On February 15, the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) hosted a presentation of the project “Georgian Enterprises Closer to Europe” (GEclose2EU).
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Georgia and Armenia, H.E. Ulrik Tideström, the Director of Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC), Ms. Nino Evgenidze, and the Director of the Agency „Enterprise Georgia”, Mr. Mikheil Khidureli opened the event. Guests from Business, Government, NGO and International Sectors also attended the presentation.
About the Project
With the support of Sweden, implementation of a new project “Georgian Enterprises Closer to Europe” has started. The project is implemented by the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) in cooperation with Agency “Enterprise Georgia”. The aim of the project is to support small and medium-size businesses, assist them in promoting their work within the European market and create new opportunities of internationalization. The total budget of the project is $2, 3 million. The project will run for 3 years.
Project Beneficiaries
100 companies will be involved in the project operating in the fields of information and communication Technologies (ICT), business consulting, interior design and architecture, and in two new fields, which will be determined by the project. The criteria for selecting the additional two business fields will include high potential for employment, development and internationalization. The project will also involve 500 beneficiary companies of the Agency “Enterprise Georgia” from the non-agricultural sector.
How business companies will benefit from the project – main components of the project
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Project team will identify new sectors, products and services of Georgian small and medium-size businesses that have the ability for increased employment, development and internationalization. The mandatory requirements will be introduced for these organizations to be met by them in order to acquire the certification and licensing.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, MENTORING AND CONSULTATIONS
Within the scope of the project, 100 companies will be selected to receive different types of support including small grants. In parallel, local and international experts will conduct various educational events and master classes for these companies in Georgia. 60 organizations selected out of 100 project beneficiary companies will participate in the study tours in Sweden.
CAPACITY BUILDING OF THE EXPORT DIRECTION OF AGENCY “ENTERPRISE GEORGIA”
500 beneficiary companies (from small and medium-size business companies from non-agricultural sectors) of the Agency “Enterprise Georgia” will expand their knowledge in relation to EU Association Agreement and Effective Management through a special educational program. Target companies will also participate in annual SME fairs.
RAISING AWARENESS OF GEORGIAN COMPANIES
In order to promote and popularize export potential of Georgian SMEs, up to 20 Georgian and Swedish journalists will participate in 2 media tours in Sweden and Georgia. The website www.tradewithgeorgia.com will also be promoted both locally and internationally.
