Europe House and the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro are organising the “Entrepreneurship Caravan” on 27 June at Europe House from 09:00 to 14:00, to commemorate Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Day.
At the event, we will present opportunities for MSMEs within EU programmes:
DIGITAL EUROPE
A programme for building digital capacities and infrastructure and supporting the digital single market. The “Digital Europe” programme is a new programme focused on introducing digital technology within the public administration, for citizens, as well as the economy.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between research in digital technologies and their market implementation. Investments within the Digital Europe programme support the two parallel goals of the EU: “Digital Transformation” and “Green Transition,” while also strengthening the Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – SMEs
The programme for enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) combines loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and grants funded by the European Union (EU). Through a partnership with the local CKB bank, these resources became available to Montenegrin SMEs.
Through this programme, SMEs can apply for investments for new equipment and business modernisation, which can help increase productivity, reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance compliance with EU standards. They can also receive incentives of up to 15% of the total loan amount in the form of grants funded by the EU.
The goal of the programme is to assist SMEs in going beyond their regular operations and invest in themselves to become more competitive in local and EU markets.
The programme has been officially active since 18 May 2023, with €3 million secured through the CKB bank.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – ASB
“The Small Business Advice” programme is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their business operations. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been implementing this programme in Montenegro since 2002, supporting over 800 companies in enhancing their businesses.
The programme aims to provide domestic and privately owned companies with access to local consultants and international experts to improve their business operations. Through this programme, the EBRD also organises various training sessions for SMEs and consultants on different topics.
Advisory support for the development of SMEs in Montenegro involves the engagement of local and international experts in areas such as:
- Strategic planning
- Marketing
- Organisation
- Software solutions
- Energy efficiency
- Standards implementation
- Engineering solutions
- Financial management, and more.
ERASMUS – European Exchange Programme for Entrepreneurs
An international exchange programme that provides opportunities for new and potential entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas by learning from experienced entrepreneurs about business management.
The programme is implemented in 45 countries: 26 EU countries, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
SINGLE MARKET Programme
The Single Market programme is an important support mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It covers areas such as the internal market, consumer protection, business competitiveness, plant and animal health, food and animal feed safety, and European statistics.
One of its key advantages is that it is open to countries outside the EU, giving SMEs the chance to collaborate with partners from the EU and beyond, thus improving their international business.
European Enterprise Network (EEN)
The European Enterprise Network, operating within the Single Market Programme, provides assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in innovation and expanding their businesses into international markets.
It is the world’s largest network of support for SMEs.
HORIZON EUROPE – Innovative Europe
Horizon Europe will enable:
- Maximizing the impact and strategic priorities of the EU, such as recovery, green and digital transitions, and addressing global challenges to improve everyday life.
- Strengthening EU science and technology through increased investment in highly skilled individuals and cutting-edge research.
- Boosting EU industrial competitiveness and innovation performance, particularly by fostering innovation that creates new markets through the European Innovation Council and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
- Fostering the excellence of researchers across Europe to encourage participation and collaboration.
