The Competitiveness program supports initiatives that seek to create a more efficient and competitive labor force through practical, technical, and advanced training programs and career development services. This program also supports initiatives that aim to increase the environmental sustainability and/or competitiveness of priority sectors in Bulgaria, including tourism and related activities.

One of the most pressing labor market issues in Bulgaria today is the shortage of people with practical skills and experience relevant to the new economic realities. Educational and training institutions still fail to provide these skills, while incentives for companies to develop and train staff do not exist. To overcome these difficulties, a concerted effort is necessary to create training programs for key sectors of the economy and improve the market orientation of universities and their ability to deliver the skills required by the business community. The business community must also become more aware of the skills that must be developed for increased competitiveness in the global economy.

In order to help generate a more competitive labor market and enhance the competitiveness of priority sectors, the Bulgaria Fund will support initiatives that focus on advancing technical skills through IT and other certificate programs, continued education in professional and workforce development, the introduction of quality standards in various industries, support to small- and medium-sized enterprises through business development training, and practical training and career development services for Bulgarian university students.

Private training entities may apply providing they fulfill the following criteria:

- licensed, certificate programs
- no training for own staff
- specific target-group focus
- reputable ownership structure

Training programs must be free of charge.

Reporting Forms

As a stipulation for funding, all grantees will be required to submit project and budget status reports. Depending on specific contractual requirements, some grantees may also be obliged to submit an interim report.

Instructions for completion can be found on the first page of each form, please read these carefully and thoroughly. Reporting forms must be submitted in English only. Reporting requirements and deadlines can be found within the existing grant contract. Please note that every program area has its own set of reporting forms.

All reports should be sent by email to bulgariafund@gmfus.org. Reports will be accepted via e-mail only.