SIM Expo 2025 showcased a wide range of financial and investment instruments to support businesses

The sixth edition of the International Conference “Financial and Investment Support for SMEs – Sofia International Money Expo (SIM EXPO 2025)” took place at the heart of Sofia, in TSUM, on October 14, organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the BCCI Investment Council, the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), Sofia Municipality, and Antika World.

The President of BCCI Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov participated in the conference opening. He emphasized the importance of the event in light of the upcoming adoption of the euro in Bulgaria and noted that for six consecutive years, partners and organizers have been bringing together leading institutions, investors, and experts under the motto “Sofia – Regional Financial Hub.” “With pragmatism and calm, the entire financial sector in Bulgaria is moving towards the introduction of the euro,” he said, adding, “I expect the event to help companies more easily find partners and financing for growth.”

Lyubomir Petkov from the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA) stated that the conference has established itself as a leading platform for dialogue in the field of the finance and investment.

Ahmed Nasr, host of the event and representative of Antika World, who is involved in the renovation of TSUM, shared that Bulgaria is the most suitable place for digital transformation, the transition to a green economy, and investment.

Vladimir Tomov, President of the BCCI Investment Council, highlighted that financial funds are very well developed in Bulgaria. The Fund of Funds has been successfully operating in the country for 10 years. Together with the Bulgarian Development Bank, numerous financial instruments are being developed and implemented. Significant contributions in this area also come from the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and others.

The event featured several engaging discussion panels that focused on the accessibility of financing and the role of the institutional partners in supporting businesses.

The panel “Financial Instruments in Support of Business” was moderated by Liliana Pavlova, former Vice President of the European Investment Bank (2019–2023), and included representatives from the EIB, EBRD, Fund of Funds, BDB, and other financial institutions. The discussion emphasized the accessibility of financing and the role of institutional partners in supporting businesses.

Iliana Ilieva, Director of the European Funds for Competitiveness Directorate, Ministry of Innovation and Growth, presented opportunities for SMEs under European programs.

Rafi Shirinyan, Manager of Tradewind Factoring Ltd., presented opportunities for using factoring in the foreign trade.

Moderators and participants highlighted the need for sustainable partnerships, modern financial instruments, and strategic support for SMEs in the current economic environment.