Video from public project event on the SocialCrafts project
21.02.2019, Blagoevgrad
21-02-2019
Link to the video of the public event on the project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, under the Cooperation Programme “Interreg V –A Greece-Bulgaria” 2014-2020
A public project event on the SocialCrafts project will be held on 21.02.2019 in Blagoevgrad
31-01-2019
Public event will take place in Blagoevgrad (Bulgaria) on 21 February 2019 (Thursday) at 10:00 within the project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, under the Cooperation Programme “Interreg V –A Greece-Bulgaria” 2014-2020
The venue of the event is the 22nd September Hall of "Georgi Izmirliev - Makedoncheto" square.
During the event participation can take:
- the public from the targeted cross-border region,
- representatives of the different target groups targeted by the project - representatives of NGOs, craftsmen, local producers, people with disabilities;
- media;
- public authorities;
- representatives of civil society.
The project "SocialCrafts", its objectives, the planned activities, the results and the progress achieved will be presented during the event. The opportunities provided by the project to the target groups will also be presented.
Within the framework of the event, the following topics will be presented:
- Development of a pilot insertion programme offering support to artisans and disadvantaged persons
- Establishment of mobile units to provide support and consultancy to artisans and disadvantaged people in remote areas
- Establishment of two Employment Support Centers for inclusion in Razlog (BG) and Kavala (GR)
- Developing an onine platform and mobile app for members of the network (handicraft sellers) to promote their products and services.
Open contest for novel business ideas and best ideas "Challenge yourself as an entrepreneur" within the project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, under the Cooperation Programme “Interreg V –A Greece-Bulgaria” 2014-2020 will be announced during the event. The aplication form https://goo.gl/forms/v50NVrEVIE1ciSpj1 is active until 15.04.2019, 17:00. The contest is targeted at those of you from the districts of Haskovo, Kardzhali, Smolyan and Blagoevgrad who are over 18 years old and have ideas for social entrepreneurship. An important condition for participating in the competition is to have a good, innovative business idea in the field of social entrepreneurship that you strongly want to realize. The winners of the contest will receive expert support on how to develop their entrepreneurial idea.
Within the framework of the public event, an exhibition of local products and crafts from the cross-border region is foreseen. Rituals will be presented and traditional foods will be tasted.
Everyone can participate in the event!
The event will be streamed online at the following link https://youtu.be/Bxi_a2hdWw0
A sign language translation is provided.
The venue of the event is the 22nd September Hall of "Georgi Izmirliev - Makedoncheto" square.
During the event participation can take:
- the public from the targeted cross-border region,
- representatives of the different target groups targeted by the project - representatives of NGOs, craftsmen, local producers, people with disabilities;
- media;
- public authorities;
- representatives of civil society.
The project "SocialCrafts", its objectives, the planned activities, the results and the progress achieved will be presented during the event. The opportunities provided by the project to the target groups will also be presented.
Within the framework of the event, the following topics will be presented:
- Development of a pilot insertion programme offering support to artisans and disadvantaged persons
- Establishment of mobile units to provide support and consultancy to artisans and disadvantaged people in remote areas
- Establishment of two Employment Support Centers for inclusion in Razlog (BG) and Kavala (GR)
- Developing an onine platform and mobile app for members of the network (handicraft sellers) to promote their products and services.
Open contest for novel business ideas and best ideas "Challenge yourself as an entrepreneur" within the project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, under the Cooperation Programme “Interreg V –A Greece-Bulgaria” 2014-2020 will be announced during the event. The aplication form https://goo.gl/forms/v50NVrEVIE1ciSpj1 is active until 15.04.2019, 17:00. The contest is targeted at those of you from the districts of Haskovo, Kardzhali, Smolyan and Blagoevgrad who are over 18 years old and have ideas for social entrepreneurship. An important condition for participating in the competition is to have a good, innovative business idea in the field of social entrepreneurship that you strongly want to realize. The winners of the contest will receive expert support on how to develop their entrepreneurial idea.
Within the framework of the public event, an exhibition of local products and crafts from the cross-border region is foreseen. Rituals will be presented and traditional foods will be tasted.
Everyone can participate in the event!
The event will be streamed online at the following link https://youtu.be/Bxi_a2hdWw0
A sign language translation is provided.
The event program includes the following topics:
Starting the project "Citizen’s participation and government transparency: closing the gap"
10-01-2019
The project is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme "Good Governance", co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund.
Project: Citizen’s participation and government transparency: closing the gap, Administrative contract № BG05SFOP001-2.009-0007-C01 from date 27.12.2018 for Subsidy, which is de minimis aid in accordance with Regulation (EU) № 1407/20131 under the Operational Programme "Good Governance" in procedure BG05SFOP001-2.009
Managing Authority: "Good Governance" Directorate, Council of Ministers
Funding programme: Operational Programme "Good Governance" 2014-2020
Процедура: BG05SFOP001-2.009 "Increasing public participation in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation"
Beneficiary: Association “Business center-Maritza”
Period of implementation: 6 months from the date of conclusion of the administrative contract for the provision of grant
Overall objective: With this project the Association aims to formulate and make recommendations to the institutions responsible for ensuring the sustainable development with advanced tools for interaction between authorities and institutions, small and medium businesses and non-profit organizations supporting local development. The overall objective of the project is to unite the efforts of businesses and citizens to enhance their activity by stimulating the awareness process.
Specific objectives:
- Active participation in the formulation of national, regional and local strategies and policies to promote the development of SMEs
- Establishment of successful partnerships between SMEs and public institutions involved in the implementation of policies in the field of small and medium businesses
- Active interaction with local, regional, national and international organizations and informal structures on the policies formulated and implemented in relation to the Bulgarian SMEs in order to increase their efficiency and to solve the current issues related to their development
- Establishing and maintaining a permanent exchange of information on joint initiatives and projects with other interested organizations - associations, branch chambers, scientific organizations, local and foreign companies, state structures and other
- Organization of advocacy campaigns and coordinating the efforts of Bulgarian small and medium enterprises to improve legislation to ensure their rights and improve the environment in which they operate in Bulgaria.
Target groups:
Target groups under Action 1: the public; NGOs; business; Public Administration; representatives of the legislature.
Target groups Activity 2: public, NGOs, businesses, administrations of state institutions.
Target groups Activity 3: public, NGOs, businesses and business organizations, local authorities and administration, state bodies created by the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria and administrative structures of the executive (district administration).
Target groups under Action 4: public, NGO, business, government institutions.
Target groups under Action 5: public, NGO, business.
Target groups under Action 6: public, NGOs, business, legislative and executive administrations.
Activities:
Activity 1: Analysis of business participation in the formulation of strategic documents and development of OP related business
Activity 2: Study on best practices for business involvement in the development of policies
Activity 3: Developing mechanisms to improve the business environment: 1) business participation in the formulation of regional policies; 2) business participation in the process of formulating a framework for the OP; 3) monitoring and control by the business in the implementation of the OP; 4) business assessment of their relationships with regional and local administrations
Activity 4: Building a Web-based platform - Portal debate to improve business participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation
Activity 5: Information campaign to raise awareness about business opportunities for participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies
Activity 6: Organizing and conducting a roundtable on "Raising public awareness and encourage business participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation"
Expected results:
- Developed 1 analysis of business participation in the formulation of strategic documents and development of OP related business, incl. studied business activity and identified problems strengths related to business participation in the formulation of strategic documents and elaboration of the OP;
- At least 2 recommendations related to the development of strategic documents regulating the work of the stakeholders;
- - Developed 1 Study of best practices for business involvement in the development of policies and proposals designed to improve the environment for citizen participation in governance and processes of policy in the field of business;
- A minimum of 2 recommendations to improve the environment for civic participation in governance and policy-making processes;
- Developed mechanisms for improving the business environment through active citizenship related to: 1) business participation in the formulation of regional policies; 2) business participation in the process of formulating a framework for the OP; 3) monitoring and control by the business in the implementation of the OP; 4) business assessment of their relationships with regional and local administrations;
- Developed first Internet-based platform - Portal debate to improve business participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation;
- Information campaign conducted
- Stakeholders' Round Table on processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation to create a better business environment - 1 day for 25 participants;
- Developed tender documentation, developed specifications and selected contractor;
- Contracts signed with contractors;
- Performed management, execution and reporting of the project.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme "Good Governance", co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund. The project is worth 89 100.00 lev, of which 75 735 lev - European Social Fund and 13 365 lev - national co-financing.
Managing Authority: "Good Governance" Directorate, Council of Ministers
Funding programme: Operational Programme "Good Governance" 2014-2020
Процедура: BG05SFOP001-2.009 "Increasing public participation in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation"
Beneficiary: Association “Business center-Maritza”
Period of implementation: 6 months from the date of conclusion of the administrative contract for the provision of grant
Overall objective: With this project the Association aims to formulate and make recommendations to the institutions responsible for ensuring the sustainable development with advanced tools for interaction between authorities and institutions, small and medium businesses and non-profit organizations supporting local development. The overall objective of the project is to unite the efforts of businesses and citizens to enhance their activity by stimulating the awareness process.
Specific objectives:
- Active participation in the formulation of national, regional and local strategies and policies to promote the development of SMEs
- Establishment of successful partnerships between SMEs and public institutions involved in the implementation of policies in the field of small and medium businesses
- Active interaction with local, regional, national and international organizations and informal structures on the policies formulated and implemented in relation to the Bulgarian SMEs in order to increase their efficiency and to solve the current issues related to their development
- Establishing and maintaining a permanent exchange of information on joint initiatives and projects with other interested organizations - associations, branch chambers, scientific organizations, local and foreign companies, state structures and other
- Organization of advocacy campaigns and coordinating the efforts of Bulgarian small and medium enterprises to improve legislation to ensure their rights and improve the environment in which they operate in Bulgaria.
Target groups:
Target groups under Action 1: the public; NGOs; business; Public Administration; representatives of the legislature.
Target groups Activity 2: public, NGOs, businesses, administrations of state institutions.
Target groups Activity 3: public, NGOs, businesses and business organizations, local authorities and administration, state bodies created by the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria and administrative structures of the executive (district administration).
Target groups under Action 4: public, NGO, business, government institutions.
Target groups under Action 5: public, NGO, business.
Target groups under Action 6: public, NGOs, business, legislative and executive administrations.
Activities:
Activity 1: Analysis of business participation in the formulation of strategic documents and development of OP related business
Activity 2: Study on best practices for business involvement in the development of policies
Activity 3: Developing mechanisms to improve the business environment: 1) business participation in the formulation of regional policies; 2) business participation in the process of formulating a framework for the OP; 3) monitoring and control by the business in the implementation of the OP; 4) business assessment of their relationships with regional and local administrations
Activity 4: Building a Web-based platform - Portal debate to improve business participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation
Activity 5: Information campaign to raise awareness about business opportunities for participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies
Activity 6: Organizing and conducting a roundtable on "Raising public awareness and encourage business participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation"
Expected results:
- Developed 1 analysis of business participation in the formulation of strategic documents and development of OP related business, incl. studied business activity and identified problems strengths related to business participation in the formulation of strategic documents and elaboration of the OP;
- At least 2 recommendations related to the development of strategic documents regulating the work of the stakeholders;
- - Developed 1 Study of best practices for business involvement in the development of policies and proposals designed to improve the environment for citizen participation in governance and processes of policy in the field of business;
- A minimum of 2 recommendations to improve the environment for civic participation in governance and policy-making processes;
- Developed mechanisms for improving the business environment through active citizenship related to: 1) business participation in the formulation of regional policies; 2) business participation in the process of formulating a framework for the OP; 3) monitoring and control by the business in the implementation of the OP; 4) business assessment of their relationships with regional and local administrations;
- Developed first Internet-based platform - Portal debate to improve business participation in the processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation;
- Information campaign conducted
- Stakeholders' Round Table on processes of formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and legislation to create a better business environment - 1 day for 25 participants;
- Developed tender documentation, developed specifications and selected contractor;
- Contracts signed with contractors;
- Performed management, execution and reporting of the project.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme "Good Governance", co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund. The project is worth 89 100.00 lev, of which 75 735 lev - European Social Fund and 13 365 lev - national co-financing.
In the framework of the 5 th Call for Project Proposals “Grant scheme for supporting SMEs to grow and expand beyond local markets” that will open on the 15th of February 2019, under Priority Axis 1: “A Competitive and Innovative Cross-Border Area” of the Cooperation Programme INTERREG V-A “Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020”, the Managing Authority of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes, the Bulgarian National Authority and the Joint Secretariat of the INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Cooperation Programme, are organizing Information Days for potential applicants in both countries, Greece and Bulgaria.
The dates for the Info Days have been announced on the Programme’s website (http://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/article/90_5th-Call:-Info-Days-%E2%80%93-Save-thedates) and are the following:
• Friday, the 1st of February 2019 in Thessaloniki, Greece
• Thursday, the 7th of February 2019 in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
• Wednesday, the 20th of February 2019 in Alexandroupoli, Greece
• Wednesday, the 20th of March 2019 in Haskovo, Bulgaria
Interpretation in English, Greek and Bulgarian will be provided during all Info Days. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to interact through B2B meetings that will be organized in the framework of the events.
Pre-event registration is obligatory for all Info Days. The registration for the 1st Info Day in Thessaloniki (1/2/2019) is now open. Follow the link below to register to the event: http://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/event/37_5th-Call:-Registration-for-the-1st-Info-Day-(1-2- 2019)-is-now-open!-
The registration will remain open until Monday the 28/1/2019. The exact venue and the agenda of the event will be announced soon on the Programme’s website.
Potential Beneficiaries are advised to visit the Programme website (http://www.greecebulgaria.eu) regularly for updates and/or possible rearrangements regarding the Call and the Info Days.
More information about the Call can be found here: http://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/call-for-proposals/6_5th-CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS-OF-THE-CP-INTERREG-V-A-GREECE-BULGARIA-2014-2020-
Press Release regarding the forthcoming Information Days that will take place in the framework of the 5th Call “Grant scheme for supporting SMEs to grow and expand beyond local markets” of the Cooperation Programme INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020.
The dates for the Info Days have been announced on the Programme’s website (http://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/article/90_5th-Call:-Info-Days-%E2%80%93-Save-thedates) and are the following:
• Friday, the 1st of February 2019 in Thessaloniki, Greece
• Thursday, the 7th of February 2019 in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
• Wednesday, the 20th of February 2019 in Alexandroupoli, Greece
• Wednesday, the 20th of March 2019 in Haskovo, Bulgaria
Interpretation in English, Greek and Bulgarian will be provided during all Info Days. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to interact through B2B meetings that will be organized in the framework of the events.
Pre-event registration is obligatory for all Info Days. The registration for the 1st Info Day in Thessaloniki (1/2/2019) is now open. Follow the link below to register to the event: http://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/event/37_5th-Call:-Registration-for-the-1st-Info-Day-(1-2- 2019)-is-now-open!-
The registration will remain open until Monday the 28/1/2019. The exact venue and the agenda of the event will be announced soon on the Programme’s website.
Potential Beneficiaries are advised to visit the Programme website (http://www.greecebulgaria.eu) regularly for updates and/or possible rearrangements regarding the Call and the Info Days.
More information about the Call can be found here: http://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/call-for-proposals/6_5th-CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS-OF-THE-CP-INTERREG-V-A-GREECE-BULGARIA-2014-2020-
Press Release regarding the forthcoming Information Days that will take place in the framework of the 5th Call “Grant scheme for supporting SMEs to grow and expand beyond local markets” of the Cooperation Programme INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020.
Challenge yourself as an entrepreneur
Open contest for novel business ideas and best ideas "Challenge yourself as an entrepreneur" is organized by Business Center - Maritza within the project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, under the Cooperation Programme “Interreg V –A Greece-Bulgaria” 2014-2020
BUSINESS CENTER-MARITSA challenges all those who have ideas for social entrepreneurship from the regions of Haskovo, Kardzhali, Smolyan and Blagoevgrad.
Application form: https://goo.gl/forms/v50NVrEVIE1ciSpj1
The open contest for novel business ideas and best ideas "Challenge yourself as an entrepreneur" is part of the project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, under the Cooperation Programme “Interreg V –A Greece-Bulgaria” 2014-2020
Project „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”, with acronym „SocialCrafts“, Subsidy contract № В2.9с.02/31.10.2017
Business Center - Maritza started the implementation of Project: „Handicrafts and social economy: A driver for socially inclusive growth in the CB region”
Period of implementation: 31/10/2017 - 30/10/2019
Overall objective
The project constitutes a CB initiative which is directly linked to the programme objectives as it supports vulnerable groups to overcome specific employment barriers, by promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and discriminations in the labour market, and by providing specialized support for social enterprises. The Project will focus on expanding social entrepreneurship in the CB area, bettering employability and employment of the vulnerable groups, as well as facilitating mutual learning and capacity building using new mechanisms and ICT.
Основната цел на проекта е свързана с подобряване на начина на живот на уязвимите групи в региона чрез Its main objective derives from the aim to improve the way of living of vulnerable groups in the area by their labour inclusion, especially of those most exposed to social exclusion. Based on the innovative Project’s concept, a number of objectives have been set.
Specific objectives:
1) Improve job access for vulnerable groups in the area, using innovative practices, based on the development of CB integrated Social Economy initiatives under development & for tackling labour inequalities;
2) Establish new mechanisms, coped with the poverty by promoting services of comfort, and counselling at home, including in rural & isolated areas;
3) Improve the capacity and efficiency of social enterprises and open market at large, especially in reaching and employing isolated and deprived communities, such as persons with disabilities, Roma population, etc.
4) Promote self-employment and fight digital illiteracy.
Activities:
Work package 1: Project Management & Coordination
Work package 2: Communication & Dissemination
Work package 3: Capacity building among vulnerable groups
Work package 4: Capacity building among CB artisans
Work package 5: Technology: Innovation & Institutional Strengthening
Work package 6: Initiatives beyond the CB area and abroad
Lead Beneficiary: International Initiatives for Cooperation
Partners:
- Project Beneficiary 2: Prefectural Association of People with disabilities of Kavala’ s Prefecture
- Project Beneficiary 3: Association Regional Center for vocational education training to CCI – Blagoevgrad
- Project Beneficiary 4: National Confederation of Disabled People of Greece-Branch of Northern Greece
- Project Beneficiary 5: Association “Business Center-Maritza”
- Project Beneficiary 6: Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce
Overall objective
The project constitutes a CB initiative which is directly linked to the programme objectives as it supports vulnerable groups to overcome specific employment barriers, by promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and discriminations in the labour market, and by providing specialized support for social enterprises. The Project will focus on expanding social entrepreneurship in the CB area, bettering employability and employment of the vulnerable groups, as well as facilitating mutual learning and capacity building using new mechanisms and ICT.
Основната цел на проекта е свързана с подобряване на начина на живот на уязвимите групи в региона чрез Its main objective derives from the aim to improve the way of living of vulnerable groups in the area by their labour inclusion, especially of those most exposed to social exclusion. Based on the innovative Project’s concept, a number of objectives have been set.
Specific objectives:
1) Improve job access for vulnerable groups in the area, using innovative practices, based on the development of CB integrated Social Economy initiatives under development & for tackling labour inequalities;
2) Establish new mechanisms, coped with the poverty by promoting services of comfort, and counselling at home, including in rural & isolated areas;
3) Improve the capacity and efficiency of social enterprises and open market at large, especially in reaching and employing isolated and deprived communities, such as persons with disabilities, Roma population, etc.
4) Promote self-employment and fight digital illiteracy.
Activities:
Work package 1: Project Management & Coordination
Work package 2: Communication & Dissemination
Work package 3: Capacity building among vulnerable groups
Work package 4: Capacity building among CB artisans
Work package 5: Technology: Innovation & Institutional Strengthening
Work package 6: Initiatives beyond the CB area and abroad
Lead Beneficiary: International Initiatives for Cooperation
Partners:
- Project Beneficiary 2: Prefectural Association of People with disabilities of Kavala’ s Prefecture
- Project Beneficiary 3: Association Regional Center for vocational education training to CCI – Blagoevgrad
- Project Beneficiary 4: National Confederation of Disabled People of Greece-Branch of Northern Greece
- Project Beneficiary 5: Association “Business Center-Maritza”
- Project Beneficiary 6: Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce
