Bridging the Gaps: Integrated cross - border business infrastructure andservices in Silistra District - Calarasi County, 2(4i)-3.1-8, MIS-ETC code 564



Period of implementation: 29.12 2012 – 28.06.2014



Funded by: Romania-Bulgaria Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013.



The project partners are: Alliance for Regional and Civil Initiatives (ARCI) – Silistra, Bulgaria, County Council Calarasi, Romania, Calarasi County Agency for Employment, Romania and Silistra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Bulgaria.



Overall objective: “To reinforce the conditions for cross-border business cooperation and encourage entrepreneurship in Silistra District - Calarasi County through construction and Integration of cross-border business infrastructure and services”.

Specific objectives: “Improving and integrating cross-border business infrastructure by setting up a Logistics Center for Entrepreneurship Development in Silistra to partner and compliment the functioning of Calarasi Business Center”
“Upgrading and integrating BG-RO business information and service systems in order to enhance joint opportunities for entrepreneurship initiatives”
“Encouraging networking and professional business-service provision by the center teams and the regional economic and social stakeholders”.



Тhe project main stakeholders are: 1)60 SMEs in the region; 2) Local/regional authorities, administration engaged with economic development and Agencies for employment – 20; 3)10 organizations, which support cross-border business and entrepreneurship; Final beneficiaries: 300 companies, 20 journalists, general public, incl. job seekers, impacted by the project activities – 1000 people.



The project started with: 1) Construction and setting up a Silistra Logistics Center for Entrepreneurship Development; 2)Elaboration of a web-based information platform to support integrated business-service provision; 3) Developing types (packages) of integrated business services;   4) Equipping Silistra Center and two information points (RO help desks) to provide integrated services; 5) Installation of six Info kiosks to provide labour force information; 6) Project team professional training: language training, job shadowing and a two-day training on business service provision; 7) Elaboration of a Business Fair in Calarasi and Job Fair in Silistra; 8) Information events, publications/promotional materials, media/internet campaigns.



Expected results: Reinforced conditions for cross-border business cooperation and encouragement of entrepreneurship;

Operation of Silistra  Logistics Center for Entrepreneurship Development to partner and compliment the functioning of Calarasi Business Center;
Web-based information platform and integrated BG-RO business service systems;
Encouraged and institutionalized networking between regional economic and social stakeholders and the center teams;
300 companies, job seekers and journalists involved in activities; 1000 users of information;
Promoted possibilities for cooperation and increased program and project visisbility  among 10 000 people;