With 250 million leva, 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 will be supported in the process of transition to climate neutrality. For this purpose, the Managing Authority of the Program “Development of Regions“ 2021-2027 in the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has launched an application procedure for providing 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 Program “Development of Regions” 2021-2027. with the financial support of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and national co-financing. The minimum amount of grant funding is BGN 50,000 per project proposal. The maximum amount of grant funding for a 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 can submit project proposals individually or in partnership.
The measure aims to support the smooth transition to clean technologies and widespread use of RES, as well as the creation of new sustainable jobs, adequate and effective support to the local economy through activities and investments identified in the approved Territorial Just Transition Plans of the districts of Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora, 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 planned measures will contribute to the diversification of the local economy and increase investment interest in it.
Among the expected results are an increase in the number of innovative enterprises, the creation of new jobs, as well as the implementation of circular economy models.
Various types of activities are eligible for financing 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-ups, including through technical assistance for consulting services for entrepreneurs – legal, administrative, marketing, business planning, financial, product design and others.
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 building and developing partnerships and encouraging the transfer of knowledge and skills, supporting activities to promote and expand the activity.
The deadline for submitting project proposals under the procedure is 15.05.2025, 18:00.