Substantive dialogue on supporting entrepreneurship, access to financing and the development prospects of the region – Special emphasis on the need to continue and capitalize on the proposals submitted.
It was held in Monday, October 12, 2026, in Almyro, The RIS3 Innovation Café, as part of Regional Strategic Smart Specialization (RIS3) of Thessaly, an initiative of the Thessaly Region that aims to strengthen communication with local communities and to connect entrepreneurship with innovation and regional development.
The meeting was an opportunity for open and meaningful dialogue, with participants highlighting important challenges facing businesses, producers, and local organizations, as well as presenting specific proposals for better utilizing the available development tools.
The main message of the discussion was the need for the dialogue to have continuity and tangible results. Several of those present described the specific initiative of the Thessaly Region as particularly important, pointing out that similar actions to communicate directly with the local business community have not been undertaken in the past. At the same time, it was emphasized that active participation by businesses requires assurance that their needs and proposals will be heard and that there will be a meaningful follow-up.
The basic needs and proposals that emerged
Special emphasis was given to the need to create stable information and support structures for businesses, At both the regional and regional unit levels. The participants pointed out that existing and proposed businesses need practical guidance to identify the appropriate funding programs and take the right steps to grow them.
In the same context, it was proposed to strengthen the dissemination of information through the Local Government Organizations and the Chambers of Commerce, by placing links or informational banners on their websites that will lead directly to the RIS3 Thessaly website.
An important part of the discussion focused on Financing of small and very small businesses, which constitute a key part of the local economy. The need to establish an appropriate framework for microcredit and microloans was formulated, as well as additional support for new, small and start-up businesses.
At the same time, the need was highlighted simplification of the submission and evaluation procedures for investment proposals, With requirements and justifications depending on the size of each investment. As was specifically pointed out, the administrative requirements should not be the same for an investment of 50,000 euros and for an investment of 500,000 euros.
In the production sector, greater support was requested in investments that combine processing with the circular economy, While issues concerning the primary sector were also raised. Among them, delays in paying compensation to olive producers were mentioned, the need to review the planning of improvement programs for agricultural farms, as well as the need to strengthen the staffing with agronomists and veterinarians.
Reports were also made to unexploited development potential of Almyro, Participants pointed out that the region has significant productive potential that is not reflected equally in its business development.
In the tourism sector, it was emphasized that Magnesia has significant prospects beyond the already established destinations, with the need to highlight other areas, such as Almyros, as an important area of interest.
Finally, representatives of the local community raised the issue of Support for clubs and cultural organizations, These projects are largely based on volunteer work. In this context, the utilization of community service programs or similar mechanisms was proposed, which could enhance the ability to implement their actions.
From dialogue to highlighting opportunities for cooperation
The RIS3 Innovation Café in Almyro highlighted the importance of direct communication between the Thessaly Region, businesses, and local organizations, as well as the need for interventions to respond to the real conditions and needs of each region.
The concerns and proposals submitted constitute an important contribution to capturing local needs and further exploring opportunities to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
The cycle of RIS3 Innovation Cafés continues in Magnesia, with the next stop being Zagora, on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 17:30, in the Project Z hall, giving the opportunity to even more citizens, businesses and local entities to participate in the dialogue for the development of their region.
More information: www.ris3thessaly.gr
We listen. We connect. We innovate. We move forward.
RIS3 Innovation Cafés – a dialogue that travels throughout Thessaly.
