The public call for proposals for the Program for Improving Economic Competitiveness, worth 3,5 million euros, will be announced by the end of the month, it was announced at an info day organized for business people.
At the info day organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Union of Employers (UPCG), it was announced that all interested businessmen will be able to equally apply for support through three program lines, which include support for production capacities in the food industry, women's entrepreneurship, and sustainable health development.
The President of the MEF, Slobodan Mikavica, recalled that a similar activity was organized last year, which pointed to certain shortcomings in the timing of the program, because by the time the economy was informed about all the incentive measures, some lines had already been closed, reports PR Center.
"The goal now is to improve this aspect and ensure timely assistance to the economy," Mikavica said.
He stated that European companies are known for their high standards, professionalism, and rigorous procedures, which represents a challenge, but also an opportunity for progress.
"On the other hand, Montenegrin companies that already have experience at the international level possess the capacities and human resources that enable them to compete on an equal footing with European markets. Therefore, it is necessary to improve business standards, procedures and norms, as well as raise the level of professionalism in order to prepare for competition on the EU market," Mikavica said.
These changes, he added, are necessary for the economy to be ready for the challenges and opportunities brought by EU membership.
Acting Director General of the Directorate for Improving Economic Competitiveness at the Ministry of Economic Development, Anđela Gajević, said that this year the main focus is on three program lines.
"The first is support in strengthening production capacities in the processing industry, with the aim of reducing import dependence and improving the production capacities of the domestic economy. Around 2,8 million euros will be allocated for this purpose, and the support will be available to all interested business entities through a public call that meet the prescribed conditions and criteria," said Gajević.
She said that the second key segment relates to the development of women's entrepreneurship and the economic empowerment of women, who play a significant role in creating a competitive economy.
"The third line is aimed at promoting sustainable health development, with a special focus on the growth of the health industry, which is experiencing growing potential in the region," said Gajević.
She said that this year the principle of first-come, first-served applications will not be applied, but all interested businesspeople will be able to apply equally through a public call, which will be published by the end of the month.
The Head of the Directorate for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises at the Ministry of Economic Development, Ivana Zečević, emphasized the importance of continuous support to companies through programs that are tailored to market needs.
"All programs this year are characterized by clear evaluation criteria, which enables timely and transparent assessment of applications," said Zečević.
Speaking about the program line for supporting the improvement of production capacities in the food industry, Zečević explained that it is intended for companies operating in sector C, i.e. in the food sector.
"The line is divided into two components: one for existing companies and the other for newly established companies operating since January 1," Zečević stated.
According to her, the support includes the purchase of equipment and the adaptation of production facilities.
"For existing companies, the maximum amount of support can be up to 150 thousand euros, while for newly established companies it is up to 50 thousand euros, with minimum investments of 25 thousand and 15 thousand euros respectively," said Zečević.
She pointed out that the application requirements remain the same as in previous years, including a positive business balance, timely submission of financial reports, as well as growth in revenue, number of employees and net profit in previous years.
"Special priority will be given to companies that have not previously used support programs or operate in municipalities with a development index below 100, as well as those owned by women and youth," Zečević added.
She said that the goal is to make domestic production capacities more competitive and encourage the sustainable development of the food sector through these support measures.
Advisor at the Directorate for Improving Economic Competitiveness at the Ministry of Economic Development, Marina Šaković, said that, in addition to support for the food industry, two more program lines have been introduced - support for female entrepreneurship and incentives for sustainable health development.
"The Ministry of Economic Development is committed to empowering women in business. The program to support women's entrepreneurship for this year is divided into two components, with a total budget of 500 thousand euros," said Šaković.
She explained that the first component, for which 200 thousand euros have been allocated, is intended for young and new businesses run by women, which are no older than three years by the closing date of the public call.
"The condition is that women own at least 51 percent of the company's shares, and the amounts of support range from one thousand EUR to 30 thousand EUR. The second component, with an amount of 300 thousand EUR, refers to support for mature women's businesses," said Šaković.
According to her, the special feature of the first component is the possibility of pre-financing 70 percent of costs, which is a relief for young entrepreneurs who are not yet liquid.
"The second component operates on the principle of reimbursement, where entrepreneurs first implement the activity in full, and then receive a refund for part of the justified costs," added Šaković.
She stated that the Program also includes a non-financial segment of support – mentoring, which is mandatory for users of this line.
"Mentoring involves 25 hours of work with a mentor, because through conversations with female entrepreneurs we have realized that the fear of starting and surviving is present, and that is why we provide them with additional support," said Šaković.
She said that the program line, which concerns incentives for sustainable health development, is being implemented this year as a pilot project with a budget of EUR 150 thousand.
"The purpose of this line is to encourage the development of health tourism. This line also operates on the principle of reimbursement. Montenegro, as a tourist destination, can offer additional value precisely in this segment," said Šaković.
She pointed out that both program lines operate on a points system, which avoids the "first come, first served" model.
"Priority in scoring will be given to less developed municipalities, which will achieve additional points when evaluating applications. As in previous years, the application system has been completely digitalized and improved compared to previous years," said Šaković.
She said that the Ministry of Economic Development organized info days this year as well in order to present all the details to the interested public in a timely manner.
"The presentation was held in Bar, and over the next week it will be held in Nikšić, Tivat and Bijelo Polje, and the goal is to inform and prepare business people before issuing a public call. We aim to be transparent and to inform all interested parties in a timely manner. That is our task," concluded Šaković.
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