Who can apply for funding under national calls and European Union programs?

Funding opportunities are open to a wide range of applicants - private enterprises, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, scientific and educational institutions, as well as partnerships between them. Each fund, each call or procedure has specific conditions and requirements, so it is important to analyze the eligibility and potential of the applicant in advance.

What does "eligibility of costs" mean and why is it important?

The eligibility of costs is one of the most strictly controlled aspects of any project. Only costs that are directly linked to the activities carried out within the eligible period and supported by correct documentation can be recognized.NORTAN experts perform detailed verification and ensure compliance with the requirements of the governing authorities, which reduces the risk of financial corrections.

What are the main stages in managing an EU-funded project?

The project cycle goes through several key phases:Analysis of client needs and identification of suitable financing opportunities;Development of a project idea and preparation of a proposal;Assessment and approval by the Managing Authority;Implementation, monitoring and control of activities;Final reporting and sustainability of results.NORTAN Ltd offers comprehensive support at every stage - from concept to successful completion of the project.

What are the most common reasons for project proposals being rejected?

Among the most common errors are incomplete or incorrect documentation, a mismatch between the project objectives, the scope and priorities of the program, as well as incorrect budget structuring, which includes expenses for remuneration, the purchase of equipment and other external services.Our team conducts a thorough analysis before submitting the project proposal to ensure full compliance and increase the likelihood of approval.

How does the project reporting and control process work?

Reporting includes the presentation of detailed technical and financial reports that demonstrate the implementation of activities and the achievement of results.NORTAN provides methodological and expert support throughout the entire process, from documentation preparation to communication with governing bodies, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and legality at the completion of each project.NORTAN Ltd. experts, with proven experience in writing technical and financial reports, provide full support in their preparation and reporting to the competent institutions.

What is cascade funding?

Cascading Funding is a mechanism where the European Commission provides funds to a lead beneficiary (usually a consortium), which then distributes part of these funds to third parties (SMEs, start-ups, NGOs, researchers) through open calls for applications.This type of funding is widely used in programs such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe and is also known as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) .

Do you work with municipalities?

Yes, we work with municipalities and municipal enterprises , providing expert support in project development and implementation, including strategic planning, application and subsequent management.

Do you work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)?

Yes, we work with non-governmental organizations , including foundations and associations, in preparing and implementing projects in areas such as social activities, education, culture, innovation and sustainable development.

Do you work with other organizations?

Yes, in addition to SMEs, municipalities and NGOs, we also work with:universities and scientific organizations;public institutions and agencies;startups and innovative companies;consortia and partnerships on international projects.

What does co-financing mean?

Co-financing is the part of the project budget that is not covered by European funding and is provided by the beneficiary or other sources.

What are eligible costs?

These are costs that:are directly related to the project;were made within the eligibility period;comply with the rules of the relevant program;are duly documented.

Sustainable Cities Fund Launches Financing for Energy and Resource Efficiency under PKIP 2021–2027

5 hours ago

3 min read

The “Sustainable Cities Fund” Consortium (SCF) has announced a financing call under the financial instrument “Portfolio Guarantee with a Loss Cap for the Circular Economy”, financed under the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Programme 2021–2027 (PKIP). For the first time in Bulgaria, enterprises can receive combined support – a loan and a grant – within a single operation.

1. Objective of the procedure

The instrument supports investments in two areas corresponding to the specific objectives of PKIP: Energy Efficiency Portfolio, aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Resource Efficiency Portfolio, aimed at transitioning to a circular and resource-efficient economy. Through the guarantee mechanism, credit risk is shared between the Fund of Funds and financial intermediaries, attracting private capital and multiplying the impact of public resources.

2. Total amount of financing

Public resources under the two separate positions: EUR 80 million;
Expected total loan portfolio: over EUR 314.4 million;
Grant funding (GFA): EUR 29.37 million, for technical support and a capital rebate.

3. Eligible applicants

Financing is provided throughout the country (depending on the location of the investment), with a focus on less developed regions:

Energy efficiency: SMEs, small mid-caps, mid-caps and large enterprises;
Resource efficiency: SMEs, small mid-caps and mid-caps.

Applicants must have an appropriate legal interest in the assets in which the investment is made (ownership, lease, etc.) and must meet the SCF requirements regarding creditworthiness, own contribution (where applicable) and collateral.

4. Eligible activities

Energy efficiency: investments based on recommendations from an energy efficiency audit of industrial systems or parts thereof (machines, equipment, production buildings), enterprises and non-production buildings – energy management and monitoring systems, improvement of technologies and processes, RES for own consumption, including storage systems. The audit is mandatory, except for projects solely involving RES.

Resource efficiency: introduction of circular models – more efficient use of resources, including water, secondary raw materials and by-products; greater durability, repairability and recyclability of products; reduction of hazardous substances; waste management and treatment of industrial wastewater; RES for own consumption; pre-treatment of waste.

Grant Funding for Energy Efficiency

Technical support: up to EUR 10,225.84 for an initial audit of an enterprise or up to EUR 5,112.92 for an industrial system, and up to EUR 5,112.92 for an audit/assessment to demonstrate achieved savings; a total of up to EUR 15,338.76.
Capital rebate: 15% of the total amount of eligible financing.
Large enterprises, small mid-caps and mid-caps do not receive technical support. Grant funding is not provided to entities subject to a mandatory audit under Art. 57, para. 2 of the Energy Efficiency Act, nor for an audit already supported by grant funding or paid for before application.

Grant Funding for Resource Efficiency

Technical support: up to EUR 5,112.92 for a conceptual or technical design for RES activities.
Capital rebate: 15% of the total amount of eligible financing.
Small mid-caps and mid-caps, as well as beneficiaries under procedure BG-RRP-3.008 under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, cannot receive grant funding.

The capital rebate is initially provided as part of the financing and is transformed into grant funding after the objectives set out in the agreement have been achieved.

5. Financing conditions from SCF

Maximum amount: up to EUR 3,834,689 (possible restrictions depending on the applicable state aid regime);
Own contribution: not required, but may be requested depending on the risk profile of the project;
Repayment period: up to 10 years for Energy Efficiency and up to 15 years for Resource Efficiency;
Grace period for principal repayment: up to 3 years;
Collateral: at least 40% lower than those normally required by UBB; no guarantee fee is charged;
A supplementary working capital loan may also be provided alongside an approved investment loan, without combination with grant funding.

6. Application deadlines

The investment period starts on 4 May 2026, with projects being reviewed until the available resources are exhausted. The final deadline for disbursement of funds under approved projects is 31 December 2029; project ideas are discussed with a credit expert at a UBB sales point, after which an application for financing and grant funding, a business plan and supporting documents are submitted.

7. Link for additional information

Information about the instrument: https://www.citiesfund.bg/?cid=40

UBB contact points: https://www.citiesfund.bg/?cid=43