Small and medium-sized enterprises from the border region between Bulgaria and North Macedonia with access to nearly EUR 5 million for modernisation and qualification
Small and medium-sized enterprises from the border region between Bulgaria and North Macedonia with access to
By Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
Each organization can receive up to EUR 300 thousand, projects are accepted until 15 September
Nearly €5 million will be allocated to modernise small and medium-sized enterprises in the border region of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The funds are provided under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria-North Macedonia 2021-2027 Programme managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. Under the programme, each enterprise can receive between €100,000 and €300,000 in grant aid, with up to 85% of the budget provided by the EU and the remaining up to 15% national co-financing. According to the regulation, at least 65% of the funds must be used for the supply of new equipment, production or environmental innovations and digital technologies. And up to 35% of the financial resource can be directed towards training, certification, marketing and internationalisation.
Eligible projects are those of at least two partner enterprises - at least one from Bulgaria and one from North Macedonia. The enterprises should be registered in the programme region no later than the end of 2022 with at least 51% private capital and operating in the fields of manufacturing, waste management, transport and storage, hospitality, cultural services, sports and tourism, as well as human health and social activities. They must be from the districts of Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad in Bulgaria, as well as the Northeast, East and Southeast planning regions in Northern Macedonia. The aim is to support local businesses, innovation and partnerships between enterprises on both sides of the border, with funding to be provided directly to small and medium-sized enterprises looking to invest in modernising production, introducing environmental and digital solutions, expanding markets and improving business skills. Support is also provided for training, certification, marketing and internationalisation.
The deadline for submission of project proposals is 15 September 2025. All documents and guidelines are available on the official website of the programme.
Information days on the application conditions will be held on 27 June 2025 in the town of. The deadline is the end of June on the territory of the cross-border region in North Macedonia.
