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BG16RFPR001-1.012 “Digitalization of Enterprises” – Industry 4.0
Procedure BG16RFPR001-1.012 “Digitalization of Enterprises” is a new initiative under the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Program (CIE) 2021–2027, announced for public discussion by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth on April 11, 2025. It aims to support micro and small enterprises in Bulgaria that have not yet reached a high level of digital maturity, by providing them with opportunities to introduce modern information and communication technologies (ICT).
Main objectives of the procedure BG16RFPR001-1.012
The procedure is aimed at enterprises that are not prepared to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, but through its measures can reach a level of readiness for a subsequent transition to higher levels of digitalization. It complements previous initiatives such as procedure BG16RFPR001-1.008 “Introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies in enterprises” and BG-RRP-3.005 “ICT and cybersecurity solutions in SMEs”, implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Eligible activities
Micro and small enterprises can apply for funding for:
- Introduction of ICT services and digital marketing solutions.
- Resource management systems (ERP systems).
- Customer relationship management systems (CRM systems).
- Solutions for optimizing management, production and logistics processes.
- ICT services and solutions to improve cybersecurity in enterprises.
Financial parameters
- The total budget of the procedure is 80,000,000 leva.
- The minimum amount of grant aid for individual projects is BGN 5,000, and the maximum is up to BGN 50,000.
- The maximum aid intensity under the CPIP is up to 70% of the total eligible costs of individual projects.
Applying
The procedure BG16RFPR001-1.012 “Digitalization of Enterprises” is open for application entirely electronically, which ensures a fast and transparent process. The submission and subsequent evaluation of project proposals are carried out through the Information System for Management and Monitoring of EU Funds (MIS), in the section:
👉”European Funds under Shared Management 2021-2027″
Deadline for comments and suggestions
The draft Terms of Application and Terms of Implementation have been published for public discussion and are open for comments to:
📅April 24, 2025 (inclusive)
💡Important: All suggestions and comments are submitted only through the UMIS, in the “Public Discussion Procedures” section.
Basic conditions for participation
To apply for the procedure, you must meet the following key requirements:
✅ Who can apply:
- Micro or small enterprises registered under the Commerce Act or the Cooperatives Act.
- With registration and operation on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
- Candidates must not have transitioned to Industry 4.0 – i.e. they must be at an earlier stage of digital maturity.
❌ Who cannot apply:
- Medium and large enterprises.
- Enterprises with imposed bans or overdue obligations to the NRA and NSSI.
- Organizations that are in bankruptcy, liquidation or have other legal obstacles.
Eligible costs
The program finances expenses for :
- 💻Software solutions: ERP, CRM, digital marketing, business intelligence, etc.
- 🔒Cybersecurity: implementing solutions for information and data protection.
- 🛠️ Development and implementation services: consulting, setup, training and system implementation.
- 🔧 License fees, maintenance and initial configuration of ICT systems.
Financing
- Minimum project value: 5,000 BGN.
- Maximum value: 50,000 BGN.
- Aid intensity: up to 70% grant of eligible costs.
💼 The remaining part of the costs must be covered by the enterprise’s own funds.
How to apply
- Register in EUMIS: https://eumis2020.government.bg/
- Select the appropriate procedure: BG16RFPR001-1.012
- Read all documents carefully
- Preparation of a project proposal, which includes:
- Application form
- Project budget
- Business plan or rationale
- Evidence of eligibility (certificates, declarations, etc.)
- Submit your proposal through the UMIS system before the deadline.
