Open Call – FAQs

FAQs for the Open Call Acceleration Program

Q: What are the channels to apply for the Open Call Acceleration Program?

A: There is ONLY one channel to apply for Open Call Acceleration Program – via Vestbee platform, following this link: https://app.vestbee.com/org/fu_tourism

Applications submitted by any other means will be rejected

Q: What do I need to do to apply?

A: To apply, you must complete the following steps:

    1. Go to the online submission platform: https://app.vestbee.com/org/fu_tourism
    2. Create an account or log in if you already have one
    3. Fill out all sections of the online Application Form (see ΑΝΝΕΧ 2)
    4. Upload the following required documents:
  • Project proposal (using the provided template)
  • Declaration of Honor signed by the legal representative (see ΑΝΝΕΧ 3)
  • Proof of legal registration of the company and NACE code (e.g. extract from official business registry)
  • Proof of full compliance with national tax and social security obligations (NOT mandatory for the submission; this documentation will be required ONLY to the selected SMEs as part of the Grant Agreement negotiation)

All applications must be submitted in English.

Q: What are the main activities included in the FU-TOURISM Business Support Program?

A: The FU-TOURISM Business Support Program is designed to comprehensively support participants throughout their project development journey. Key activities include:

  1. Interactive training workshops on key tourism innovation topics These interactive sessions are led by industry experts and cover a wide range of topics, including digitalization, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The workshops are designed to cater to participants’ diverse needs by offering a flexible curriculum that allows them to select lessons based on their current knowledge and specific business requirements.  The workshops will begin with foundational knowledge such as project and product development methodologies, market research techniques, and effective team management strategies. As participants progress, they will delve into more advanced topics like digital transformation, financing and capital management, and impact measurement. By the end of these sessions, participants will have a holistic understanding of how to strategically grow and scale their businesses.

  2. 10 hours of mandatory free mentorship sessions: each participant will be paired with an experienced mentor who will provide one-on-one guidance, feedback, and support. These mentors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, tailored to the unique needs of each participant’s project. The mentorship component is integral to the program, offering personalized advice and problem-solving strategies that can significantly impact project success.

  3. Networking Events: Throughout the program, 5 networking events will be organized to facilitate connections among participants, mentors, industry stakeholders, and potential investors.  These events are excellent opportunities for participants to expand their professional networks, share insights, and explore potential collaborations.

  4. Progress Reviews: Regular progress reviews will be conducted with mentors, advisors, and program evaluators. These reviews provide participants with critical feedback on their project development, helping them stay aligned with their goals and make necessary adjustments to improve their chances of success.

Q: What are my obligations during the Acceleration Program?

A: Here is the list of mandatory activities for each participant:

– Participation in the FU-TOURISM Acceleration Programme Kick-off event
– Participation in the training sessions;
– Participation in the Demo Day;
– Participation in the Fireside chat with Industry experts
– Participation in the Investor’s Meet & Greet
– Participation in the FU-TOURISM Virtual Roundtable Discussion
– Participation in the midterm & final evaluation;
– Participation in the tailored coaching programme;
-Participation in complementary support activities such as networking events, webinars, matchmaking events, summits and conferences;
– Contribution to the communication and dissemination activities of FU-TOURISM.

Q: Are personnel costs eligible under the call? 

A: Subcontracting of external consultancy services are eligible. But salaries from SME owners or employees under direct contract are norteligible.

Q: Is there a NACE code for SMEs to apply?

A: 

    • H49 – Land transport and transport via pipeline
    • H50 – Water transport
    • H51 – Air transport
    • I – Accommodation and food service activities
    • N77 – Rental and leasing activities
    • N79 – Travel agency, tour operator and other reservation service and related activities
    • N82 – Office administrative, office support and other business support activities
    • R90/R91/R92 – Creative, arts and entertainment activities; libraries, archives, museums and other cultural
    • activities; gambling and betting activities
    • R93 – Sports activities and amusement and recreation activities
    • Other NACE codes are admissible if applicants demonstrate relevant impact of the proposed project on the priority challenges (see ANNEX 1) of this Call for proposals. As guidance, projects coming from SMEs in the ICT sector (e.g. IT solutions and platforms for enhanced tourism experience) or the Energy sector (e.g. energy communities, energy efficiency solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism activities) are eligible as long as they target FU-TOURISM Accelerator Programme priority challenges outlined in ANNEX 1.

Q: Are secondary national NACE codes eligible for participation ?

A: An indicative list of eligible Tourism Ecosystem NACE codes is provided in Annex 5. However, the call is open to all NACE codes, provided applicants can demonstrate the relevant impact of the proposed project on the priority challenges outlined in Annex 1 of the Call for Proposals, as well as its contribution to the green and digital transition of the tourism sector.

Q: Can I participate as an external collaborator (a subcontractor) in another COSME open call (and another project) and also submit a proposal to your open call through my sole proprietorship?

A: Yes, you can participate, provided that it is a different project and the specific costs are not funded by the other open call.

Q: Does the SME definition include the number of people in the business? I am referring to a small sole proprietorship (1 owner and external collaborators). Will this structure be eligible. Are sole proprietorships eligible if they meet the above criteria?

A: Yes, sole proprietorships are eligible as long as they fulfill the specified criteria, including qualifying as an SME under the EU SME definition and having been legally operational for at least 6 months prior to the call deadline.

Q: If we have received mentoring and consulting services from another European program, does this affect the approval or rejection of our proposal?

A: No, as long as it concerns a different project, there is no issue. Ιf your proposal is approved, you will be required to participate in the FU-TOURISM Accelerator program and utilize the services it offers.

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