit your application via:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Greenset-greek
Deadline: Wednesday February 4th 2026
Terms of Reference for Participation
Need more information?
Contact your national GreenSET partner: STEP-C – Email: basta@stepc.gr
You wish to apply but are not sure whether you could be eligible? Here are some examples of eligible SMEs not currently active in tourism, but wishing to develop a service with potential application in tourism.
- ICT SMEs delivering digital tools for travellers (apps, self-guided tours,…).
- Manufacturing SMEs offering sustainable, visitor-focused products (eco travel goods, leisure items,…).
- Creative SMEs designing engaging tourism experiences or interested in developing new service concepts.
