Focus on real access to capital

The initiative is aimed at companies planning to trade on the regulated market of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, on the BEAM Growth Market or through the SpaceCrowd crowdfunding platform. The three directions allow enterprises of different profiles and stages of development to consider the capital market as an alternative to traditional bank financing.

For businesses, this means not only an opportunity to raise funds, but also a step towards higher publicity, greater transparency, and building trust among investors, partners, and customers.

What expenses will be covered?

The project envisages covering 100% of the costs incurred by the companies for preparation and listing. The scope of support includes consulting, legal and accounting services, preparation of the initial public offering, preparation of a prospectus, marketing campaign to investors, as well as fees to the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, the Financial Supervision Commission and the Central Depository.

Covering these costs aims to reduce the financial burden on enterprises in the preparatory stage and facilitate their access to the capital market.

Why the topic is important for businesses

Access to capital remains a key factor for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. For companies planning to expand production capacity, introduce innovations, enter new markets or accelerate growth, the capital market can offer an additional financing tool.

However, listing on the stock exchange requires a readiness for a higher level of accountability, a clear development strategy and the ability to communicate with investors. This is why such initiatives are important not only as a financial incentive, but also as a mechanism for enhancing the management and investment culture in enterprises.

Application terms and conditions

The Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises is about to announce the deadlines and guidelines for applications. Submission of documents will be available through the agency's website.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports better awareness of enterprises and the creation of an environment in which local companies can more actively use the available tools for development, financing and increasing competitiveness. The Chamber will continue to monitor the development of the initiative and inform its members and partners when publishing the specific conditions, deadlines and application procedure.

More information about the initiative of The Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises you can find here.

The initiative is organized by the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in cooperation with the Economic and Trade Department of the Embassy of the PRC and is aimed at increasing the knowledge and capacity of SMEs in the field of digitalization, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

The initiative is organized by the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in cooperation with the Economic and Trade Department of the Embassy of the PRC and is aimed at increasing the knowledge and capacity of SMEs in the field of digitalization, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

The seminar program includes four main modules:

• Enterprise Transformation Through Artificial Intelligence – opportunities for business digitalization and implementation of AI solutions to optimize processes and management will be considered;
• New energy, green transition and circular economy – focus on sustainable development, the use of green energy and the implementation of circular economy models;
• Smart manufacturing and automation – presentation of modern technologies for automation and digitalization of production processes;
• Integrated strategies for export, innovation and sustainability – guidelines for the development of international markets and sustainable business models.

The seminar is aimed at representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, managers and experts who are interested in implementing innovations, increasing production efficiency and expanding operations in international markets.

Participants will have the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge, learn about good practices from the Chinese market, and establish direct contacts with companies and institutions.

Added value for participants:

• access to real examples and practical solutions from Chinese industry;
• opportunities for creating business contacts and partnerships;
• improving strategic planning and competitiveness;
• introduction to innovative technologies and sustainable business models.

All costs of travel, accommodation, on-site logistics and participation in the seminar are borne by the Chinese side.

The working language of the seminar is English, and the number of participants is limited.

More information can be found on the website of IANMSP.

If interested, it is necessary to pre-register in the event profile by April 22, 2026.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages Bulgarian enterprises to take advantage of this opportunity to increase their competitiveness and expand their international presence.

Purpose of the procedure

The main objective is to provide support to SMEs to introduce new models based on new or improved processes, goods or services, thereby increasing their innovation activity and competitiveness.

The new model should be clearly justified and correspond to the thematic areas and priority sub-areas of the The Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (ISS) 2021–2027, with the candidate selecting one lead area in the Application Form.

ISIS Thematic Areas 2021–2027

Project proposals should fall into one of the following thematic areas:

• Informatics and ICT
• Mechatronics and microelectronics
• Healthy living industries, bioeconomy and biotechnology
• New technologies in the creative and leisure industries
• Clean technologies, circular and low-carbon economy

Candidates should argue the correspondence of the new production model with the chosen thematic area.

Amount and intensity of funding

• Minimum grant amount: 25,000 euros
• Maximum size:
  • to 250,000 euros for micro and small enterprises;
  • to 400,000 euros for medium-sized enterprises.

The funding intensity can reach 70% of the eligible costs depending on the selected aid regime, the category of enterprise and the place of implementation of the project.

Under the de minimis regime, the total minimum aid received cannot exceed EUR 300,000 over a period of three years.

Eligible activities

Investments necessary for the implementation of the new model are being financed, including:

• machinery, facilities and equipment;
• specialized software;
• patents, utility models, industrial designs and licenses.

Activities that contradict the principle of "doing no significant harm" are not supported, including those related to fossil fuels and waste incineration.

Deadline for implementation and application

The duration of projects cannot exceed 12 months from the date of entry into force of the administrative agreement.

The deadline for submitting project proposals is May 27, 2026, 4:30 p.m..

The application is made entirely electronically via the UMIS system, and each applicant can submit only one project proposal.

More information and instructions for applying for the procedure can be found at page of ISUN.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages enterprises to promptly familiarize themselves with the conditions of the procedure and to take advantage of the resources provided for investments in modernization, automation and implementation of innovative production solutions.

Categories and honors

The projects will be evaluated by a special jury based on criteria including the significance and scale of the investment, jobs created, contribution to regional development, implementation of innovations, sustainable business practices and market success.

Five main statuettes will be awarded within the competition. „"Golden Bull"“ in the following categories:

• „"Investor of 2025";
• „"Green Investment";
• "Investment in business expansion";
• "Investment in innovative business";
• „"Investment in human capital".

Six honorary awards will also be presented – plaques, in the following categories:

• An investment with a high contribution to regional development;
• Successful startup;
• Municipality with the most investments;
• Sustainable business;
• Low carbon footprint investment;
• Innovative product.

Deadline for nominations

The deadline for submitting nominations in the competition is February 25, 2026.

Both Bulgarian and foreign companies that have made investments or expanded their activities in Bulgaria in 2025 can participate in the competition.

Why participate?

Participation in the "Investor of the Year" competition provides an opportunity to:

• national recognition of investment achievements;
• strengthening the corporate image before partners, institutions and investors;
• promoting good practices in the field of sustainable and innovative development.

Companies from Ruse District have already successfully participated in the national competition "Investor of the Year". In the framework of a previous edition Bader Bulgaria was awarded in the category "Sustainable business" – recognition of the company’s consistent efforts in implementing sustainable production practices, investing in energy efficiency, reducing its carbon footprint and developing human capital. The distinction establishes Bader Bulgaria as an example of responsible investing and long-term contribution to the economic development of the region.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls on companies from Ruse and the region that have implemented significant investment projects in 2025 to submit their applications and present their achievements at the national level.

Candidates:
The procedure is open to micro, small, medium and large enterprises, as well as for associations between them. Beneficiaries must be registered. no later than 31.12.2022. and have been in business for the last three financial years.

Application deadline:
Project proposals are submitted via the electronic system June 2020 to 16.07.2026, 16:00.. The implementation of project activities must be completed. up to 30 months, but not later than 31.12.2029.

Eligible activities under the procedure

The procedure supports complex activities that include:

Construction of charging infrastructure

• Installing electric vehicle charging stations with power over 22 kW.
• Charging stations should be located along sections of the republican road network outside the settlements that are part of the main and extensive Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), and can be up to 3 km from the exit of the republican road (e.g. parking lots).

Technical equipment and related activities

• Delivery and installation of technical equipment for charging stations.
• Related construction and installation works and adaptation of terrain or road.
• Installation work and costs for obtaining the necessary permits.

Integration with renewable energy sources (RE)

• Investments for electricity production from renewable sources and systems for its on-site storage.

Public access and operation

• The built infrastructure must be publicly available with non-discriminatory access and charging fees must match market prices.

Funding and intensity

• Maximum grant amount per project: 256,000 euros.
• Funding intensity:
  • To 65 % for micro and small enterprises;
  • To 55 % for medium-sized enterprises;
  • To 35 % for large enterprises.

Technical requirements for charging stations

The projects must provide modern charging infrastructure with minimum technical parameters depending on the type of network:

• For passenger cars on the core TEN-T network: minimum 600 kW and at least 2 points with power 150 kW.
• For passenger cars on the comprehensive TEN-T network: minimum 300 kW and at least 1 point with power 150 kW.
• For freight vehicles on the TEN-T core network: minimum 2800 kW and minimum 2 points by 350 kW.
• For freight vehicles on the comprehensive TEN-T: minimum 1400 kW and minimum 1 point by 350 kW.

The procedure is part of the efforts of the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021–2027 to develop alternative fuels and sustainable transport in Bulgaria. The construction of charging stations along the TEN-T network will stimulate electromobility, improve mobility outside large cities and support environmentally friendly transport. Under the first procedure, the following were approved: six charging center projects at the end of 2025.

More information and application instructions can be found at page of ISUN.

Automatic currency conversion

From the beginning of 2026. Registry Agency The automatic conversion of the capital of commercial companies from levs to euros at the fixed exchange rate has officially begun 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.. This is done without an application from the companies and without payment of a state fee. The process is expected to be completed within the next month due to the large number of registered companies.

Official currency conversion does not change the rights of partners or shareholders and does not affect their participation in the capital - the proportions remain unchanged. However, in some cases, due to automatic rounding or technical calculations during currency conversion a discrepancy may arise between the subscribed capital and the shares/stocks, which should be assessed by the company in order to protect the interests of partners and shareholders.

Updating corporate documents

Despite the official currency conversion, companies are required to bring their corporate documents into line with the new values of the capital expressed in euros. This includes updating the articles of association, statutes or articles of association to indicate the new amounts of capital and, where necessary, the shares or shares, taking into account the converted values.

The updated documents are submitted for publication in The Commercial Register simultaneously with the first subsequent application for entry, amendment or announcement (for example, when submitting the annual financial report). The deadline for their submission is until December 31, 2026.

Adjustments to LLCs to preserve the rights of partners

At limited liability companies, when automatic currency conversion leads to discrepancies between the new amount of capital and the partners' shares, the law allows for correction of the partnership agreement up to 5 % of the capital entered in the Commercial Register, in order to preserve the proportional participation of the partners.

This flexibility is intended to avoid legal or administrative difficulties due to rounding or other technical differences that arise during the automatic conversion from levs to euros.

Prhymer

If the capital of one Ltd. by the end of 2025 is 5,000 BGN., distributed in 5 shares of 1,000 BGN each, after the official automatic currency conversion it will be reflected in The Commercial Register as 2,556.46 euros (at the fixed rate) 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.). In this case each of the five shares of 1,000 leva would correspond to approximately 511.29 euros, so that the proportions between the partners remain the same after currency conversion.

Automatic rounding and allocation leads to small technical differences between the shares and the registered capital value. In this case, the company may use the legal option to amend the partnership agreement up to the permissible 5 % amount., to synchronize internal corporate documents with the actual values of the capital in the register.

Assistance from RTIK

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides support to its members and partners in the process of adaptation to the new requirements related to the introduction of the euro and the official currency conversion of capital.

The Chamber can provide assistance through referral to qualified legal consultants, to assist enterprises in preparing, updating and formatting corporate documents in accordance with current legislation and good business practices.

The procedure is aimed at micro, small, medium and large enterprises, developing economic activity in the following sectors:

• sector C “Manufacturing industry”;
• sector K “Telecommunications, computer programming, consultancy activities, information technology infrastructure and other information services”:
  • section 62 “Information technology activities”; or
  • section 63 “Information technology infrastructure, data processing, hosting and other information services”;
• sector N “Professional activities and scientific research”.

Key features of the procedure:

• Supports investments for production of defense products and dual-use items – for example, high-performance computers, microprocessors, radar systems, lidars, cryptographic software, drones and other technological components that have both civilian and military applications.
• The grant varies from 51,129 euros to 3.6 million euros. The aid intensity is up to 70% of eligible costs, depending on the category of the enterprise, the aid regime chosen and the place of implementation of the projects.
• Eligible investments include: purchase of machinery, equipment, specialized software, patents, licenses and know-how, as well as construction and installation works up to 50% of the total project costs.

Who can participate:

They can apply according to the procedure micro, small, medium and large enterprises, registered before 31.12.2022., which develop economic activity in the eligible sectors. The companies should have realized net sales revenue in 2022, 2023 and 2024., as follows:

• large enterprises – net sales revenue at least 5 million BGN..

• micro and small enterprises – net sales revenue at least 200,000 BGN.;

• medium-sized enterprises – net sales revenue at least 1 million BGN.;

Application deadline:

April 15, 2026. through the electronic system June 2020.

This procedure provides an opportunity for Bulgarian companies to modernize production facilities, to implement new technologies and increase their competitiveness both on the national and European markets. Support is particularly important for companies operating in strategic sectors and aiming to expand their participation in defense and dual-use value chains.

EIB Investment Survey is an annual survey by the European Investment Bank, covering around 13,000 businesses from all EU Member States. The National Profile for Bulgaria in the 2025 edition is based on a representative sample of 486 Bulgarian companies from different economic sectors.

The report presents data on the investment activity of enterprises, the main obstacles to investment, investment priorities and expectations for future development, outlining a combination of clearly expressed structural constraints and preserved investment activity.

Investments remain stable

According to the study 71% of Bulgarian companies invested in the last reported financial year, at 86% average for the European Union. Although this share remains below the EU average, the data show that a significant portion of enterprises in the country continue to make investments.

Investment expectations remain balanced, with the reported balance between companies planning an increase in investments and those expecting a decrease being +3%, a value close to the EU average.

The shortage of personnel - a leading constraint to investments

The shortage of labor and skills is indicated by over 86% from enterprises in Bulgaria as a major obstacle to their investment activity. This is the most frequently noted constraint in the survey and affects enterprises in all major sectors of the economy.

Investment priorities and planned capacity expansion

Despite the reported limitations, 40% of investing companies in Bulgaria plan to expand their production capacity in the next three years, at 26% EU average.

Along with expanding capacity, investments are aimed at:

• replacement and modernization of existing equipment;
• improving production processes;
• implementation of new products and services.

Digitalization, sustainable investments and training

The study reports investments in digital technologies, including software, data and automation, as well as in training and upgrading of personnel qualifications. Some enterprises also direct funds to energy efficiency and other sustainable solutions, which are present among the investment directions reported in the study.

Access to finance

Enterprise assessments show that access to external financing remains relatively good, with some companies reporting an improvement compared to previous years. This creates the prerequisites for the realization of the planned investments.

Conclusion

The data from EIB Investment Survey 2025 – Bulgaria show that the shortage of personnel remains a key challenge facing Bulgarian business, but along with this, there are also clear positive trends – sustainable investments, focus on expansion and modernization, digitalization and a gradual transition to more sustainable development models.

These results confirm that with targeted policies in the areas of skills, education and innovation, the investment potential of the Bulgarian economy can be realized to a greater extent.

Source: EIB Investment Survey 2025 – Bulgaria, European Investment Bank.

The project is an impressive example of contemporary industrial architecture that combines technological innovations, sustainable solutions and a high standard of working environment. These characteristics position him as a strong candidate in the race.

Vote for the Audience Building Award

In addition to the evaluation by the professional jury, the project of WITTE Automotive Bulgaria EOOD also participated in the online voting for the "Audience Building" award - an award that is directly determined by public support.

You can support the Ruse company by December 15, by visiting the voting platform to the contest and cast your vote. Each user can vote once for each category via a valid email address and confirmation of a sent link.

The support for the participation of WITTE Automotive Bulgaria is a sign of recognition of the significant industrial investments in the region and the efforts to implement sustainable and high-tech solutions in modern production.

The newly built part: an expansion that changes the scale of production in Ruse

The new expansion of the complex is the second in a row and increases its total area to over 53,000 sq m. The project envisages the creation of 300 new jobs, and by 2028 the staff will reach 1,500 people. The investment is certified as class A, emphasizing its strategic importance.

High-tech construction and optimal functionality

The new building is three-story, with a prefabricated reinforced concrete structure. A service street has been preserved between the old and new buildings, which provides:

• natural lighting,
• safe internal logistics,
• clear functional division of zones.

Technological bridges and logistics

The buildings are connected by three warm links, including a two-story one for the office levels. They serve both employee movement and the internal flow of materials. The two cargo links are designed for the autonomous robotic systems used in production.

The warehouse has over 4,000 pallet places, and the docking area is integrated directly into the production flow.

Production areas with lots of natural light

At level 0, there is a 9,000 sq m production hall, designed without wasting space. The roof structure is optimized to provide maximum natural light.

The ground technological floor includes:

• laboratories;
• household premises;
• offices;
• halls for specialized productions;
• warehouse for finished products.

An office area designed with people in mind

The offices on the third floor are designed as an open office space of 2,000 sq m for 140 employees, with specially designed acoustics, lighting and ergonomic areas.

Key elements:

• three „raised“ meeting rooms that form different collaborative work areas;
• indoor Japanese and winter gardens with over 15 species of vegetation;
• coffee shops and recreation areas;
• individual wardrobe and modular storage solutions;
• color concept with symbolism: blue – technology, red – people, green – environment.

FOOD & REST area – an example of modern work culture

On an area of 1,800 sq m There is a separate modern dining and relaxation area, including:

• 270 seats;
• an amphitheater for presentations and meetings;
• swings for relaxation;
• Japanese garden;
• two large terraces, including a covered terrace with movable "guillotine" type windows.

Sustainable solutions and energy efficiency

The project integrates a number of sustainable solutions:

• 1.5 MW photovoltaic installation, covering about 30% of the company's energy needs;
• internal logistics with autonomous robots;
• automated energy management and air conditioning systems;
• use of durable and energy-saving materials.

The lake – a technical and social element

A retention lake has been built in the eastern part, which performs three main functions:

1. rainwater collection;
2. reserve for fire-fighting needs;
3. area for rest and walking.

Project evaluation and significance

The newly built part of WITTE Automotive Bulgaria is not just an expansion - it is:

• investment in the future of regional industry;
• a symbol of sustainable growth;
• an example of modern industry standards;
• a work environment focused on employee well-being.

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites its members, partners and the public in Ruse and the region to support the participation of WITTE Automotive Bulgaria EOOD in the "Building of the Year" 2025 competition by casting their vote for the project in the online vote for the "Building of the Audience" award.

You can find more about the categories, participants and regulations of the national "Building of the Year" competition on the official website.

Main purpose of the procedure

The support aims to foster collaboration between business and science by developing high added value solutions in the thematic areas of the Smart Specialisation Innovation Strategy. Projects should lead to an increase in technological readiness (up to TRL 5/6), including through prototyping, testing, validation and market preparation of new products or services.

Who can apply?

Eligible businesses are those that:

• are micro, small or medium;
• were registered before 31.12.2022;
• have realized minimum net revenues for 2023 and 2024:
  • micro-enterprises – at least 40,000 BGN;
  • small enterprises – at least BGN 100,000;
  • medium-sized enterprises – at least 700,000 BGN.

Application is mandatory in partnership with at least one scientific organization or university, including research structures, accredited universities, centers of excellence, etc.

Eligible activities

• Development and validation of green or digital technologies, products and processes;
• Creation and testing of prototypes, models and pilot solutions;
• Experimental development and industrial research activities;
• Market analyses, business planning and impact assessment;
• Intellectual property protection.

Projects must fall within one of the thematic areas of ISIS:

• Informatics and ICT;
• Mechatronics and microelectronics;
• Healthy living industry, bioeconomy and biotechnology;
• New technologies in the creative and entertainment industries;
• Clean technologies, circular and low-carbon economy.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include staff remuneration, equipment and materials costs, external services related to research and technical activities, intangible assets costs (software, licenses, patents), travel expenses, as well as general and administrative costs eligible under the programme rules.

Budget and financing

The total budget of the procedure is 60.7 million BGN., distributed between the less developed regions and the transition region. Grants are provided between 100,000 BGN and 1.5 million BGN. on a project.

The funding intensity is:

• to 80% for industrial research and up to 70% for experimental development – for micro and small enterprises;
• to 75% for industrial research and up to 50% for experimental development – for medium-sized enterprises.

No co-financing is required for scientific partners.

Deadlines

The deadline for submitting project proposals is February 16, 2026, 4:30 p.m. through UMIS 2020. The maximum implementation period is up to 24 months, but no later than December 31, 2029.

Detailed information, instructions and all application documents are available on the following page:

Importance for the region

For enterprises from Ruse and the North-Eastern region, this procedure represents an excellent opportunity to create innovative products and technologies through active cooperation with scientific institutions. Such projects can contribute to the modernization of local businesses, increasing competitiveness and sustainable development of the region.