Scheme for subsidization of Persons with Disabilities for the Creation of Social Enterprises

The Scheme provides a subsidy of €10,000 (ten thousand euros) to each beneficiary, with a maximum subsidy per social enterprise, regardless of the number of beneficiaries participating in the same social enterprise, of €30,000 (thirty thousand euros).

Eligible expenses relate to the purchase of equipment and raw materials for the needs of the social enterprise, as well as working capital up to a maximum of 30% of the total grant.

Natural persons who are eligible to participate in the Scheme are those who:

(a) Are Cypriot and European citizens who have been permanently residing in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to submitting their application.

(b) They are between eighteen (18) and sixty-three (63) years of age.

(c) They are persons with disabilities, i.e. persons who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may prevent their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others, according to a disability certificate issued by the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

(d) They are unemployed or salaried employees on the date of submission of their application and are engaging in business activities for the first time through their participation and employment in a company, cooperative, or association.

(e) They have obtained, prior to submitting their application, preliminary approval from the Registrar of Social Enterprises to register the proposed enterprise in the Register of Social Enterprises.

(f) They meet all the other terms and conditions set out in the Scheme.

It is understood that the payment of any part of the grant shall commence after the issuance of a certificate by the Registrar of Social Enterprises for final approval and registration of the social enterprise in the Register of Social Enterprises.

For further information on the registration process in the Register of Social Enterprises, please visit the website of the Cooperative Societies Service at the following link:

https://www.cssda.gov.cy/cssda/cssda02.nsf/All/613A28E2941292E9C2258AD2003169DA?OpenDocument