Objective
Targeted support for micro, small and medium enterprises to increase their innovation activity by introducing new production models based on new or significantly improved processes, goods or services, in line with the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (ISSS) 2021-2027.
Eligible Applicants
- Traders under the Commercial Act or the Cooperatives Act
- Registered no later than 31.12.2022
- Micro, small or medium enterprises under the SME Act
Minimum average annual net sales revenue (2022-2024):
| Category | Min. revenue |
|---|
| Micro enterprises | ≥ 35,000 EUR |
| Small enterprises | ≥ 107,000 EUR |
| Medium enterprises | ≥ 358,000 EUR |
Grant Amount
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Minimum amount | 25,000 EUR |
| Maximum — micro and small | 250,000 EUR |
| Maximum — medium | 400,000 EUR |
Additional revenue-based caps:
- Micro enterprises: up to 100% of average annual net revenue
- Small enterprises: up to 60% of average annual net revenue
- Medium enterprises: up to 25% of average annual net revenue
Aid Intensity
Regional investment aid — outside Southwest region:
| Category | Intensity |
|---|
| Micro / Small enterprises | 70% |
| Medium enterprises | 60% |
Southwest region:
| Category | Sofia city | Sofia region | Blagoevgrad | Pernik / Kyustendil |
|---|
| Micro / Small | 35% | 65% | 65% | 40% |
| Medium | 25% | 55% | 55% | 30% |
De minimis regime: 70% for all enterprise categories and regions.
Eligible Activities
Projects must introduce at least one new business model based on:
- Product innovation: a new product (good or service) significantly different from the enterprise's previous products
- Process innovation: new or significantly improved business processes for production and/or service delivery
Thematic areas under ISSS 2021-2027:
ICT & Informatics — IoT, AI, Big Data, Cloud, blockchain, cybersecurity, SaaS
Mechatronics & Microelectronics — robotics, automation, aerospace components, MEMS
Health & Bioeconomy — medical diagnostics, personalised medicine, biotechnology
Creative Industries — cultural sector digitalisation, educational applications, design
Clean Technologies — renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, circular economy
Eligible Costs
- Tangible fixed assets: machinery, equipment and facilities needed for the new model
- Intangible fixed assets: specialised software, patents, utility models, industrial designs, licences
- Cap for patents and licences: up to 100,000 EUR
How to Apply
- Fully electronic submission through the UMIS 2020 system
- Valid qualified electronic signature (QES) required
- Maximum project implementation period: 12 months
