New 250 million leva to support entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in coal regions

A new 250 million leva will support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups (SMEs) in the districts of Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora and 10 more municipalities adjacent to the coal regions in the process of transition to climate neutrality. For this purpose, the Managing Authority of the Regional Development Program 2021-2027 The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has launched an application procedure for the provision of grant aid through the selection of project proposals "Diversification and adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises to the economic transition" under Priority 4 "Just Transition" of the Regional Development Program 2021-2027 with the financial support of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and national co-financing. The minimum amount of grant aid is BGN 50,000 for one project proposal. The maximum amount of grant aid for one project proposal for micro and small enterprises is up to BGN 500,000, and for medium-sized enterprises is up to BGN 1,000,000 and in accordance with the applicable de minimis/state aid regime. Applicants may submit project proposals individually or in partnership.

The measure aims to support the smooth transition to clean technologies and widespread use of renewable energy, as well as the creation of new sustainable jobs, adequate and effective support for the local economy through activities and investments identified in the approved Territorial Just Transition Plans of the Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora districts, together with 10 adjacent municipalities - Nova Zagora, Yambol, Simeonovgrad, Harmanli, Topolovgrad, Dimitrovgrad, Haskovo, Elhovo, Sliven and Tundzha. Companies will be able to use the funds for restructuring, diversification, technical modernization and increasing productivity.

The implementation of the envisaged measures will contribute to the diversification of the local economy and increasing investment interest in it.

Among the expected results are an increase in the number of innovative enterprises, the creation of new jobs, and the implementation of circular economy models.

Various types of activities are eligible for funding under the procedure. These include support for production investments in existing and start-up enterprises for the transition to clean technologies with a focus on the creation of jobs, resources and products based on the circular economy, the widespread use of renewable energy sources and capacity building for improving the qualification of the workforce. Construction and installation works related to investments for the diversification of SMEs will also be financed, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and support for start-up enterprises, including through technical assistance for consulting services for entrepreneurs - legal, administrative, marketing, business planning, financial, product design, etc.

Enterprises will also be able to apply for the provision of specialized training in the field of economic activities for which support has been requested under the procedure, as well as for the establishment and development of partnerships and the promotion of the transfer of knowledge and skills, support for activities to promote and expand the activity.

The deadline for submitting project proposals under the procedure is 15.05.2025, 18:00.

The full package of Guidelines for Application is published on the website of the 2021-2027 RDP and at this address.

Applicants under the procedure may request clarifications regarding the Guidelines up to three weeks before the application deadline. Additional questions regarding the Guidelines for Application are asked in writing through the EUMIS (https://eumis2020.government.bg), module "Clarifications on the Procedure. The clarifications are given with regard to the Application Conditions, do not contain an opinion on the quality of the project proposal and are mandatory for each applicant. Project proposals are submitted by candidates only in electronic format, signed with a qualified electronic signature (QES) in the EUMIS through the "E-Application" module at the following internet address: https://eumis2020.government.bg/