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Introduction to the New Initiative for SMEs
The newly launched initiative titled “Adaptation Plans for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a Workforce Capacity of 20-50 Annual Work Units (AWUs)” is part of the “Competitiveness” program. This initiative aims to support small and medium businesses with a workforce of 20 to 50 employees in developing and implementing strategies to adapt to modern organizational demands and enhance the skills of their staff. Key focus areas include “green” management practices, digital modernization, internationalization, and supply chain management.
Budget Overview
The total budget allocated for this initiative amounts to €30,000,000.
Eligibility Criteria for Participants
Existing small and medium enterprises, as defined by the European Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC, are eligible to submit proposals. To qualify, these enterprises must have employed at least 20 AWUs during the year 2023. The specific exclusions regarding eligible activity codes (NACE) will be outlined in the detailed call for proposals.
The primary conditions for potential beneficiaries include:
- The business plan must be executed exclusively within a single regional category.
- Enterprises must have completed at least two full financial years prior to the electronic submission date of the funding application.
- Businesses must not significantly engage (as per the main NACE or the NACE generating the highest revenue) in any ineligible activity code before the application submission date.
- Enterprises must confirm the employment of at least 20 AWUs in 2023, as verified by the data maintained in the ERGANI information system.
- Business operations must be legal.
- Enterprises must operate solely as corporate or commercial entities.
- They must meet the requirements of EU Regulation 2023/2831 (De Minimis) which underpins this initiative.
Eligible Expenses
The following expenses are eligible for funding:
- Consultant services (needs assessment, advisory services).
- Training expenses for developing “soft” skills among employees.
- Training costs (utilizing simplified costs in accordance with EU regulations).
- Certification costs for learning outcomes (recognized certificates).
- Salary expenses for newly hired employees (1 AWU).
However, the costs associated with managing business plans will not be reimbursed under this initiative.
Project Budgeting
The subsidized budget for each project ranges from €25,000 to €130,000. The funding budget for the business plan cannot exceed the highest turnover achieved in any of the three most recent financial periods prior to the year of application submission, with a maximum limit set at €130,000.
Application Submission and Evaluation Process
Funding applications must be submitted electronically, without the need for a physical file of supporting documents, through the Integrated State Aid Management Information System. Details regarding the submission deadline, required documentation, obligations of beneficiaries, evaluation criteria for applications, and other implementation terms will be outlined in the detailed call for proposals.
The methodology for evaluating this initiative will involve immediate assessment.
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