Following the official launch of the strategic RESCALE (Scaling Regions) project in March this year, the first phase of support for businesses is now underway. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Bulgaria–Serbia cross-border region can now express their interest in joining the project and benefit from a comprehensive development programme offering free access to expert support, training, international business networking and innovation opportunities.
Project No. BGRS0600098 "Scaling Regions (RESCALE)" is implemented under Priority 2 "Integrated Development of the Border Region" of the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027. The lead partner is the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Science and Technology Park Niš.
With a budget of more than €6 million, RESCALE is the first strategic initiative of its kind under the Programme dedicated to supporting SMEs in the cross-border region. Rather than offering stand-alone training or consultancy services, the project provides an integrated development pathway – from business diagnostics and capacity building to international market access, tailored advisory services and support for innovation.
Up to 100 enterprises from Bulgaria and 100 enterprises from Serbia will participate in the first stage of the project. The support is organised into six consecutive phases, allowing businesses to progress according to their needs and the results achieved throughout the programme.
The first phase focuses on business diagnostics, providing each participating enterprise with an individual assessment and expert recommendations. It is followed by specialised training and mentoring, participation in trade missions and international exhibitions, tailored growth services and, for the most advanced participants, access to research infrastructure for developing and testing innovative products and business solutions.
Support is available in four thematic areas:
- Internationalisation – export readiness, access to foreign markets and international business partnerships;
- Digitalisation – digital technologies, automation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital capacity building;
- Green Economy – resource and energy efficiency, circular economy and sustainable business models;
- Tourism – development of tourism products and services, marketing, digital solutions and cross-border cooperation.
Alongside the business support activities, the project also includes an analytical component implemented in cooperation with the World Bank. The study will examine the economic links between Bulgaria and Serbia, identify sectors with the highest growth potential and provide recommendations for strengthening the business environment and supporting future cross-border economic development.
Who can apply?
The call is open to SMEs registered and/or operating within the Programme area in Bulgaria, covering the districts of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Sofia District (excluding Sofia City), Pernik and Kyustendil, as well as enterprises from other parts of Bulgaria, subject to the conditions of the call.
Participation in the project is free of charge. The services provided constitute de minimis aid, with an indicative maximum value of up to €60,645 per enterprise for participation in all applicable project phases.
Companies interested in joining the project can submit their expression of interest by 15 September 2026 by completing the online application form:
👉 Expression of Interest Form:
https://forms.gle/TtL426vmiMs9cgmD8
After submitting the form, each applicant will be contacted by an expert from the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), who will provide information about the application procedure, eligibility requirements, necessary documents and the next steps.
The full set of application documents is available on the BSMEPA website: https://shorturl.at/N3hJP