The state gives up to BGN 20,000 to people with disabilities to start their own business

Up to BGN 20,000 for investment costs will be used to finance people with disabilities who wish to start an independent business. Applicants must have 50 and more than 50% reduced working capacity and not have a sole proprietorship or be partners in another company. With the allocated funds, they will be able to cover costs related to the establishment of a new enterprise, construction activities, equipment of the created jobs. The financial support can also be used for working capital and a short training course for the business owner. Project proposals must be sent by August 16 to the Agency for People with Disabilities (DPA).

The DPA will also support projects of specialized enterprises and cooperatives of people with disabilities, the aim of which is to stimulate the employment of people in a specialized environment. It will provide an opportunity to build an online platform with a website to promote the services and products of enterprises. Under the procedure, up to BGN 80,000 can be granted, and documents must be submitted by August 26.

The agency also announces a competition for financing projects for the construction of an accessible architectural environment of cultural, historical and sports sites. The right to participate have state, municipal, economic and non-governmental organizations, registered under the Bulgarian legislation and owning or managing the sites. Up to BGN 12,000 can be allocated for the construction of ramps, paths for people with visual impairments, adaptation of the entrances or exits of buildings, installation of signals for people with hearing or visual problems. Up to BGN 15,000 can be allocated for the improvement of the internal environment, and up to BGN 50,000 for the construction of new and reconstruction of existing elevators or platforms. The proposals must be sent by September 14.

The National Employment Program for People with Disabilities also provides an opportunity for financing up to BGN 10,000 for employers to provide access to existing or new jobs for people with permanent disabilities of working age. The same amount may be allocated to them for the adaptation of existing jobs or for the equipment of new ones. Up to BGN 1,000 can be obtained for acquiring additional qualification or re-qualification of a worker with a disability. Documents must be submitted by August 17.

All documents and conditions for applying for projects can be found on the website of the Agency for People with Disabilities: https://ahu.mlsp.government.bg/home/.