Innovation · 9 min read
Horizon Europe Cascade Funding: Getting €100k Equity-Free Micro-Grants Without Complex Consortia
How single SMEs can access €50k–€150k through open calls run by EU-funded projects.
What is cascade funding?
Large Horizon Europe projects redistribute part of their budget to third parties through simple open calls — often called Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP).
Why it matters
Applications are short (often 10–15 pages), single SMEs can apply alone, and grants of €50k–€150k are equity-free.
Where to find calls
Monitor the EU Funding & Tenders portal, European Digital Innovation Hubs and thematic project websites. Calls open and close fast.
Stepping stone to the EIC
A successful cascade project builds the track record and TRL progress that makes an EIC Accelerator application — up to €2.5M grant plus equity — far more competitive.