The Just Transition Operational Program (OPST) offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs in the regions most affected by the transition away from coal – the Karlovy Vary, Moravian-Silesian, and Ústí nad Labem regions.
The program’s mission is to mitigate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the transition and usher in a new era of prosperity in the affected regions. Financial instruments are the key to success, as they are a modern and effective form of support that will help you realize your growth and innovation goals.
Financial instruments offer a modern and effective way to secure the investment you need to grow your business with minimal administrative burden compared to traditional grants.
1. A simpler and faster process
Obtaining a loan through the National Development Bank (NRB) is comparable to standard banking practices—no unnecessary paperwork, no long waits.
2. Funds remain in the region
Repaid loans are returned to the system and reused to support other projects in that same region.
3. Support for economically viable projects
Thanks to the return on investment, projects with higher efficiency and greater potential for success are funded.
4. Favourable terms compared to commercial loans
Especially in times of high interest rates, interest-free or low-interest loans from the Just Transition Fund offer a significant competitive advantage.
In the 2021–2027 period, financial instruments constitute a significant portion of OPST support – more than 10% of the total allocation is reserved for preferential loans, which is a significant shift compared to previous years. In total, nearly CZK 6.4 billion is available for financial instruments in the program.
The program is now extending support to projects focused on brownfield regeneration in the Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary regions. It combines an interest-free loan with a grant component and targets projects with public benefits that would not be economically viable without this form of support. The support is directed toward the restoration of unused areas and buildings for the creation of museums, galleries, cultural and community centres, schools, healthcare and social facilities, or public administration buildings, etc.
The financial instruments are primarily intended for entrepreneurs and the management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but depending on the type of product selected, they are also available to companies with up to 3,000 employees (mid-caps) operating in the Ústí nad Labem, Karlovy Vary, and Moravian-Silesian regions.
In the case of brownfield regeneration, the pool of applicants also includes public entities and other eligible applicants as defined by the terms of the specific call for application.
Start your transformation project today. Learn more and seize the opportunity to take your business to the next level – with support from OP Just Transition.