Manos Konsolas, MP for the Dodecanese and Chairman of the Greek Parliament’s Regional Affairs Committee, has proposed a program for granting small interest-free loans without guarantees to very small and sole proprietorships operating or being established on islands with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants.
The aim of the proposal is:
- To support the economic and social life on small islands,
- To address the demographic decline by helping residents remain and attracting new entrepreneurs,
- To promote regional cohesion and convergence.
The loans would be funded primarily by:
- The European Social Fund,
- The Hellenic Development Bank,
- With potential participation of other financial institutions.
Konsolas highlights that a similar microloan scheme was announced for small businesses in Thessaly affected by natural disasters.
