With the goal of supporting creative solutions that will revitalise rural communities throughout Europe, the NewEcoSmart (NES) initiative is thrilled to launch its Open Call for 2024. With an emphasis on green and digital transformation, this project aims to empower micro-firms, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and persons over 45 through social innovation.
The NES project is awarding three grants, one for each of our experimental sites in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, totalling €49,500. Up to €16,500 will be awarded to each chosen project to show how their creative solutions can propel digital and green innovations in these communities.
We invite solution providers, SMEs, and micro-firms to submit their projects that align with the needs of NES communities. Applications should address challenges in the following areas:
- Digital Skills: Addressing the digital skills gap in rural areas by providing access to training and resources necessary for navigating the increasingly digital landscape.
- Green Skills: Equipping individuals with knowledge of sustainable practices, renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly construction techniques to foster a more environmentally conscious society.
- Habitat Sector: Tackling the challenges faced by the habitat sector in transitioning towards digitally supported, sustainable, and circular economic models.
- Social Innovation: Promoting inclusive education and training programs that empower local communities and enhance engagement and participation in decision-making processes.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must ensure their projects are tailored to the specific needs of the NES pilot sites they wish to address. Each application must:
- Adapt and integrate solutions to the targeted NES communities.
- Demonstrate functionality and impact within four months of signing the grant agreement.
- Provide training for users and project stakeholders in the appropriate languages for the communities involved.
- Align with the ethical standards and data management procedures outlined in the NES project guidelines.
With submissions due by December 5, 2024, and a review period in December and January 2025, the Open Call will follow a set schedule. Grant agreements will be signed by the end of January 2025, once successful candidates have been notified.
The website’s NewEcoSmart Open Call portion contains further information for interested candidates, such as the Guide for Applicants and the NES Open Call Proposal Template. An online form will be used for submissions.
In order to promote inclusive and sustainable development throughout Europe, this Open Call offers solution providers a priceless chance to support social innovation and the green and digital transitions in rural areas. Applicants can contact us with any queries or concerns about the submission procedure by using this email: questions@newecosmart.eu.