- Sustainability assessments  

- Bespoke training programmes 

- Dedicated Sustainability Advisors 

- Tailored Sustainability Transition Plans 

- Financial support for investment planning  

- Advisory services to attract private investment  

Step 1: Join the STAGE platform, powered by GND.

Step 2: Complete the Initial Assessment: use this self-assessment tool to evaluate how you perform in a range of social, innovation, governance, environment and economic aspects. Based on your answers a Scorecard will be generated with details about the areas where you can improve your performance.

Step 3: Match with a Sustainability Advisor to guide you through the STAGE process. Go through our wide database of experts and select one or more, based on your preferences. If you already have an advisor, invite them to join us.

Step 4: Work with your Sustainability Advisor to co-create your tailor-made Sustainability Transition Plan (ST Plan).

Step 5: Use our Performance Аssessment tools to collect more details on product engineering, industry 4.0, production sustainability, business strategy.

The Carbon Footprint Assessment will calculate your carbon footprint resulting from fuel, f-gas, electricity, water consumption, waste, etc.

In addition, a tailor-made training plan with modules that will be most beneficial to you for achieving your sustainability goals and an EU Taxonomy Assessment tool to help you define whether your economic activities can be classified as sustainable according to the EU Taxonomy Regulation will soon be available for all participating companies.

Step 6: Make the most of the training opportunities provided and improve your knowledge in the areas defined in your ST plan (if you still have not got one, please go through the steps in PHASE 1).

Bring in your staff and enrol in as many open-source Decentralised Training Courses as you wish.

A programme of online and onsite training workshops will also be available, hosted by one of the STAGE partners. In-person workshops will allow for discussions and create networking opportunities.

Step 7: Apply for financial support to start implementing your Sustainability Sustainability Transition Plan.

During a competitive process, the STAGE Financial Grant Programme will provide up to 50,000 EUR funding per SME in two stages to develop an investment project plan and acquire investment for sustainability transition.

Up to 100 SMEs will benefit from the financial grants! Selection criteria will apply.

THE FIRST GRANT CALL WILL BE OPEN IN SEPTEMBER! STAY TUNED!

Step 8: Access our financial advisory support tools to:

 -  analysis your business needs and operational capacity

- develop your financial plans

 -  find out which are the most suitable financial instruments

 -  monitor and evaluate your progress towards the achievement of your ST plan

Up to 50 SMEs will benefit from the dedicated advisory services! Be the first to apply!

Only 20 SMEs with the highest potential shall be selected to receive further financial consultancy support to attract private investment.

All companies are eligible to join and benefit from the existing tools and training courses EXCEPT that only SMEs from EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries can apply for and receive financial and advisory support under PHASE 3 of the Programme..

There are no restrictions regarding the type of industry the company operates in for the registration and use of the STAGE eco-system resources. However, please note, that the STAGE project primary focus is at SMEs from all 14 European Industrial Ecosystems defined by the EC, including:

Textiles; Electronics; Mobility-Transport-Automotive; Energy-Intensive Industries; Renewable Energy; Agri-Food; Health; Digital; Construction; Retail; Proximity & Social Economy; Tourism; Creative & Cultural Industries and Aerospace & Defence.

Companies operating in these technological areas can apply for a grant under the STAGE Financial Grant Programme. Additional eligibility rules shall also apply, so please check the Programme gudelines!

Once you register to the STAGE platform and pass the Initial Assessment you will be able to choose from a list of Sustainability Advisors with various expertise. You can select and interact with as many advisors as you need. Our technical support will help guide you through the process.

You can work with different advisors and with as many advisors as you need to reach your sustainability goals. However, please, note that not all services of all advisors can be compensated by the STAGE Programme. Please, contact our technical support in case you need assistance.

You will be able to benefit from the STAGE assessments, participate in STAGE sustainability trainings, prepare your Sustainability Transition Plan and, if eligible, apply in the first calls of the STAGE Financial Grant Programme. Only 100 SMEs will receive financial grant support, And only 50 SMEs will benefit from the dedicated advisory services.