On 1 October 2026, the second call for cascade funding under the SECURE project – Strengthening EU SMEs’ Cyber Resilience, funded under the ‘Digital Europe’ programme (GA No. 101190325) – was launched. The call offers up to €30,000 in direct financial support for SMEs.
Main mission
SECURE is a three-year project, launched in January 2025, which aims to strengthen the cyber resilience of European micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by helping them to comply with the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Through cascading funding, the project supports specific initiatives to improve CRA compliance and strengthen cybersecurity practices in SMEs across the EU.
Who can candidate
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from all EU Member States, including Bulgaria, are eligible. The project particularly encourages micro-enterprises. The assessment also takes into account the use of tools developed by other ‘Digital Europe’ projects relating to the implementation of the CRA. Further information on the available tools is available at cyberstand.eu.
What is funded
Funding is available for projects aimed at improving compliance with the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act and strengthening cybersecurity practices in SMEs. The funding takes the form of 50 per cent co-financing.
- Total budget for the call: €11.5 million
- Maximum grant per project: up to 30 000 euros
How we can help you
If you run an SME and are unsure how to implement the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act, Digital Innovation Hub Trakia (EDIH Trakia) can help you assess your organisation’s current level of cybersecurity and identify the specific measures that are required. You can apply for funding for the identified measures specifically through the SECURE call for proposals. The eligibility assessment, preparation of the project proposal and assistance with the application are free services provided by the European Digital Innovation Hub Trakia through New-I.
How to apply
Online through the platform of SECURE: opencall.secure4sme.eu
Who is financing
The European Union, through the ‘Digital Europe’ programme, supported by the European Centre of Competence in Cybersecurity (ECCC).
Deadline
The call is open from 1st October through 11th December 2026
For more information about EDIH Trakia’s services: Katarina Marinova | +359 886 341 990