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\u00a0<\/span>In December, the Export Hub Bulgaria initiative was launched at the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum launched. The initiative aims to develop the export potential of Bulgarian companies. Twelve organisations signed the Agreement on the Establishment of Export Hub Bulgaria in the presence of the Minister of Economy Mr. Emil Karanikolov, ambassadors and trade attaches, the Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (BSMEPA) – initiator, the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria, CleanTech Bulgaria, Sofia Tech Park – host, Bulgarian Entrepreneurship & Startup Community (BESCO), SoftUni, the Association of Business Clusters, the Bulgarian Industrial Association.<\/span><\/p>\nThe initiative will provide guidance on the steps that Bulgarian companies need to take in order to gain a foothold on international markets successfully. The initiative is hosted by Sofia Tech Park. A platform will be established that will facilitate businesses in their entry into foreign markets and provide them with access to information on the specifics and features of markets around the world such as regulatory frameworks, areas with high potential by country, practical advice.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the beginning of 2020, Export Hub Bulgaria will organise an export program for 15 Bulgarian companies that have a product already on the market and will assist them to access foreign markets through mentoring, practical training and direct support.<\/span><\/p>\n Follow the BSMEPA website<\/a> for additional information and the launch of the companies\u2019 registration form.<\/span><\/p>\n ***<\/b><\/p>\n The Fund of Funds selected <\/span>Vitosha Venture Partners<\/span><\/i> to manage the last of the three Acceleration and Initial Financing Funds (FUNF II) under the <\/span>Operations Innovation and Competitiveness Program 2014-2020<\/span><\/i>, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.<\/span><\/p>\n Vitosha Venture Partners<\/span><\/i> will manage public funds amounting to BGN 35.6 million with an addition of at least 10% private equity. At least 76 companies will be financed with an investment amount of between BGN 30,000 and BGN 2 million. FUNF II’s investment period will continue until the end of 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n The new fund will support companies in the earliest stages of development with capital and know-how, in exchange for a minority stake in their capital. Part of the funding is also aimed at more advanced startups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ***<\/span><\/p>\n The<\/span> Information Day of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)<\/span><\/a> aiming to stimulate the application and participation of Central and Southeast European countries in various competitions and projects will take place in 2020. The first of two planned events will be held on January 17, 2020 in Sofia. Detailed information on upcoming funding opportunities in 2020 will be provided during the event.<\/span><\/p>\n ***<\/b><\/p>\n Enteprise Europe Network<\/span><\/a> offers an opportunity for visitors and exhibitors of <\/span>Futurebuild 2020<\/span><\/i> in London to meet potential partners through pre-scheduled meetings. The event is suitable for companies in the sectors: Energy Efficiency, Low Carbon Energy, Building Materials, Urban Infrastructure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In order to register, follow the link: <\/span>futurebuild-matchmaking-2020.b2match.io\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n For contacts and assistance, please contact Enterprise Europe Network:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n E-mail: een@bcci.bg\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Phone: +35928117515\/505<\/span><\/p>\n ***<\/span><\/p>\n The Enterprise Europe Network at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites Bulgarian companies to join Hannover Messe 2020 – one of the largest and most important exhibitions for the industrial sector. This year’s edition will take place between April 20 and 24.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Enterprise Europe Network organises bilateral business meetings between Bulgarian and foreign companies from more than 50 countries in all sectors of the exhibition: Industrial Automation, Digital Production, Energy, Industrial Supplies, Research and Technology.<\/span><\/p>\n Participation in the event provides opportunities for individual intensive business meetings. The companies can count on EEN’s professional assistance before, during and after the exhibition.<\/span><\/p>\n You can apply for participation at:<\/span> www.b2fair.com\/hannovermesse2020<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n If you register until January 31, the participation in bilateral meetings is free of charge. The fee is EUR 75 after that date. The<\/span> ticket for the exhibition<\/span><\/a> is paid separately and costs EUR 34 per day.<\/span><\/p>\n