As part of the Moving Family Forward initiative for the demographic issue, we are promoting entrepreneurship in Evros. We support the work of AFI Microfinance, offering financing under favourable terms to the residents of Evros to start their own business in their local area.
Applications for the new round of financing open on 15.06.2026 and close on 31.08.2026.
Moreover, through the AFI Microfinance programme, beneficiaries improve their chances of success in their first business steps, as they:
- Access opportunities for training in areas directly linked to their business.
- Receive personalised guidance for preparing a realistic and sustainable business plan.
This way, we offer an incentive for them to stay in their hometown, and venture on their own, as new entrepreneurs.
The programme is offered by AFI Microfinance and is supported by Eurobank, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative for addressing the demographic issue.
The 2025 financing round was successfully concluded.
64 new businesses received financing amounting to €941,000 in total, to take their first business steps in their hometowns.
Eligibility criteria
The financing is offered to permanent residents of Evros:
- Individuals who are employed, unemployed or self-employed and wish to start their own business.
- Newly established businesses that have been running for up to 1 year.
Financing amount
You can get financing starting from €3,000:
- Up to €15,000 to establish a new business.
- Up to €25,000 to scale up an established business.
Interest rate
You secure financing with an exceptionally low interest rate of 1% in the context of the programme, which is implemented with Eurobank’s support.
Find out more about the features of the loan provided through AFI Microfinance.
Receiving your loan
You receive the money in a sight account that you open or already hold at Eurobank.
When the loan is disbursed you get:
- A Eurobank Business Debit Mastercard, for immediate access to your business account.
- Login credentials and EuroPhone Banking PIN, to get information and carry out transactions 24/7, online through e-Banking and the Eurobank Mobile App or over the phone, through EuroPhone Banking.
This way, you have absolute control over your account activity through a secure environment.
- Fill in the online application form on the AFI Microfinance page.
- You receive an email with information about the loan, the next steps and the contact details of your personal advisor, whom you contact by phone.
- Contact your AFI personal advisor online, and they help you prepare your business plan, provided your business meets the requirements for inclusion in the programme. At the same time, you upload the required supporting documents, for your file.
- Provided AFI approves the loan request, you are informed over phone and by email about the final amount and terms of the loan.
- Sign your loan agreement However, to receive the money in your Eurobank sight account, you must declare the start of your business activity at the corresponding tax office.
Find out everything you need about the AFI Microfinance programme.
Once your loan is disbursed, you are invited to participate in a mandatory hybrid educational programme, requiring both in-person and online attendance.
This will help you implement your business plan immediately and effectively.
Moreover, AFI keeps track of your business progress and provides advisory services at 6, 12 and 18 months from the loan start date.
People often ask about the AFI Microfinance financing programme
Who is eligible to participate in the programme?
The financing is offered to permanent residents of Evros:
- Individuals who are employed, unemployed or self-employed and wish to start their own business.
- Newly established businesses that have been running for up to 1 year.
No. The programme is open to any field of activity, such as sports/wellness, event planning, education/career guidance, clothing/footwear/linen, furniture/interior design, retail shops/e-shops, food processing, tourism, beauty services, arts & crafts.
In addition, AFI Microfinance is especially supportive of social entrepreneurship and innovation projects, such as:
- Recycling and circular economy – organic fertilisers, material reuse, plastic upcycling.
- Vulnerable group employment – businesses that hire persons with disabilities, long-term unemployed or refugees.
- Agricultural development and sustainable farming – support for local producers, organic produce, innovative farming technologies.
- Education and digital skills – reskilling and upskilling programmes for women and vulnerable groups.
- Health and social services – home care units for remote areas.
- Social impact tourism – eco-tourism, cultural tourism, experiential tourism.
Under the AFI Microfinance programme, you can get financing:
- From €3,000 to €15,000 for a new business or up to €25,000 for an established business.
- With an exceptionally low interest rate of 1%.
Find out more about the features of the loan provided through AFI Microfinance.
You can pay for expenses to establish and scale up your business, such as:
- Working capital expenses
- Business establishment costs
- Purchase of goods, equipment and raw materials
- Website/e-shop/digital solutions
- Business premises rental
- Marketing, branding, certifications
- Employee payroll
Moreover, you can cover your business investment costs, such as:
- Purchase of new or used equipment or vehicles
- Renovations
- Property purchase
