On March 23th in the Army Hall in Strumica, an info session was held for the fourth call of the Fund for Innovation and Technology Development for the instruments: Co-financed grants for newly established enterprises start-ups, spin-off and Co-financed Grants and Conditional Loans for Commercialization of Innovations.

The representatives from the business sector, educational institutions and young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to hear about the rules and procedures for the financing of both instruments, preparation of project proposals, information on software and presentation of the application package and more.

According the first instrument, micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) from all business sectors are eligible to apply for funds under this instrument. The instrument supports projects that are in the phase of proof-of-concept, up to the close-to market phase.The instrument shall provide financing of up to 85% of the total budget of the project, in maximum amount of 30,000 euro.

The instrument for Co-financed Grants and Conditional Loans for Commercialization of Innovations is open to MSM sized enterprises that wish to develop an innovative product, service or process either on their own or in collaboration with another enterprise or higher educational or scientific-research institution. The instrument shall provide financing of up to 70% of the total budget of the project and the maximum amount is 100,000 euro.

The Fund for innovation and technology development encourages all interested from the South-East region to apply to the call which lasts from 03.02.2017- 03.05.2017.

This info session was organized by the Business Center for support and consultative services for SMEs in the South-East planning region in cooperation with the Fund for innovation and technology development and funded by the Ministry of Local Government.