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GreenSET launches Pilot 2 Open Call for SMEs ready to develop sustainable and innovative tourism services

11/11/2026

Develop new services. Extend the season. Generate more revenue.

General Information (applies to all countries)

The GreenSET project is launching an open call for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from all sectors to participate in Pilot 2 – Step 2 of the MEDSSIM methodology.

Selected SMEs will receive free expert support from a trained Business Support Organisation (BSO), tailored mentoring, practical tools and guidance from GreenSET experts as they develop or improve a sustainable service with potential application in tourism.

This open call aims to select 3 SMEs per participating country/territory to take part in the MEDSSIM pilot, developed by partners of the Interreg Euro-MED GreenSET project.

Participation is free of charge for selected SMEs.

In total, 27 SMEs from the Interreg Euro-MED programme area will be selected.

Each selected SME will be matched with a BSO previously selected and trained through Step 1 of Pilot 2. Together, with the support of GreenSET experts, they will apply the MEDSSIM methodology and develop a concrete service concept tailored to the SME’s needs and opportunities.

Tourism experience is not required. SMEs from any sector may apply if they are interested in developing or improving a service with potential application in tourism.

What is MEDSSIM?

MEDSSIM – MED Sustainable Service Innovation Methodology – is a practical, step-by-step method designed to help SMEs create circular and sustainable services applicable in tourism.

It supports SMEs to:

  • Use resources more efficiently

  • Reduce environmental impact

  • Identify new service opportunities

  • Develop circular and sustainable business models

  • Strengthen innovation capacity and competitiveness

  • Create services with potential application in tourism

How Does the MEDSSIM Methodology Work?

The methodology guides SMEs, with the support of trained BSOs and GreenSET experts, through the following key phases:

  • Internal discovery & ecosystem mapping

  • Opportunity identification & idea generation

  • Service development & validation

  • Sustainable business model design

  • Implementation & continuous improvement

Deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026

What Is Expected from Participating smeS?
  • Participate in workshops, training and mentoring sessions
  • Appoint a dedicated contact person
  • Allocate relevant staff time to the pilot
  • Share necessary operational information for analysis
  • Work with their assigned BSO and GreenSET experts throughout the pilot
  • Contribute to the development of their Service Concept Form
  • Allow their involvement and outcomes to be shared in relevant project materials, such as case studies, results and best-practice catalogues
  • Be available, where appropriate, for project communication and promotion activities

Apply before the deadline

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Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be an SME registered in one of the participating GreenSET territories:

    • Montenegro

    • Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

    • Veneto

    • Comunitat Valenciana

    • Crete

    • Cyprus

    • Algarve

    • Croatia

    • Albania

  • Meet the EU SME definition:

    • Fewer than 250 employees

    • Annual turnover of no more than €50 million or a balance sheet total of less than €43 million

SMEs from all sectors are welcome to apply.

Applicants do not need to currently operate in tourism, provided that they are interested in developing a new service, or adapting an existing service, with potential application in tourism.

Selection Criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Motivation and commitment

  • Capacity and resources to participate

  • Openness to innovation and collaboration

What Support Will Selected SMEs Receive?

    • Sustainability assessment using the MEDSSIM methodology

    • Tailored guidance and mentoring from experts

    • Support in developing strategic improvements and business model innovations

    • Support in developing a Service Concept Form 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

    At the end of the pilot, each SME will have developed a Service Concept Form tailored to its needs, expectations and maturity level.

    The Service Concept Form will act as a practical roadmap for business improvement and growth.

    Participation requires approximately 2 months of engagement, totalling around 8 working days.

    What Is Expected from Participating SMEs?

      • Participate in workshops, training and mentoring sessions

      • Appoint a dedicated contact person

      • Allocate relevant staff time to the pilot

      • Share necessary operational information for analysis

      • Work with their assigned BSO and GreenSET experts throughout the pilot

      • Participate in the development of their Service Concept Form

      • Allow their involvement and outcomes to be shared in relevant project materials, such as case studies, results and best-practice catalogues

      • Be available, where appropriate, for project communication and promotion activities

    Are You Eligible If You Are Not in Tourism?

    Yes.

    SMEs do not need to currently operate in tourism.

    Examples of eligible businesses may include:

    • Service providers

    • ICT and digital companies developing tools that could serve visitors or tourism businesses

    • Creative and cultural SMEs developing experiences or service concepts

    • Manufacturing SMEs developing sustainable or visitor-focused products

    • Professional and business service providers

    • Other SMEs interested in developing services with potential application in tourism

    An SME does not need to already have a fully developed tourism service idea. An initial interest or general direction is sufficient.

    How to Apply :

    Please apply through the partner responsible for your country/region.
     
    Just tap at the region you belong and the application link will shop up below:
     

    Application link: NTB — Cyprus

    Application link: BSC Bar —  Montenegro

     

    Application link: STEP RI — Croatia

    Application link: RDA —  Albania

    Application link: STEP-C —  Greece

    Application link: Tertúlia Algarvia —  Portugal

    Application link: Sinloc — Italy

     

     

    Application link: R2M Solution  — France

    Application link: CEEI Valencia — Spain

    BSO's to be selected