An Info Day was held in Podgorica to present the EmBRACE project (Enhancing MSEs sustainaBle gRowth And CompEtitiveness), aimed at promoting collaboration among micro and small enterprises in the border regions of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
The purpose of this informative workshop was to introduce the first public call for project proposals under the EmBRACE project, published by the Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations, and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO). Micro and small entrepreneurs have access to a total of €8,725,324.36 from the European Regional Development Fund and IPA III, with €3,000,000 available in the first call.
Financial support is granted for the development and adaptation of business models, products, services, and processes, encouraging the growth of local micro and small enterprises with a strong emphasis on introducing new products or processes, developing pilot actions and new business solutions, and simultaneously enhancing their cross-border business cooperation.
European funds can co-finance up to 85% of the total project value, with the maximum grant amount being €200,000.
From Montenegro, micro and small enterprises operating in Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, Bar, Ulcinj, Cetinje, Danilovgrad, Nikšić, Podgorica, Tuzi, and Zeta are eligible to participate in this call.
Each project proposal must include collaboration between at least two and up to four project partners or end-users from different countries within the program area. One of the partners must be from Croatia.
The call for project proposals is open until September 17.
The project is implemented as part of the Interreg VI-A IPA program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021-2027.