Small and medium-sized enterprises from Western Bulgaria and neighbouring Serbian regions will be able to compete for funding of over 5.6 million euro under a new call within the Interreg VI-A Bulgaria-Serbia cross-border cooperation programme. The funds are aimed at innovation, technological renewal and improving competitiveness, BalkanEngineer.com has learnt from an announcement by the Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.

An information day dedicated to the new opportunity will take place on 24 April in Kyustendil, Bulgaria. The event will kick off the active phase of the application process, which runs until 11 June. The programme offers individual grants from 50,000 to 200,000 euro per enterprise, with the total value of a project reaching up to 400,000 euro in partnership.
The focus is on modernisation of production, entering new markets and internationalisation of business. The programme covers the Bulgarian districts of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Sofia, Pernik and Kyustendil, as well as the Serbian regions of Bor, Zajacar, Nis, Toplica, Pirot, Jablanica and Pčinja.
The information day in Kyustendil will include explanations on eligible activities, e-application and practical tips for preparing the documentation. Organised by the Joint Programme Secretariat, participation is free of charge after registration until 23 April.
The Interreg VI-A Bulgaria-Serbia 2021-2027 programme is funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and has a total budget of over 38 million euro. It will support projects under three strategic priorities: economic competitiveness, integrated development and sustainability of the border region. Beneficiaries may include businesses, NGOs, academic institutions, local authorities and scientific organisations.

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