Bulgaria has allocated a total BGN 50 million to support business start-ups by people who are currently unemployed, Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov said.
At least 2500 unemployed people will receive grants of up to BGN 20 000 for their start-up; the money can be spent to train staff, buy equipment and materials necessary for the company's operation, to carry out office repairs or even as salaries for staff (but for a period no longer than three months).
The funds have been allocated from the European Union's Operational Programme on human resources development.
Eligible applicants have to be registered as unemployed and have completed management and entrepreneurship qualification courses or have other qualification and skills required for managing their own company, according to the Ministry.
Applications for grants can be submitted at unemployment offices between 7 May and 31 May.