The program is implemented in collaboration with the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce and with the support of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy and Development and through the mobilization of key actors of the capital market and entrepreneurship ecosystem, prepares SMEs and startups to raise funds through the Greek capital market.
ElvalHalcor, as an active member of the Athens Stock Exchange and the international industrial sector, supports the Roots program, which aims to create opportunities for Greek SMEs and start-ups, providing guidance and expertise.
For the implementation of the program, the following 5 groups participate:
- Corporate champions: Acclaimed Greek companies are the Corporate Champions of the program and support the business ecosystem, spreading their experience and know-how.
- They provide their experienced executives to support the companies, as Mentors.
- They leverage their experience, prestige and resources to transfer know-how and guide the companies participating in the program to develop its deliverables.
- Contribute financially to the Capacity Building & Training program.
- They participate through their established executives in the networking activities of the program (knowledge-based events).
- They promote innovation and synergies, thus encouraging the creation of a dynamic business ecosystem.
2. Advisory partners: Leading companies providing advisory services are the Advisory Partners of the program. Through the participation of experienced executives, companies receive support in the process of choosing the appropriate financial instrument to raise the required funds and in preparing the presentation of their investment proposal.
- They provide their experienced executives to support the companies, as Mentors and as Investment Advisors.
- They guide companies to develop program deliverables.
- They participate through their established executives in the networking activities of the program (knowledge-based events).
- They promote innovation and synergies, thus encouraging the creation of a dynamic business ecosystem.
3. Training partners
The training program of Roots (Roots Capacity Building & Training) has been designed in collaboration with the Training Partners. It focuses on issues necessary to strengthen the skills of companies to reach the point of investment readiness. Each company that participates in the program has access to educational material, seminars and networking activities (knowledge-based events), based on international best practices, depending on its needs and the educational program that it will draw up in collaboration with the Mentor and the Investment Advisor her. (more information is listed on the page https://www.roots-program.com/el/training-partners)
4. Mentors: Mentors and Investment Advisors are the advisory pillar of the Roots program. Mentors are experienced executives from Corporate Champions and Advisory Partners. Based on their experience, they provide strategic advice to the program companies and help them develop its deliverables to enhance their growth prospects. In collaboration with Investment Advisors, they guide companies in preparing the presentation of their investment proposal to investors.
5. Investment Advisors. Mentors and Investment Advisors are the advisory pillar of the Roots program. Investment Advisors are experienced executives from Advisory Partners. They guide companies in the process of planning and drawing up their financial plan and in the process of choosing the appropriate financial instrument to raise the required funds. In cooperation with the Mentors, they guide the companies in the preparation of the presentation of their investment proposal to investors.
In the first cycle of Roots, ElvalHalcor, together with other large Greek companies, participated as Corporate Champion. Its high-ranking executives assumed the role of Mentor, providing appropriate guidance to the companies participating in the program, regarding the preparation and communication of their investment proposal.
The first round of Roots has been successfully completed. The nine companies selected to participate in the program are: Automation System Hellas, Biosolids, Ecoshop "Biologiko Xorio", Epexyl, Halvatzis Makedoniki, Iknowhow, Irida Labs, Legendary Food and Control Eat (S. Steniotis).
These nine companies completed a preparation course under the guidance of renowned executives of the domestic business. The entire journey of the companies in the program was about support/guidance in the preparation of their business and financial plans, and training by participating in the required and useful training seminars of Roots (which seminars are designed in cooperation with the Training Partners of the program , the Hellenic CFA Association and Arizona State University). Participating companies now have the maturity and skills to successfully operate in the global investment community securing the capital they need to grow.
Currently, the second round of the program as well as applications to the SME Pre-listing Support Programme, have started.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Athens Stock Exchange are strengthening their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greece. Based on the success of the first round of applications that was completed last year, the EBRD invites Greek SMEs for the second time to submit their applications for the "SME Pre-listing Support Programme".
The initiative takes place amid the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact. Considering the support of SMEs as a key part of dealing with the crisis, the EBRD increases the existing means at its disposal, but also adds new ones to support them.
By issuing corporate bonds or shares and listing them on the stock exchange, companies gain access to financing through the capital market and can attract both domestic and international investors. This is particularly important at present, given the uncertainty affecting both economic activity and funding prospects.
Tapping into the capital markets can provide critical financing as an increasing number of Greek businesses are forced to seek strategic opportunities and expand their financing options through access to the capital markets.
SMEs that will join the program will have the opportunity to receive personalized consulting services and technical support in operational, administrative, technical and development matters for a period of up to 18 months, to upgrade their investment capacity according to international standards. SMEs will be screened for their readiness to raise funds through the Greek capital market, based on which a detailed plan will be developed and executed.
EBRD has so far supported more than 75 SMEs in Greece with consulting services. The consulting program is designed to help businesses gain expertise and improve their performance and competitiveness.
