Public call for participation in the MSME Digital Transformation Support Program

The Development Agency of Serbia is issuing a Public Call in accordance with the Annual Work Program of the Development Agency of Serbia for 2019 and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Implementation of the MSME Digital Transformation Support Program for 2019 concluded with the German Organization for International Cooperation (hereinafter: GIZ).The goal of the MSME Digital Transformation Support Program is to create a clear infrastructure to support MSMEs in the digital transformation process.This process requires a strategic approach, both in the analysis of the current situation and in the planning of future business activities. One of the key prerequisites for success and achieving the full effect of digital transformation is the introduction of new business models and business principles based on available digital tools.The MSME digital transformation support program for 2019 is implemented through three phases, namely:Development of individual expert analyzes for MSMEs by a certified consultant, including company self-assessment;Development of a digital transformation strategy for MSMEs by a Certified Consultant, for the selected areas specified in the Expert Analysis;Implementation of the solution foreseen in the Digital Transformation Strategy.The first two phases of the Program are coordinated and implemented by the Center for Digital Transformation.The third phase of the Program is implemented by the Development Agency of Serbia and is intended for MSMEs that have gone through the previous two phases. TERMS FOR PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMThe right to participate is granted to MSMEs that fulfill the following conditions cumulatively:General conditions:That, at the time of publication of the public call, it has been registered in the APR of the Republic of Serbia for at least two years;It is majority privately owned;That no previous bankruptcy proceedings, bankruptcy proceedings or liquidation proceedings have been initiated against it;That it has settled all obligations on the basis of taxes and contributions;That it is not in difficulties according to the definition contained in the Regulation on rules for granting state aid; To have a Digital Transformation Strategy drawn up by a Certified Consultant.Specific conditions:The project activity related to the Implementation of the solution foreseen in the Digital Transformation Strategy cannot be started before the decision is made by the RAS.Certified consultant who is in charge of Digital Transformation Strategies, providing support in the preparation of the RAS application form and verification of the implemented solution cannot be engaged in the implementation phase of the solution provided for in the Digital Transformation Strategy.The applicant can submit only one Project Application for participation in the Program. AMOUNT OF GRANTSAvailable funds are approved individually to Users, as co-financing in the amount of up to 50% amount of justified costs without VAT, for each project activity, in principle refunds.The maximum amount of approved funds per User is 600,000.00 dinars.The total budget of the Program amounts to 70,000,000.00 dinars.The deadline for completing project activities and making payments within the approved project is 12 months from the date of signing the contract with RAS.Funds are allocated to Users in accordance with Art. 95 - 97 of the Regulation on the rules for granting state aid ("Official Gazette of RS", no. 13/10, 100/11, 91/12, 37/13 and 97/13, 119/2014), as state aid of low value (de minimis state aid).The amount of de minimis state aid awarded to the beneficiary must not exceed 23,000,000.00 dinars in any period during three consecutive fiscal years. PURPOSE OF FUNDSFunds from this program are intended for co-financing:Implementation of the solution foreseen in the Digital Transformation Strategy (improvement/introduction of new: business processes, business models, products and service);Services provided by a Certified Consultant (creating a digital Strategy transformations, support in the creation of the RAS application form and verification of the implemented solution).Justified costs of project activities are costs that meet the following conditions:that they were incurred during the realization of the project;That they are listed in the planned project budget;That they are directly related to the activities supported through this program.Costs related to the project activity that realized by a certified consultant can be for a maximum of 10 consultant days, namely: creation of the Digital Transformation Strategy - up to 6 consultant days, support in creating the RAS application form - up to 2 consultant days, verification of the implemented solution - up to 2 consultant days. id="">Form 1 - Project application - completed, certified and signed;Form 2 - Project budget;Form 3 - Statement - completed, certified and signed;Certificate from the competent tax administration that the applicant has settled all public revenues (taxes and contributions), which must not be older than 3 months, at the time of application (original/certified copy/electronic version of the Certificate with the code for check);Summary of the Digital Transformation Strategy with the proposed solution for implementation - certified and signed;Agreement with the Certified Consultant which must contain: clearly defined subject and scope of activities, deadline for implementation and price of services expressed in dinars and shown VAT. In case the price is expressed in foreign currency, it is converted according to the middle exchange rate of the National Bank of Serbia on the day of conclusion of the contract. All possible later exchange rate differences are borne by the User;The Service Provider's offer for the proposed project, which must contain: a clearly defined subject and scope of activities, the deadline for implementation and the price of services expressed in dinars and shown VAT. In case the price is expressed in foreign currency, it is converted according to the middle exchange rate of the National Bank of Serbia on the day of issuing the offer. All possible later exchange rate differences are borne by the User. If the Service Provider is not one of those proposed by the Certified Consultant, it is necessary to submit an explanation as to why he was chosen, and not one of the proposed Providers.RAS reserves the right to perform an additional check of the submitted documentation and, if necessary, request additional documentation from the Applicant. Entry of the project application in the electronic database of RASCertified consultant, which is by The applicant hired to provide support in the creation of the RAS application form is obliged to enter the data from the Project Application into the RAS electronic database, as well as to scan the accompanying documentation (Project Budget and Summary of the Digital Transformation Strategy with the proposed implementation solution). The parameters for accessing the electronic database will be provided by RAS. Place and deadline for submitting documentationProject applications with all accompanying forms and documentation are submitted in person or by registered mail in printed form, to the following address:Development Agency of SerbiaKnez Miloša 12/III,11000 Beogradwith indication: Application for participation in the Public Call for Support Program for Digital Transformation of MSMEs.The instructions and all accompanying forms are available on the RAS website, at www.ras.gov.rs. The public call is opened on August 2, 2019 and lasts until funds are spent. Supporting documentation:Text of the Public InvitationForm 1 - Project application Form 2 - Project BudgetForm 3 - Declaration of the applicantRequest for payment of approved fundsInstructions for implementing the Digital Transformation Support Program for MSMEs