Three New Phare Projects Start: SME services and technology grant scheme; High technology business incubators; and Introduction of quality control systems

Three new projects under Phare are being launched: SME services and technology grant scheme; High technology business incubators; and Introduction of quality control systems. Now all 10 projects under the Phare Economic and Social Cohesion (ESC) instrument under the financial memoranda for 2000 and 2001 are in implementation stage. The SME services and technology grant scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgarian SMEs. The project activities will include assessment of the present status of the beneficiaries and consultancy towards improving the management capacity and market behavior. Funds will be available for updating the technological resources of SMEs. The grant scheme has a total budget of 7 million euros and the conditions include a matching requirement of 15% (for consultancy services) and 50% (for the equipment assistance). An individual project may get up to 50,000 euros. Over 120 companies can benefit from the grant scheme. The Introduction of quality control systems project is also aimed at improving the competitiveness and opportunities for export of the products of Bulgarian companies. It will assist directly Bulgarian SMEs in preparing for entry in the European markets. The project goes with a grant scheme for a total of 8.89 million euros. The maximum amount of an individual grant is 80,000 euros which will allow over 350 Bulgarian SMEs of the Northwestern and South Central Planning Region to participate by introducing quality management systems and obtaining international quality management certificates. The High technology business incubators project gives tangible opportunities to small and emerging businesses to implement projects in the hi-tech area. The project envisages setting up of 6 high technology incubators. The individual grants will be of up to 50,000 euros with a 50% matching requirement. Over 75 are expected to participate. Public Relations and International Activity Directorate