The Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA) is a national government institution under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth of the Republic of Bulgaria. Headquartered in Sofia, BSMEPA is responsible for the development, support, and internationalization of Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a critical driver of Bulgaria's economic growth, the agency functions as a central hub for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness within the SME sector.
Core Business
BSMEPA’s primary role is to design, coordinate, and implement national policies and programs aimed at supporting SMEs. The agency provides a wide spectrum of services, including:
- Business consultations and strategic advisory
- Organizing trade missions and business forums
- Facilitating access to financing and investment
- Supporting participation in trade fairs and exhibitions
- Administering state aid and EU-funded programs
The agency aligns its activities with the national priorities under Bulgaria’s Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (IS3) and the European Union’s SME Strategy.
Service & Program Portfolio
BSMEPA administers and supports a variety of SME-centric programs and services:
- Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) – Bulgaria
- Connecting Bulgarian SMEs with global partners in over 60 countries
- National Export Strategy Support
- Facilitating participation in international expos and bilateral business forums
- Digitalization and Innovation Support
- Programs aimed at technological upgrading and Industry 4.0 adaptation
- Startup and Entrepreneurship Initiatives
- Workshops, accelerators, and seed funding advisory for new ventures
- Market Entry and Internationalization Services
- Market analysis, B2B matchmaking, and regulatory support
Through these programs, BSMEPA acts as a one-stop-shop for Bulgarian SME growth and globalization.
Specialisation and USP
BSMEPA plays a unique role in Bulgaria’s institutional framework due to its:
- Direct access to government policy instruments and funding mechanisms
- Extensive network of international trade partners and EU programs
- Coordination with business incubators, chambers of commerce, and industry clusters
- Expertise in facilitating SME participation in international economic forums
The agency is the national coordinator for many cross-border and EU-funded projects that promote technology transfer, cluster development, and innovation capacity building.
Financial & Operational Impact
While BSMEPA is not a commercial entity, its operational impact is measurable through program outcomes and SME support metrics:
- Over 1,800 Bulgarian SMEs supported annually through various BSMEPA programs
- More than 150 international trade events and expos organized or facilitated
- EU project participation worth over €50 million in the last 5 years
- Business missions organized to over 25 countries, including Germany, UAE, China, and the USA
The agency plays a key role in deploying both national and EU resources to strengthen Bulgaria’s SME competitiveness.
International Engagement and Export Promotion
BSMEPA is Bulgaria’s primary government body for SME internationalization. Key activities include:
- Organizing national pavilions at world-class trade shows (Anuga, SIAL, Gulfood, Expo 2020 Dubai)
- Hosting and coordinating B2B matchmaking forums
- Leading delegations for bilateral trade missions to strategic partner countries
- Supporting Bulgarian businesses in obtaining certifications, translations, and logistics support for international sales
Target Audience
BSMEPA’s services cater to:
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (as per EU definition)
- Startups and innovation-driven businesses
- Industry clusters and cooperatives
- Bulgarian companies with export potential
- Local chambers of commerce and regional development agencies
The agency works closely with ecosystem partners to ensure local SMEs receive both strategic and technical support.
Capabilities
- Full-fledged project management team for national and EU projects
- In-house expertise on regulatory compliance and market entry
- Digital platforms for SME registration and funding applications
- Hosting capabilities for trade events, webinars, and training programs
- Coordination with international networks like Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
Certifications & Governance
- Operates under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, Republic of Bulgaria
- Implements programs co-financed by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)
- Complies with EU state aid rules and public procurement policies
- Participates in frameworks such as COSME, Horizon Europe, and Interreg
Stakeholder Testimonials
“BSMEPA’s support helped us attend our first international food expo in Germany. Their organization and network allowed us to secure distribution in two new markets.”
– CEO, Bulgarian Organic Food Exporter
“The training and funding roadmap provided by BSMEPA were crucial for our digital transition.”
– Founder, Bulgarian Tech Startup in IoT Sector
Major Achievements
- Recognized as a national leader in SME export support infrastructure
- Developed Bulgaria’s SME Internationalization Strategy
- Key organizer of the Bulgarian National Participation at Expo 2020 Dubai
- Helped create over 15,000 new jobs through SME support programs since 2018
- Facilitated hundreds of cross-border business partnerships via EEN
The Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency continues to be a pivotal force in empowering Bulgarian SMEs, fostering innovation, and integrating local businesses into the global economy through policy support, strategic guidance, and active international promotion.