Opportunity for SMEs: Cybersecurity grants supported by EDIH Adrie

The Croatian Academic and Research Network CARNET – National Coordination Centre for Cybersecurity Industry, Technology and Research (NCS) has published Call for proposals - Improving cybersecurity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The aim of the call is to empower Croatian companies in facing the growing challenges of cyber threats and to encourage investments in the protection of business, data and employees. Investing in cybersecurity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity – especially for entrepreneurs operating in the digital environment or relying on IT infrastructure in their daily work.

Key information

• Eligible applicants: micro, small and medium-sized enterprises established in the Republic of Croatia

• Total allocation: 1.970.000 €

• Aid amount: from €7,500 to €60,000 per project

• Co-financing rate: 50% eligible costs

• Duration of the project: up to 12 months

• Pre-financing: up to 50% the amount of aid;

• Application deadline: 21 November 2025 - 17:00 CET

What can be funded?

Entrepreneurs can receive funding for:

• Assessing and strengthening business security – internal self-assessments and the introduction of measures under the Cyber Security Act (NN 14/2024);

• Implementation and certification of safety management systems according to internationally recognized standards (ISO 27001, 27002, 27005, 22301, 27032, etc.)

• Employee education to identify threats and respond effectively to incidents

• Security and penetration testing networks, applications and systems, vulnerability checks and social engineering attack simulations

Why is this important for entrepreneurs?

Cyber attacks no longer only affect large corporations – small businesses are also increasingly targeted. The consequences can be serious: from loss of confidential information and business interruption to serious reputational damage.

By participating in this program, entrepreneurs:

• increase resilience against cyber threats;

• reduce the risk of financial losses and business interruption;

• comply with legal and regulatory requirements;

• strengthen the trust of clients and partners,

• raise digital maturity and competitiveness in the market.

In other words, investing in cybersecurity is not just a cost – it is an investment in sustainability and future business growth.

Free support from EDIH centers

In order to facilitate the preparation and implementation of projects by entrepreneurs, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) provide free services:

• internal cybersecurity self-assessment;

• support in the preparation of documentation,

• assistance in the implementation of the cybersecurity management system.

The following are available:

• EDIH Adria – Consortium coordinator: University of Rijeka

• EDIH CROBOHUB++ – Consortium coordinator: University of Zagreb, FER

More information and registration

Full documentation and application forms are available at:

• the Project Application Information System 

• CARNET website