Scientific paper ID 2017 : 2020/3

The report presents an overview of the current environment for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, from Bulgarian transport sector, in terms of the use of European structural funds through existing national operational programs. For this purpose, on the one hand, the conditions of access to financing with public resources are considered, and on the other hand, the frequent problems and challenges that companies face on the topic.

The economic measures, presented in the report, are a sample of all those implemented, based on their applicability to enterprises in the transport sector, structured by type of beneficiary and nature of the aid.

The formulated specific problems and limitations are derived from the author`s practice, in the process of project preparation and management, during the last 7 years.

The conclusion of this analysis presents a rather limited ”standard range” of opportunities for financing small and medium enterprises in the transport sector, under the national operational programs in Bulgaria 2014-2020. and a significantly wider portfolio, regarding the implementation of anti-crisis measures in the ”extraordinary” 2020.

At the same time, the problems related to project application and implementation are mainly due to ignorance of European regulations, applicable regulations, procedures and practices, insufficient level of qualification and competence in general project management of the management or responsible persons, subjective attitude in the implementation. of the activities and low communication with the experts in the Managing Authorities.