Last week, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the cross-border region of the cooperation program between Bulgaria and Serbia had the opportunity to participate in an Information Day for applicants under the call for direct support of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The call aims to promote investments in innovative solutions, improve production processes, enhance energy efficiency, and develop a circular economy. Projects that receive support will have a chance to increase the competitiveness of SMEs and encourage them to enter new markets through marketing strategies.
Experts from the Managing Authority and the Joint Secretariat of the program provided valuable guidance and advice regarding key aspects of the new funding call, which offers unique opportunities for businesses in the region.
An excellent opportunity to get answers to their questions and prepare for successful participation in the program, participants received information about:
- The specific goals of the call and how it will help local companies grow and develop their activities.
- Eligible applicants, activities, and expenses that can benefit from the program to realize their ideas.
- The evaluation process for project proposals and the criteria for success.
- Key steps applicants need to take to submit their projects successfully and benefit from the funding provided.
The grant amount per project ranges between €200,000 and €400,000, with individual enterprise grants between €50,000 and €200,000. For Bulgarian beneficiaries, the funding covers the full project cost, with 85% provided by the European Union and the remaining 15% from the state budget. For Serbian beneficiaries, funding covers 85% of costs from the European Union, while the remaining 15% must be provided by the applicants themselves.
The event attracted the interest of businesses aiming to develop new technologies, improve their production processes, and expand their scope of work.
The next opportunity to attend an Information Day for applicants under the call is on April 9, 2025, in Niš, Serbia.
SMEs looking for partners will have the opportunity to connect with other interested organizations during the Partner Search Forum, which will be held as part of the information campaign on April 15, 2025, in Bulgaria.