The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has announced the call for support and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the year 2024. AIDA administers the fund “For the development of enterprises,” as specified in Article 11, letter a, of Law No. 43/2022 “On micro, small and medium enterprises,” which is financed by the state budget. This call aims to support the development of MSMEs by increasing their competitiveness, developing products and services, fostering innovation/technology renewal, promoting craftsmanship, and supporting women entrepreneurs to encourage exports and strengthen their skills related to sustainable market services and products. This call targets MSMEs operating within the country’s territory.

Project proposals submitted by MSMEs must adhere to the specific criteria and conditions for MSMEs for the year 2024.

Funding Directions for Financial Support from the “Business Development Support” Program are:

SCHEME 1: FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ACTIVITY DEVELOPMENT

• Financing amount up to 2,500,000 ALL
• 100% cost coverage

Eligible costs:

• Certification of production/service standards (including relevant consultancy)
• Participation in capacity-building training
• Participation in international fairs with ready-made stands
• Brand promotion through digitalization
• Creation and construction of applications and/or platforms for e-Commerce
• Preparation of promotional materials (not more than 20% of the total project value)

SCHEME 2: FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR INVESTMENTS

2.1. INNOVATION PROJECTS

• Financing amount up to 1,000,000 ALL
• 100% cost coverage

Eligible costs:

• Technological development/improvement of the product
• Purchase of applications for customer service or data management
• Purchase of applications and/or various computer programs or packages

2.2. COMPETITIVENESS PROJECTS

• Financing amount up to 1,500,000 ALL
• 100% cost coverage

Eligible costs:

• Purchase of machinery and/or work equipment that impact the increase of production and improvement of product quality

2.3. START-UP PROJECTS

• Financing amount up to 800,000 ALL
• 100% cost coverage

Eligible costs:

• Purchase of machinery and/or work equipment
• Purchase of e-commerce applications and/or programs

2.4. CRAFTSMANSHIP PROJECTS

• Financing amount up to 800,000 ALL
• 100% cost coverage

Eligible costs:

• Purchase of traditional and/or technological work machinery and/or equipment
• Purchase of e-commerce applications and/or programs

🗓️ The call for project proposals will be open from July 12, 2024, to August 11, 2024.

Project proposals submitted by MSMEs must be implemented within the budget year, meaning the proposed activities must take place between October and December 2024.

ATTENTION: Applicants can submit ONLY 1 (one) project proposal in one of the call directions.

Applications and document submissions will be carried out through the email address: [email protected]

Required Documentation for Application:

• Completed application form
• Budget form
• Registration certificate in the commercial register
• Historical extract of registration in the National Business Center (NBC) with active status
• Declaration for the MSME category, in accordance with the provisions given in Article 5 of Law No. 43/2022 “On the development of micro, small and medium enterprises”
• Certificate proving the entity has paid all tax/social and health insurance obligations, downloaded from “e-Albania”
• Certificate from the General Directorate of Customs proving that customs duties have been paid, in case the MSME is an exporter, downloaded from “e-Albania”
• Income declaration form/financial statements for the last year, certified by the MSME administrator
• Copy of the MSME administrator’s ID or power of attorney and the ID of the representative, in case the applicant is not the MSME administrator
• A refreshed criminal record certificate (not more than 30 days from the date of application for funds), downloaded from “e-Albania”
• Any other accompanying document that, in the applicant’s assessment, supports their application

Additionally, download and complete the documents at the link: Application Documentation.