Kick-Off Meeting Confirms Start of 3-Year EU-Funded Initiative for SMEs in Italy and Croatia
Zagreb, 25 July 2025 – The SEAS (Sustainable Enterprises Advancing blue Solutions) project officially started on 1 July 2025, marking the launch of a strategic pilot initiative under the Interreg Italy – Croatia 2021–2027 Programme.
The strategic project SEAS is a pilot project that aims to boost innovation, sustainability, and cross-border cooperation in the blue economy by providing direct financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in programme area.
The project consortium held a Kick-Off Meeting on 24 July 2025 via online platform, gathering all partners and associated organizations.
Led by HAMAG-BICRO (Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments), SEAS brings together key partners from Croatia and Italy, including project partner T2I – Technology Transfer and Innovation S.C.A R.L. as well as Associatated Organizations Istarska razvojna agencija – IDA d.o.o. and INSME Association – The International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises.
A total budget of €3,125,000, of which €2,500,000 is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
A Strategic Boost for SMEs
The SEAS project is the first within the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme to offer direct financial grants to SMEs through a dedicated Call for Small Projects, expected to launch in early 2026.
The initiative will support companies operating in sectors linked to the blue economy, including maritime innovation, seafood, and sustainable marine energy, etc.
- Funds for SMEs: €1.64 million in direct grants (80% co-financed by the EU)
SMEs will apply through a launched SEAS online platform, where they can access all necessary documentation, submit applications, and report on project implementation. https://cbchb.eu/cbc-it-cro/seas/
SEAS is committed to supporting SMEs in tackling the challenges of the blue economy through a sustainable and innovation-driven approach, in line with EU strategic goals.
The Kick-Off Meeting concluded with aligned expectations and strong partner engagement. With official activities now underway since 1 July 2025, SEAS is poised to create meaningful impact by empowering SMEs and driving sustainable growth in the blue economy.
For more information on SEAS project, needed documentation, partner search visit the website https://cbchb.eu/.
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
