Entrepreneurs prefer to invest in existing businesses rather than in ideas

Of these, applications for large and small investments already exceed or are close to exceeding the limit set by the EU for this year’s budget. Very few have requested funds for advisory services, with which to finance business ideas, and the value of such projects makes up less than 2 percent of the budget allocated for 2008. 

The 465 projects were submitted as part of the Operational Program Increase of Economic Competitiveness, launched in April and May, with non-reimbursable financing for such projects registered online worth €215.19 mln. 

“There is little interest on the part of SMEs for market studies or feasibility plans. This measure must be further promoted. Entrepreneurs prefer to invest in existing businesses, which require tools and new technologies to raise productivity,” according to a declaration for the weekly Antreprenor issue of Business Standard by Laura Marusca, Deputy General Manager for SMEs, Interior Trade and Cooperation of the Ministry for Small and Medium-Sized Companies, Trade, Tourism & Liberal Professions.