.jpg)
How much does the ESPA programme cover?
If you operate a bike rental, e-bike rental, tourism or mobility business in the Cyclades or Dodecanese, 2026 could be an excellent time to invest in your fleet.
A new ESPA programme, officially titled “Support for Entrepreneurship in the Priority Sectors of the South Aegean Region” (Ενίσχυση επιχειρηματικότητας στους τομείς προτεραιότητας της Περιφέρειας Νοτίου Αιγαίου), is now open to eligible small and medium-sized businesses.
The programme provides 60% public funding for approved investment plans, with eligible project budgets ranging from €30,000 to €400,000. Applications are open from 28 August until 30 October 2026.
For bicycle and e-bike businesses, this is particularly interesting because bicycle rental and electric bicycle rental activities are explicitly included among the eligible KAD activity codes.
How much does the ESPA programme cover?
The programme covers 60% of the approved eligible investment budget, while the remaining amount must be covered through private participation.
How much does the ESPA programme cover?
The programme covers 60% of the approved eligible investment budget, while the remaining 40% must be covered by the business.
Examples:
- €30,000 investment → up to €18,000 subsidy + €12,000 private contribution
- €50,000 investment → up to €30,000 subsidy + €20,000 private contribution
- €100,000 investment → up to €60,000 subsidy + €40,000 private contribution
- €200,000 investment → up to €120,000 subsidy + €80,000 private contribution
- €400,000 investment → up to €240,000 subsidy + €160,000 private contribution
The minimum eligible investment is €30,000 and the maximum is €400,000.
Can bicycles and electric bicycles qualify?
There are strong reasons for bike and e-bike businesses to investigate the programme.
The official list of eligible activities specifically includes:
KAD 77.21.00.08 – Bicycle rental services
(Υπηρεσίες ενοικίασης ποδηλάτων)
and:
KAD 77.11.01.03 – Rental of electric motorcycles, including electric bicycles and other electric vehicles
(Υπηρεσίες ενοικίασης ηλεκτρικών μοτοσικλετών, συμπεριλαμβανομένων ηλεκτρικών ποδηλάτων και άλλων ηλεκτρικών οχημάτων)
The programme also includes expenditure categories for productive and mechanical equipment, which may represent up to 100% of the subsidised project budget, subject to the eligibility and relevance of the expenditure to the approved investment.
There is separately an expenditure category for electric means of transport, which is limited to up to 50% of the subsidised budget and €50,000 and has specific conditions.
For that reason, businesses should not assume that every bicycle purchase is automatically subsidised. The exact classification of the bicycles or e-bikes within an application should be confirmed by the business's ESPA adviser or accountant before placing an order.
Which businesses should look at the programme?
The opportunity is particularly relevant to established businesses operating in the South Aegean Region, including islands throughout the Cyclades and Dodecanese.
Examples could include businesses that want to:
- expand an existing bicycle or e-bike rental fleet;
- replace or upgrade older rental bicycles;
- introduce e-bike rentals alongside traditional bicycles;
- build a premium fleet for hotels or tourist accommodation;
- offer guided or self-guided cycling experiences;
- introduce greener transport solutions for tourism activities.
The programme is intended for existing micro, small and medium-sized businesses. Applicants must have at least two complete closed financial years before applying. The investment itself must also be implemented within the South Aegean Region.
Another important requirement is that the business must have at least one annual work unit (ΕΜΕ) of dependent employment during 2025 and must meet the programme's requirements concerning eligible RIS3 activities/KADs.
When can businesses apply?
Applications for the programme run from:
28 August 2026 until 30 October 2026.
The total public budget allocated to this specific call is €5 million, and the official programme currently lists the call as active.
Businesses interested in making a fleet investment should therefore start preparing their investment plan and quotations well before the closing date.
Planning a €30,000+ bicycle or e-bike fleet investment?
bFlex works with mobility businesses looking to source bicycles, electric bicycles and other vehicles for their fleets.
If you are preparing an ESPA investment proposal, you can become a bFlex B2B customer and start exploring options for your new fleet.
Planning a new fleet investment?
Become a bFlex B2B customer
Already working with bFlex?
We can help you explore suitable fleet options and prepare a commercial quotation for the vehicles you are considering for your investment plan.
Important: the 60% subsidy is not automatic
The programme should not be interpreted as an automatic “60% discount on an e-bike.”
The 60% subsidy applies to an approved investment plan. Eligibility depends on the applicant, its KAD/activity, financial history, location, proposed investment and the classification and eligibility of individual expenses.
Before committing to an investment specifically on the basis of an ESPA subsidy, businesses should have their eligibility and proposed expenses checked by their accountant or qualified ESPA funding adviser.
Official sources
The primary source is the Special Managing Authority of the South Aegean Region, which publishes the official programme, application dates and supporting documentation.