SME Advisory Service

CROSS BORDER MOBILE SME ADVISORY SERVICE

Funding stream:
Phare CBC Programme Bulgaria – Romania

Short description:

The objective of the project was to support local SMEs to foster business cooperation and trade across the border by facilitating their access to flexible and practical business solutions. It aimed at enhancing the economic potential of the SMEs within the eligible cross-border area through encouraging them to take advantage of the business opportunities offered by the neighboring export market. An innovative and flexible form of support, called „Cross-border Mobile SME Advisory Service" was established. It provides practical information and tailor-made advice on all aspects concerning the development of business cooperation and/or starting new business ventures in any of the districts of the common cross-border area. Two step-by-step business guides were developed within the project (one focusing on the Romanian border districts and one in Romanian - about the Bulgarian districts). They contain practical information on how to do business in the joint border region, incl. advice on legislation, etc. Six working sessions of the Advisory Service were held (3 in Bulgaria and 3 in Romania) in order to demonstrate how the SME Mobile Advisory Service operates. The project was delivered in partnership with 7 Romanian chambers of commerce and business associations.

Period of implementation: October 2006 - October 2007