Supporting SMEs Affected by COVID-19: Enhancing Market Position and Economic Recovery

The general objective of the project is to support SMEs affected by COVID-19 to continue operating in the next period taking into account the risks of economic downturn. The general objective of the project is in line with the specific objective OS 3.1. — Strengthen the market position of SMEs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with action 3.1.1. Support for SMEs to overcome the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will be a prerequisite to counteract the negative effects of the structural adjustments caused by the COVID-19 crisis and the improvement of the economic situation of companies whose activity has been totally or partially interrupted by the decisions of the competent public authorities. . The execution of the project will lead to the support of a minimum of 55,000 SMEs and the maintenance of at least 2,050 jobs, which will have a positive impact on the business environment at the national level and on the standard of living of the population. These benefits will extend to the community to which the entrepreneurs belong, thus creating a multiplier effect. At the same time, the State benefits indirectly from the execution of the project, given the reduction in the unemployment rate and the economic growth generated by the unblocking of activities suspended by decision of the competent public authorities. In conclusion, the execution of the projects will generate a positive impact in the medium and long term on sustainable development at the national level. The project contributes to the achievement of specific indicators as a result of the aid received by SMEs, in order to: CO01 Number of companies subsidized at the end of the aid for all measures, CO02 Number of companies receiving subsidies and CV22 Number of SMEs supported with grant funding for working capital in response to COVID-19 six months after the end of support and for micro-grant (M1) and working capital (M2) measures