PROJECT TITLE:

Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Competitiveness Support Programme

OVERALL OBJECTIVE:

The Kosovo SME Competitiveness Support Programme aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) to improve their production capacities and enhance processes and product quality through the introduction of EU standards in the field of environmental protection, product safety, product quality and occupational health and safety. These improvements will enhance the overall competitiveness of SMEs within the national economy, regionally and in the EU internal market.

LOCATION:

Kosovo

SECTOR:

Economic Development

DURATION:

70 months. Starting date: 20/12/2017 - End date: 27/10/2023

VALUE:

EUR 29 million, EU contribution EUR 5 million

IMPLEMENTING AGENCY:

EBRD

PARTNERS:

PFIs (Participating Financial Institutions)

BENEFICIARIES:

SMEs

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

The specific objectives of the Action are to: • Improve SMEs access to finance in order to introduce EU standards through the provision of financing and investment incentives; • Facilitate SME access to advice by supporting implementation of advisory services to improve SME competitive position, productivity and growth; • Increase the awareness and knowledge of SMEs about the benefits of compliance with EU standards.

RESULTS:

The expected results are: • Improved access to financing for SMEs; • Improved SME performance through the provision of advisory services through local consultants and international advisors; • Improved understanding about the importance and benefits of compliance with EU standards and directives.