The Minister of Innovation Alexander Pulev: Small businesses can apply for BGN 260 million for modernization until September 21

"Pernik can benefit from the programs for RES, innovation, environment, regional development and competitiveness, which will provide about BGN 7 billion for the next program period - only a part of the total European funds for Bulgaria until 2027," said Iliyana Ilieva, CEO of DG EFK

Until September 21, companies can apply under the first procedure open to Bulgaria from the Recovery and Sustainability Plan "Technological Modernization". It is in the amount of BGN 260 million, and the submission of documents is entirely online through the ISUN system. This was stated in Pernik by the Minister of Innovation and Growth Alexander Pulev.

At the minister's mobile reception with regional governor Lyudmil Veselinov, Minister Pulev emphasized that the procedure is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized companies.

"It is mainly for manufacturing companies - for medicines, computers or optical materials, food, beverages, clothing, etc. Companies with architectural, engineering or research and development activities and more are eligible. The plan works and gives business a breath of fresh air in crisis conditions", said Pulev.

He added that, depending on the size and needs, companies can receive between BGN 180,000 and BGN 700,000 for new equipment, machinery, machines and software.

In the Pernik region, the number of enterprises (micro, small and medium) is over 5,400 with nearly 20,000 employees. Of these, there are over 5,000 micro-enterprises with up to 9 workers, where, according to the regional governor of Pernik Veselinov, about 17,000 people from the region work.

Iliana Ilieva, Director General of DG EFK at the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, explained that the procedure is aimed at four of the country's economic sectors – C (Processing Industry), E (Water Supply; Sewerage Services, Waste Management and Recovery) , J (Creation and dissemination of information and creative products; Telecommunications) and M (Professional activities and research). She added that a grant scheme worth BGN 30.6 million will be launched in September for ICT solutions and cyber security businesses.

Minister Pulev called on small and medium-sized businesses in the Pernik region to take advantage of the open procedure and apply for funding for technological modernization.

According to Ilieva, the Pernik region can benefit from the programs for renewable energy, innovation, environment, regional development and competitiveness, which will provide about BGN 7 billion for the next program period - only part of the total European funds for Bulgaria until 2027.

We remind you that on the website of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth (www.mig.gov.bg) detailed information about the online application for "Technological Modernization" has been published. Later today, Minister Pulev will also have a mobile reception in Blagoevgrad in connection with the Recovery and Sustainability Plan and the opportunities for businesses to apply for it and other European programs.