Support for improving cybersecurity in SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises in Bulgaria have the opportunity to increase their level of protection against growing cyber threats through a new support procedure announced by the Ministry of e-Government. The initiative "Improving cybersecurity in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Bulgaria" is implemented within the framework of the Digital Europe Program 2021–2027 and is co-financed by the national budget.

Program objective

The procedure is aimed at building more sustainable cyber protection in the SME sector, with the aim of providing financial assistance for the implementation of new or improving existing cybersecurity solutions and tools tailored to the real needs of companies. This includes cloud-based software solutions, modern locally based hardware or software solutions and activities in support of compliance with the requirements of Directive (EU) 2022/2555, relating to measures for a high general level of cybersecurity.

Who can apply?

The following are eligible to apply: micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, registered in the Republic of Bulgaria, which meet the criteria of Small and Medium Enterprises ActAdditional conditions include:

• average number of staff ≥ 1 employee for the last financial year;
• realized net sales revenue in the last financial year as follows:
  • Micro enterprise - minimum 41,000 BGN;
  • Small enterprise – minimum 82,000 BGN;
  • Medium enterprise – minimum 123,000 BGN.

Financing

The support is in the form of grant to 100 % of the eligible costs. The amount of funding is:

• Minimum – 5,000 BGN;
• Maximum –
  • 60,000 BGN for micro and small enterprises;
  • 120,000 BGN for medium-sized enterprises.

Deadlines and application

The deadline for submitting project proposals is July 30, 2025, 4:30 p.m. The application is made entirely electronically through the system June 2020.

The full set of application documents and information on the procedure can be found here. here.

In today's digital environment, cybersecurity is becoming a key factor for the sustainable development of any small or medium-sized enterprise. The increasing risks of cyber threats, phishing attacks, security breaches and data loss require a proactive approach and timely investments in protecting the information infrastructure.

Through this new procedure, funded by the Digital Europe program and the national budget, SMEs in Bulgaria are given a real opportunity to build a more reliable and modern protection system, compliant with European standards and legal requirements.

Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the initiative and encourages micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to take advantage of the support provided. This is an opportunity not only to implement new technologies, but also to build long-term digital sustainability and trust among partners and customers.