More than 2100 projects of small and medium-sized businesses from coal regions are competing for BGN 250 million from the Development of Regions Programme 2021-2027.
More than 2100 projects of small and medium-sized businesses from coal regions are competing for BGN 250 milli
By Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
The funds are for modernisation, increasing productivity and creating new jobs
More than 2100 project proposals to support businesses in the coal regions of the country have been submitted under the Development of Regions Programme 2021-2027 managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.
The deadline for submitting project proposals under the key procedure for supporting small and medium-sized businesses in Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora, as well as 10 other municipalities from the Maritsa basin, included in the territorial scope of the Just Transition Fund, which are in the process of transition to a cleaner and more sustainable economy, expired on May 15 this year.
The declared interest in the funding opportunities is extremely high, reports the Managing Authority of the programme. The more than 2100 project proposals submitted exceed four times the available budget.
The procedure “Diversification and adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises to the economic transition” is part of Priority 4 “Just Transition” of the Programme “Development of the Regions” 2021-2027. It aims to provide real support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups, to adapt to economic and environmental change. The minimum amount of grant funding is BGN 50 000 per project proposal. The maximum amount of the grant per project proposal for micro and small enterprises is up to BGN 500 000 and for medium-sized enterprises up to BGN 1 000 000 and in accordance with the applicable minimum/state aid regime.
It will finance investment in new technologies, modernisation, productivity improvements, business restructuring and with the prerequisite of providing new jobs, and alternative employment for potentially affected local workers.
The evaluation process will start as soon as possible, taking into account the significant number of projects submitted. This is an important step towards actually supporting the local economy and a smooth transition towards climate neutrality.
