Small and medium-sized enterprises with PARP funding for GOZ-transformation

The call for applications for the programme ‘Closed-loop economy in small and medium-sized enterprises, Phase I - GOZ-transformation business model development’ is ongoing.

The measure aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the introduction of a circular economy model. The call, funded by the European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021-2027 (FEPW) programme, is a key element of the sustainable development strategy to minimise waste and maximise the use of resources.

The call ‘Closed loop economy in SMEs, Stage I - development of a GOZ-transformation business model’ is a support for SMEs from Eastern Poland, i.e. the Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie or Mazowieckie Voivodeships, excluding the Warsaw Capital Region. The programme assumes the introduction of a new business model in the company based on circular economy solutions, i.e. savings in the consumption of materials, raw materials, energy and minimisation of waste generation. Thanks to the implementation of the projects, the company will be able to reduce operating costs, increase its innovativeness and competitiveness on the market by introducing solutions in the GOZ stream.

Applications submitted to the programme will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Eligibility of the applicant: The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the competition regulations.
• Project location: The project must be implemented in the territory of the Eastern Poland macro-region.
• Scope of the project: The subject of the project must not relate to types of activities excluded from the possibility of support.
• Equality principle: The project must comply with the principle of equality between women and men.
• Equal opportunities: The project should have a positive impact on the principle of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, including accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Legal compliance: The project must comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Sustainability: The project should comply with the principle of sustainable development, including the ‘do no serious harm’ principle.
• Regional smart specialisations: The subject of the project should be within the scope of regional smart specialisations common for at least two voivodeships from Eastern Poland.
• Scope and objective: The project must be in line with the scope and objective of the measure and the project objective must be justified.
• Contractor's potential: The identified contractor should have the necessary potential to prepare a GOZ-transformation model.
• Expenditure: The project expenditure must be eligible, reasonable and justifiable.

Funding can be used to purchase consultancy services involving the development of a business model for the operation of an enterprise based on the assumptions. Its elements will include, in particular, an audit of the enterprise and implementation consultancy aimed at determining the possible directions of the enterprise's transformation in the GOZ stream and identifying potential opportunities for cooperation with other enterprises in the aforementioned stream.

The entrepreneur can receive maximum co-financing of up to 100% of the project, which means that no own contribution is required.

Source: PARP