• In the context of the development of the Romanian food industry, several financing measures are available to stimulate innovative activities, increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and support investments in the modernization and development of production processes.
• These programs are accessible through regional and national authorities, each with their own eligibility criteria, maximum funding values and application periods.
1. Action 1.6 – Stimulating innovative activities and increasing the competitiveness of SMEs
Contracting authority: South-East Regional Development Agency (ADR SOUTH-EST), which covers Brăila, Buzău, Constanța, Galați, Vrancea and Tulcea counties.
Amount of funding: Between 200.000 and 1.300.000 euros.
Deadline for submitting projects: The program has not yet been launched.
Percentage of non-reimbursable financing: Variable, depending on the county and the enterprise category.
Eligible beneficiaries: SMEs in activity.
2. PRNV/2023/131.A/1 – Financing program for micro-enterprises
Contracting authority: North-West Regional Development Agency (ADR NORTH WEST), which covers the counties of Bihor, Bistrița-Năsăud, Cluj, Maramureș, Sălaj and Satu-Mare.
Amount of funding: 200.000 euro.
Deadline for submitting projects: August 5, 2024 – September 30, 2024.
Percentage of non-reimbursable financing: Up to 90%.
Eligible beneficiaries: Micro-enterprises (1-9 employees) in operation.
3. Government Decision no. 702/2024 – Grants for the manufacturing industry
Contracting authority: Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
Amount of funding: Varies by region.
Deadline for submitting projects: June 21, 2024 – December 31, 2026.
Percentage of non-reimbursable financing: Varies by region.
Eligible beneficiaries: SMEs and large enterprises, either newly established or active.
4. Intervention DR 23 – Investments for the processing and marketing of agricultural products
Contracting authority: Agency for the Financing of Rural Investments.
Amount of funding: 3.000.000 euros for modernizations and up to 10.000.000 euros for new investments.
Deadline for submitting projects: The program has not yet been launched.
Percentage of non-reimbursable financing: Maximum 65%.
Eligible beneficiaries: SMEs and large enterprises, either newly established or active.
Regional Grant Funding
The maximum non-refundable financing that can be granted through regional state aid varies depending on the county and the category of the enterprise. The maximum intensity of state aid varies between 30% and 70%, and in certain cases it can be increased by 10 percentage points for counties that experienced a significant loss of population between 2009 and 2018.
These financing programs represent a valuable opportunity for businesses in the Romanian food industry. Each program comes with its own characteristics, adapted to regional and sectoral needs, providing essential support for the development and modernization of businesses in this vital sector. Interested businesses are encouraged to prepare the necessary documentation and pay attention to the submission deadlines in order to benefit from these non-refundable funds.
Article written by Gabriela Dan - Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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