Keve highlights EU funding opportunities for Cypriot SMEs and startups

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has highlighted opportunities for Cypriot SMEs and startups to obtain European funding through Cascade Funding, with particular relevance to technology, innovation and the green transition.

How the mechanism works

In a circular addressed to members, Keve explained that the European Commission’s mechanism enables smaller businesses to seek funding and other assistance through open calls issued by projects supported under European programmes.

Also called Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), the mechanism allows participants in EU-funded projects to support businesses and organisations outside the original project partnership, the chamber said. Its purpose is to widen access to European funding.

Keve said the arrangement was intended particularly to help SMEs, startups and other innovation stakeholders take part in European initiatives.

Types of support available

The chamber said the calls may be especially useful for businesses developing, testing, demonstrating or commercialising innovative technologies, products and services.

Depending on the call, assistance may take the form of direct funding, pilot applications or access to technology infrastructure, Keve said. Guidance, mentoring and business development services may also be offered, while some opportunities include access to international networks.

Participation requirements and co-financing levels differ from one call to another, the chamber stressed.

Selected opportunities

Keve said it had prepared an indicative table listing selected Cascade Funding opportunities that remained open when the circular was issued and might interest Cypriot SMEs and startups.

The chamber noted that the information reflected opportunities available on September 4, 2026, and that the list was not comprehensive.