The European PROGRES Development Programme has published its Call for Proposals (CfP) within which grants will be provided to entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprises to boost their production and create new jobs. The European Union and the Swiss Government have allocated a total of 250,000 EUR for this activity, aimed at improving the competitiveness of the local economy in 34 South East and South West Serbian local self-governments. The Call for Proposal is open until 10 June 2016.
In order to be eligible for support, the entrepreneurs and small and micro enterprises must be registered in one of the 34 local self-governments in 2013 or 2014 within European PROGRES’ Area of Responsibility, with majority domestic private ownership. Additionally, they must have a net profit at the end of 2015 and pay the due obligations of taxes and revenues.
“Through this Public Call, the European Union and the Swiss Government are extending support to the private sector, which is crucial for economic and employment growth,” said European PROGRES Manager Graeme Tyndall.
The Programme will support at least 12 projects. Small enterprises may apply for up to 25,000 EUR and the successful micro enterprises and entrepreneurs for up to 15,000 EUR worth of assistance and are expected to provide co-funding of at least 30% of the amount requested. Rather than transferring the granted sums to the successful applicants, European PROGRES will provide them with the equipment and services they applied for in order to increase their productivity, create new jobs and capture new markets. Only projects demonstrating the capacity to contribute to the broader community through corporate social responsibility (CSR) interventions will be considered.
“We expect of the private sector representatives to design and implement activities benefitting the broader community, such as extension of support to local organisations, organisation of public works and participation in humanitarian actions,” European PROGRES Competitiveness Sector Manager Olivera Kostić underlined.
In order to familiarise the potential applicants with the CfP requirements, European PROGRES will hold info sessions in the following South East and South West Serbian local self-governments: Vranje, Leskovac, Knjaževac, Novi Pazar, Ivanjica, Prijepolje, Bujanovac and Niš from 18 to 28 April 2016.
More information about the CfP and the application documents are available on European PROGRES’ website: http://www.europeanprogres.org/pozivi/en/
The European Union and Swiss Government have earmarked a total of 24.46 million EUR in support of European PROGRES’ activities contributing to the sustainable development of South East and South West Serbia. The Programme aims at strengthening local governance, creating a more enabling environment for economic and infrastructural development and at improving the enforcement of social inclusion policies. The activities in the field are implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The following 34 local self-governments are covered by the Programme - Novi Pazar, Ivanjica, Nova Varoš, Priboj, Prijepolje, Raška, Sjenica and Tutin in South West Serbia, and Prokuplje, Blace, Žitorađa, Kuršumlija, Leskovac, Bojnik, Vlasotince, Lebane, Medveđa, Crna Trava, Vranje, Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Vladičin Han, Preševo, Surdulica, Trgovište, Brus, Aleksinac, Gadžin Han, Doljevac, Merošina, Svrljig, Babušnica, Bela Palanka and Knjaževac in South East Serbia
VRANJE
Monday, 18 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Business Incubator Centre ( 5 Radnička Street, Jumko Management Building, 4th floor)
BUJANOVAC
Tuesday, 19 April 2016, 12 a.m.
College of Economy Hall (bb Karađorđa Petrovića Street)
LESKOVAC
Wednesday, 20 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Centre for Advanced Professional Education (6 Leskovačkog odreda Street)
KNJAŽEVAC
Thursday, 21 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Cultural Centre, Social Club Hall (1 Branka Radičevića Street)
NIŠ
Monday, 25 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Deli Centre (2 Davidova Street)
NOVI PAZAR
Tuesday, 26 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Cultural Centre, Main Hall, (2 Stevana Nemanje Street)
PRIJEPOLJE
Wednesday, 27 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Cultural Centre, Small Hall (2 Sandžačkih brigada Street)
IVANJICA
Thursday, 28 April 2016, 11 a.m.
Park Hotel, Conference Hall (10 Venijamina Marinkovića Street)
