An information meeting between SMEs from Ruse, BSMEPA and the World Bank outlined a roadmap for supporting local businesses

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted an important working meeting between representatives of local businesses, the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (ESMEPA) and experts from the World Bank. The event, held in the conference hall of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together entrepreneurs from different sectors of the economy, who shared their challenges and expectations for support within the framework of a project for the development of SMEs in Northern Bulgaria.

Focus on real business needs

The meeting focused on an in-depth analysis of the current challenges facing local businesses. Mr. Boyko Takov, Executive Director of BSMEPA, together with experts from the agency, held an open dialogue with business representatives to identify the most pressing areas for support.

From the World Bank, Mr. Francisco Moraes Leitao Campos and Ms. Francesca de Nicola, senior economists with extensive international experience in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, joined the discussion. The two experts presented the methodology they will use to work with Bulgarian companies and shared successful practices from other European countries.

Diverse sector representation

The RCCI business network demonstrated the diversity of the Ruse economy through the participation of companies from a wide range of sectors. Among those present were representatives of renewable energy and photovoltaic systems, the textile industry, the construction of electrical and telecommunications networks, mechanical engineering and repair activities.

There was also a significant presence of companies from the wholesale trade, information technology and consulting services, the food industry, including metal manufacturers, the chemical industry, and 3D technologies. This diversity allowed the experts to gain a comprehensive picture of the state and needs of the local economy.

Specific topics and challenges

During the discussion, several key areas where businesses need support were identified:

• Access to financing and optimization of financial management
• Digitalization and implementation of new technologies in production
• Expanding market presence and entering international markets
• Development of management skills and strategic planning
• Improving energy efficiency and sustainable development
• Building partnerships and inclusion in supply chains

World Bank experts emphasized that a personalized approach to each enterprise will be a top priority in service delivery. They explained the five interconnected stages of support – from initial benchmarking, through business diagnostics and mindset change, to capacity building and fostering business linkages.

Next steps and commitments

Mr. Boyko Takov confirmed BSMEPA's commitment to provide the most effective support for enterprises in the region. He emphasized that the agency's mobile teams will continue to visit companies on site to provide information and advice on available support programs and tools.

At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain active communication between all project participants. RCCI committed to continue informing its members about upcoming opportunities and to organize follow-up thematic meetings according to the identified needs of the different sectors.

Invitation to participate

Enterprises from Northern Bulgaria that wish to benefit from the free services under the project can contact the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry for more information. The project envisages support for a total of 300 SMEs from the region, with services including personalized consultations, mentoring, training and support for international implementation.

For additional information and inclusion in upcoming events related to the project, interested companies can contact the RCCI team at info@rcci.bg and 082 825 875.

The project is implemented with the financial support of the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.