A procedure has been launched for financing the implementation of new production models in SMEs

Procedure BG16RFPR001-1.010 "New Models in Production by SMEs" has been announced under the Program "Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises" 2021-2027, aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that plan to implement new or improved production models.

The procedure is implemented within the framework of Priority 1 "Innovation and Growth" and Specific Objective RSO1.1, related to the development of innovation capacity and implementation of modern technologies. The projects should be implemented on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Purpose of the procedure

The main objective is to provide support to SMEs to introduce new models based on new or improved processes, goods or services, thereby increasing their innovation activity and competitiveness.

The new model should be clearly justified and correspond to the thematic areas and priority sub-areas of the The Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (ISS) 2021–2027, with the candidate selecting one lead area in the Application Form.

ISIS Thematic Areas 2021–2027

Project proposals should fall into one of the following thematic areas:

• Informatics and ICT
• Mechatronics and microelectronics
• Healthy living industries, bioeconomy and biotechnology
• New technologies in the creative and leisure industries
• Clean technologies, circular and low-carbon economy

Candidates should argue the correspondence of the new production model with the chosen thematic area.

Amount and intensity of funding

• Minimum grant amount: 25,000 euros
• Maximum size:
  • to 250,000 euros for micro and small enterprises;
  • to 400,000 euros for medium-sized enterprises.

The funding intensity can reach 70% of the eligible costs depending on the selected aid regime, the category of enterprise and the place of implementation of the project.

Under the de minimis regime, the total minimum aid received cannot exceed EUR 300,000 over a period of three years.

Eligible activities

Investments necessary for the implementation of the new model are being financed, including:

• machinery, facilities and equipment;
• specialized software;
• patents, utility models, industrial designs and licenses.

Activities that contradict the principle of "doing no significant harm" are not supported, including those related to fossil fuels and waste incineration.

Deadline for implementation and application

The duration of projects cannot exceed 12 months from the date of entry into force of the administrative agreement.

The deadline for submitting project proposals is May 27, 2026, 4:30 p.m..

The application is made entirely electronically via the UMIS system, and each applicant can submit only one project proposal.

More information and instructions for applying for the procedure can be found at page of ISUN.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages enterprises to promptly familiarize themselves with the conditions of the procedure and to take advantage of the resources provided for investments in modernization, automation and implementation of innovative production solutions.