SUPPORT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN SERBIA

28. March 2016.

The EU Delegation to the Republic of Serbia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invite companies from Serbia to apply for financial assistance under the new program "Support to the SME Development in Serbia."

The EBRD’s team for providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises, with the financial support of the European Union, connects businesses with local consultants and international advisors who can help them develop their business operations. From the smallest enterprises aimed at rapid business expansion to those seeking international businesses, entrepreneurs are offered unique professional advice and practical experience, which will help them raise their businesses to a higher level.

Domestic small and medium-sized private companies from almost all sectors can apply for specific consulting projects.

Short-term projects on various topics, those from market research to strategic planning, quality management and certification or energy efficiency and environmental management, can be implemented through the program "Support to the Development of SMEs in Serbia."

Larger companies with up to 500 employees are offered long-term projects, lasting from 12 to 18 months, as well as cooperation with international advisors with over 15 years of experience in the field of business. These projects help the companies’ management familiarize with international best practices and the most innovative business methods that will assist them with becoming competitive on the world market.

“Support to the Development of SMEs in Serbia" is financed through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) of the European Union for a period of 36 months or until June 2016. The program is based on participating in costs, which means that the companies that become clients pay part of the project costs in the amount of 25 to 75% for projects involving local consultants. When it comes to large-scale projects that require the support of international consultants, the client usually pays 10% of the costs for the first project and 50% of the costs for the second project.

Please visit www.ebrd.com/knowhow/serbia for additional information on the participation criteria, scope of services and the application process.

Contact 011/2120-642 or blagojem@ebrd.com

Source: National Agency for Regional Development and Coordination Body