The STAGE Grant Programme is Currently Closed.
The last open call ended on 31.12.2024. Find out how it worked below:
The Programme granted up to EUR 25 000 per selected SME to support their transition to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Financed activities included:
» Preparation of an investment project plan
» Feasibility study
» Technology audit
» Due diligence analysis
» Data collection and analysis for carbon footprint assessment
» Adaptation of business processes
» Procurement of other specialised consultancy and coaching services related to investment plan preparation
Which companies were funded by STAGE?
Here’s the list of the companies supported, so far:
Agro Infinity (Romania) ➡️ Agro Infinity develops circular economy materials with a negative CO2 footprint. In 2023, it launched a self-sustaining microgreens system using hemp fibers. The company now focuses on patented technology to produce compressed hemp blocks as a fast-growing, eco-friendly alternative to hardwood.
Ecostone Solutions UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Ecostone Solutions manufactures concrete, plaster, and cement products and articles for construction and industrial use.
Europack Bulgaria M Ltd (Bulgaria) ➡️ Europack Bulgaria M Ltd produces packaging materials and is developing stone paper production to replace non-recyclable composite papers with an eco-friendly alternative.
UAB Panevėžio Lironta (Lithuania) ➡️ UAB Panevėžio Lironta supplies high-quality plastic, metal, and concrete spacers along with other concreting accessories for reinforced concrete construction and building sites.
Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (Lithuania) ➡️ Klaipėda Free Economic Zone is a major industrial and logistics hub offering tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and fast setup for both local and international investors.
Printed Paper Trade EOOD (Bulgaria): Printed Paper Trade EOOD manufactures promotional notebooks and various other paper products.
Organic Invest Bio Protection Ltd (Bulgaria) ➡️ Organic Invest Bio Protection produces industrial bioagents for plant protection, applying entomophages via drones or mini-containers for manual colonization.
Unigroup SpA (Italy) ➡️ Unigroup SpA is a leading food distributor in Eastern Sicily, serving the Ho.Re.Ca. sector with consulting, supply services, and advanced logistics for restaurants, pizzerias, pastry shops, hospitality, and catering businesses.
SoliTek Cells (Lithuania) ➡️ SoliTek Cells manufactures photovoltaic modules and supplies battery systems for residential and commercial markets.
SoliTek R&D (Lithuania) ➡️ SoliTek R&D offers research and development services focused on new product innovation and production line design.
HAL SERVICE S.P.A. (Italy) ➡️ Founded in 1990, HAL SERVICE S.P.A. provides high-quality ITC services, specializing in third-party maintenance. The company expanded from IBM environments to include structured cabling and LAN network installation for PCs and mini-computers.
SoliTekas LT (Lithuania) ➡️ SoliTekas LT specializes in the installation of photovoltaic systems and battery solutions.
OBA PERDESAN TEKNİK TEKSTİL A.Ş. (Turkey) ➡️ Established in 1972, Oba Perdesan produces, sells, and supports mechanized blind systems for interior spaces.
Metalo Kaprizas UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Metalo Kaprizas UAB manufactures and supplies solar module mounting structures, collaborating directly with extrusion and steel factories.
Nikos Hranengineering Ltd. (Bulgaria) ➡️ Nikos Hranengineering Ltd. designs and produces machinery and equipment for the dairy industry, offering customized solutions to optimize milk processing and production efficiency.
SARCO (Italy) ➡️ SARCO S.r.l. is a Sicilian SME specializing in recycling glass and metal waste from separate collection, recovering secondary raw materials for glass industries, steel mills, and foundries.
Geaplast (Italy) ➡️ Geaplast S.r.l. leads in the production and processing of plastic materials for agriculture, industry, and construction, leveraging advanced technology and expertise.
ECOPIPES UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ ECOPIPES UAB produces high-quality plastic pipes meeting ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
BioHalo ApS (Denmark) ➡️ Founded in 2023 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Denmark, BioHalo develops bio-based sustainable alternatives to PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”
GIP Ltd (Bulgaria) ➡️ GIP Ltd. manufactures antifreeze, windshield washer fluids, fuel additives, automotive cosmetics, and household cleaning products.
UAB Baltec CNC Technologies (Lithuania) ➡️ UAB Baltec CNC Technologies manufactures precision mechanical components for the engineering sector, focusing on digitalization, robotization, and sustainable solutions.
UAB Molėtų Baseinas (Lithuania) ➡️ UAB Molėtų Baseinas is a family-friendly sports and recreation center in Molėtai offering a swimming pool, gym, and wellness activities to promote healthy lifestyles.
UAB Nordic Door Components (Lithuania) ➡️ UAB Nordic Door Components produces high-quality wooden internal doors and frames, primarily serving the Scandinavian market.
Avant Wood Oy (Finland) ➡️ Avant Wood Oy develops sustainable wood processing technologies, including patented Thermo-Mechanical Timber Modification that enhances wood properties while reducing energy use and waste.
RECYCLING tec&sol, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ RECYCLING tec&sol has over 10 years of experience recycling catalysts and non-ferrous metals, offering innovative and effective solutions for selling and recycling these materials.
UAB Reklamos4 (Lithuania) ➡️ UAB Reklamos4 specializes in 3D printing and plastic thermoforming, providing design, production, and installation services for office interiors and a wide range of indoor and outdoor advertising products.
Eurogrupė, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Eurogrupė, based in Palanga, has 25 years of experience in producing wooden houses along the Baltic Sea coast.
RD Signs, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ RD Signs focuses exclusively on visual advertising production, operating under ISO 9001 and Lean management standards.
PRO TEHNO d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ PRO TEHNO designs and manufactures metal fabrication and machinery solutions, providing tailored engineering services across various industries.
Prezicika Metrology (Lithuania) ➡️ JSC Precizika Metrology produces precision metrological instruments and measurement systems with nearly 50 years of expertise in rotary, angle, and linear encoders.
Spalvotos Pramogos, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Spalvotos Pramogos operates multiple karting tracks and a karting school near major Lithuanian cities, providing safe and exciting entertainment for both children and adults.
JSC Terekas (Lithuania) ➡️ JSC Terekas produces blow moulding machinery and PET containers, combining expertise in both fields. With over 20 years of experience, 500+ machines sold, 150+ employees, and annual turnover exceeding €19 million, it is a key industry player.
Remavita, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Founded in 2018, Remavita specializes in wood planing, calibration, and producing high-quality frame timber for wooden houses and roofs.
CNC Express, MB (Lithuania) ➡️ CNC Express is a fast-growing metalworking company established in 2017, offering CNC plasma cutting, laser cutting of tubes and sheets, bending, and rolling services.
Utukių Malūnas, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Since 1992, Utukių Malūnas has produced organic and natural grain products, continually expanding to meet customer needs and promote healthy consumption in Lithuania.
Trohalo Park Ltd. (Bulgaria) ➡️ Founded in 2022, Trohalo Park Ltd. focuses on renewable electricity production and storage through a solar power plant and battery systems, advancing clean energy transition.
Baltic Construction Solutions Lietuva, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Baltic Construction Solutions is a holding company specializing in steel frame structure production, assembly, engineering project management, and workforce outsourcing.
S4S Nordic, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ S4S Nordic combines over 10 years of experience in developing and building self-storage facilities, offering installation services for leading self-storage companies.
Biomotorai, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Biomotorai, along with its affiliates in Latvia and Estonia, leads the Baltic region in collecting and processing used cooking oil.
Baldarys, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Baldarys specializes in manufacturing wooden packaging solutions, including crates, pallets, boxes, and containers designed for secure storage and transport.
AVS PipeFit, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ AVS PipeFit manufactures and installs piping and steel structures for industries including shipbuilding and ship repair across Europe and Scandinavia.
Gardumeli, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Gardumeli offers high-quality products at competitive prices, backed by a flexible and efficient production process. With 25 years of experience, the company ensures fast delivery and adapts quickly to client demands through modern equipment and skilled staff.
ALKOpakas, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ ALKOpakas specializes in producing high-quality packaging solutions tailored for safe and efficient transport and storage across various industries.
Hypex d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ Hypex d.o.o. develops innovative technology solutions focused on sustainability, promoting green initiatives that drive economic growth while minimizing environmental and social impacts.
UAB GTV Store (Lithuania) ➡️ UAB GTV Store operates a logistics warehouse providing expert transportation and storage services.
GTV Projects, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ GTV Projects engages in wholesale and retail trade as well as the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Lincasa, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Lincasa manufactures high-quality home and kitchen textiles, as well as men’s and women’s clothing, adapting products to meet customer demands and market trends.
ESOTECH d.d. (Slovenia) ➡️ ESOTECH d.o.o. specializes in sustainable environmental and energy solutions, offering consulting, design, construction, and maintenance services focused on water treatment, energy production, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Galata 85 Ltd (Bulgaria) ➡️ Galata 85 Ltd conducts construction activities and focuses on producing paving stones from recycled construction waste.
UAB Forveda (Lithuania) ➡️ Founded in 2008, UAB Forveda produces commercial and passenger minibuses for domestic and international markets, including electric low-floor city buses and accessible vehicles based on major platforms such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Iveco Daily.
Stroka produkt d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ Stroka produkt is an IT and software development company with over 60 experts specializing in business, system, web, and mobile solutions, supported by a dedicated Research & Development department.
Green Determination LDA (Portugal) ➡️ Founded in 2020, Green Determination develops non-chemical, energy-efficient solutions to reduce food waste and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Their flagship GreenGuard bio-based coating is an edible, washable, and environmentally friendly technology that slows ripening and offers antimicrobial protection.
Dastros Medis, AB (Lithuania) ➡️ Dastros Medis produces high-quality, environmentally friendly timber garden products such as fences, pergolas, flower boxes, and wooden terraces designed to create cozy outdoor living spaces.
Žalioji banga, UAB (Lithuania) ➡️ Žalioji banga manufactures premium pet feed for dogs, cats, birds, and rodents, aiming to promote pet health and longevity through nutritious and high-quality products.
Fresh Guard Tech LDA (Portugal) ➡️ Fresh Guard Tech offers SoundSafe technology, a novel microwave-based treatment that extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by eliminating pathogens without chemical use, supporting safer and more sustainable food preservation.
UAB Preftek (Lithuania) ➡️ Preftek specializes in IT innovation, providing consulting and digital transformation services to enhance business efficiency and competitiveness.
UAB TERRA IT (Lithuania) ➡️ TERRA IT delivers cutting-edge IT solutions, digital transformation consulting, and technology services aimed at optimizing business processes.
GLINKOP d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ Glinkop manages non-hazardous waste with environmentally responsible solutions including landfill operations, waste incineration, and by-product production like biogas and compost, ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability.
TIMTEC Defense, razvoj in proizvodnja obrambnih sistemov, d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ TIMTEC Defense specializes in rapid design and production of customized automated mechanical systems for naval and land defense applications, from prototyping to medium-scale manufacturing.
RC eNeM d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ RC eNeM is a development center focused on innovative technology and sustainable industrial practices, fostering collaboration to advance energy efficiency, new materials, and environmental protection.
FOLEX d.o.o. (Slovenia) ➡️ Folex manufactures high-quality, eco-friendly foil packaging solutions for sectors including food and pharmaceuticals, continuously innovating to enhance product protection and reduce environmental impact.
TKI HRASTNIK, d.d. (Slovenia) ➡️ TKI Hrastnik is a leading chemical manufacturer delivering innovative, sustainable products for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industry, committed to environmental responsibility and supporting Europe’s green transformation.
IMPORTANT! The financial grant can be spent only for services provided by registered Sustainability Advisors on the STAGE Platform.
Check out our STAGE Sustainability Transition Programme and find your dedicated Sustainability Advisor!
FOR WHOM IS THE PROGRAMME INTENDED?
The STAGE Financial Grant Programme was open to all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in a European Union Member State or in a Horizon Europe - associated country
IMPORTANT! Only SMEs that have completed the Initial Assessment, have matched with a STAGE Sustainability Advisor, and have developed a Sustainability Transition Plan were eligible to apply.
All activities are implemented on the STAGE Platform, which also includes all required templates for the application.
ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES
The STAGE eco-system involves 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 are eligible to be funded by the STAGE Financial Grant Programme.
TIMELINE
CURRENTLY, THE GRANT PROGRAMME IS CLOSED. A TIMELINE FOR THE NEXT CALL HAS NOT YET BEEN ANNOUNCED.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the maximum financing that an SME participating in the STAGE Sustainability Journey can receive?
The maximum financing that an enterprise can receive is EUR 25 000.
Can a legal entity incorporated in a country outside the EU join the STAGE eco-system and apply for a finanical grant?
All companies can join and benefit from the existing tools and open training courses available within the STAGE Sustainability Transition Programme. However, only SMEs from EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries can apply for and receive financial support.
Is there a restriction on the type of industry the company operates in? Can a company from any industry apply for a grant?
The STAGE Financial Grant Programme is open to all SMEs operating in all 14 European Industrial Ecosystems defined by the EC (please see above).
In addition, The Programme will not finance any activity, production, use, distribution, business or trade involving:
1. Forced labour or child labour;
2. Activities or materials deemed illegal under host country laws or regulations or international conventions and agreements, or subject to international phase-outs or bans, such as:
a) Ozone-depleting substances, PCB's (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and other specific, hazardous pharmaceuticals, pesticides/herbicides or chemicals;
b) Wildlife or products regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); or
c) Unsustainable fishing methods (e.g. blast fishing and drift net fishing in the marine environment using nets in excess of 2.5 km in length).
3. Cross-border trade in waste and waste products, unless compliant with the Basel Convention and the underlying regulations.
4. Destruction of High Conservation Value areas
5. Radioactive materials and unbounded asbestos fibers
6. Pornography and/or prostitution
7. Racist and/or anti-democratic media
8. If any of the following products form a substantial part of a project’s primary financed business activities:
a) Alcoholic Beverages (except beer and wine);
b) Tobacco;
c) Weapons and munitions; or
d) Gambling, casinos and equivalent enterprises.
9. Coal prospection, exploration, mining or processing
10. Oil exploration or production
11. Standalone fossil gas exploration and/or production
12. Transport and related infrastructure primarily used for coal for power generation
13. Crude Oil Pipelines
14. Oil Refineries
15. Construction of new or refurbishment of any existing coal-fired power plant (including dual)
16. Construction of new or refurbishment of any existing HFO-only or diesel-only power plant producing energy for the public grid and leading to an increase of absolute CO2 emissions
17. Any business with planned expansion of captive coal used for power and/or heat generation.
For more information on eligibility rules, please check the Guidelines.
If an SME is already cooperating with a Sustainability Advisor outside STAGE, can the financial grant be spent on services provided by him/her?
No, the financial support can be spent on services provided only by Sustainability Advisors who are part of the STAGE eco-system. When applying for the grant, the SME has to provide a letter of confirmation by а STAGE Sustainability Advisor for the intent to provide the relevant services.
Any Sustainability Advisor not yet part of the STAGE eco-system can register with us. More information can be found here.
If I have already selected a Sustainability Advisor for the first steps of the STAGE journey, can I choose a diiferent one for the STAGE Financial Grant Programme?
Yes, you can work with a different advisor(s) and with as many advisors as you need for the different phases of the STAGE Programme who can help you reach your sustainability goals.
Are there any specific requirements to the project idea for which an investment plan shall be developed?
The investment plan idea has to aim for an investment of EUR 100 000 or more. It has to foresee technological excellence-related action, for example: advanced industrial technologies being adopted and/or innovative solutions; an increase of digital readiness level; implementation of management standards; value stream management; new sustainable business models being implemented; sustainable energy and energy efficiency solutions, etc.
The investment plan idea has to foresee positive economic impact, for example: revenue growth, profit growth, jobs created, waste reduction, carbon footprint reduction, increased energy efficiency, increased energy cost savings, etc.
What are the benefits for those who apply earlier?
Only 100 SMEs will receive financial support. Eligibility and selection criteria will apply. If you meet the eligibility criteria but you are not awarded a grant, following the selection procedure, you will be able to apply again within the next upcoming open call.
NEED MORE HELP?
If you have reviewed the information but you still have questions or need help, do not hesitate to contact us.
✉️ stage@lic.lt
