Small and medium-sized businesses
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for grants, loans and guarantees. They can also bid for contracts to provide goods and services.
SMEs are defined as
Micro-enterprise
- fewer than 10 employees
- an annual turnover or annual balance sheet that does not exceed €2 million
Small enterprise
- fewer than 50 employees
- an annual turnover or annual balance sheet that does not exceed €10 million
Medium-sized enterprise
- fewer than 250 employees
- an annual turnover that does not exceed €50 million, or an annual balance sheet not exceeding €43 million
These figures apply to individual companies only. A small company might not qualify for SME status if it has significant additional resources because it is part of a larger group.
For further details on SME eligibility criteria, consult the
User guide to the SME Definition
Funding opportunities specifically for small businesses
Other funding opportunities open to small businesses
NGOs
Non-governmental and civil society non-profit organisations are eligible for EU funding where their areas of activity relate to EU policies.
Funding opportunities specifically for NGOs
Other funding opportunities open to NGOs
Young people
The EU budget includes specific programmes to support young people to gain work experience or study abroad. There are also programmes targeting unemployment among young people.
Generally speaking, these programmes are open to:
- young people (age 13-31)
- youth organisations
- other stakeholders working with young people
More detailed criteria can be found in the individual funding calls.
Funding opportunities specifically for young people
Other funding opportunities open to young people
Researchers
Research and innovation are so important to the EU's long-term strategy that special programmes and other sources of support are available for researchers across Europe.
The EU's principal funding programme for research is Horizon 2020. It supports research projects in numerous fields, carried out by organisations or individuals.
Funding opportunities specifically for researchers
Farmers
As a farmer or land manager, it is likely that you will be eligible to receive direct payments under the common agricultural policy.
To qualify for funding, you must comply with certain requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health, environment and animal welfare. Funding is channelled through the relevant national authorities in your country.
Funding opportunities specifically for farmers
Other funding opportunities open to farmers
Public bodies
Public bodies - whether local, regional or national - can benefit from many EU funding opportunities, including investments to support the development of institutional capacity and efficiency, and local infrastructure projects.