Romanian SMEs Can Apply For EU Funds For Prod Investments As Of May

The ministry manages Axe 1 of the 2007-2013 Operational Sectorial Program, which allows SMEs to get hold of non-reimbursable funds via two financing grids, up to 1.075 million lei (EUR1=RON4.1263), and between RON1.075 million and RON6.45 million / project, respectively.

 

The 2009 guides, launched for debate until April 22, bring a few changes compared with last year, namely, they allow SMEs that submit projects to request pre-financing up to 35% of the value of the financial aid and they also reduces the assessment stages of projects.

 

Moreover, the new guides reduce the period needed for the beneficiary and the ministry to sign the financing contract, down to 15 days from previous 25, upon receiving approval from the management authority.

 

For investment projects that entail non-reimbursable funds of up to RON1.075 million, the call for project procedure will be applied. The call is officially launched in April and consists in receiving applications for financing until the call for projects ends. The 2009 budget earmarked for this project rises to EUR100 million.

 

For projects targeting funds of RON1.075 million up to RON6.45 million, it will be applied the call for project procedure with deadline for submission.

 

All SMEs with minimum one year expertise in their field of activity, at least 10 employees, no losses and debts, and compliant with all requirements included in the guides, are considered eligible beneficiaries.