Open4Business: Empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans – Pathways to the EU

“Open4Business: Empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans – Pathways to the EU” is the second dedicated event for businesses in the Western Balkans to learn more about financing opportunities from the European Union available through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The event takes place in Belgrade, Serbia on 9 April 2025 and aims to facilitate private investments in the region by:

• Giving MSMEs a clear overview of EU-backed financing opportunities
• Encouraging matchmaking among businesses and with financial institutions
• Sharing knowledge between local and EU businesses, public authorities and the European Commission on policies and obstacles to doing business

Creating a business climate more conducive to investments and development are key priorities reflected in the Reform Agenda for the Western Balkans, and this event takes another step in making them a reality on the ground.

The registration date is extended and open until 4^th of April 2025, please follow the link: https://open4business-empowering-msmes-in-wb.b2match.io/home

A programme tailored to business

The event is organised around two main blocks.

During the morning session, participants learn about various funding opportunities available, as well as hearing the practical experiences of those businesses who have already benefitted.

Is your company driven by innovation? There are dedicated financing options for investments in innovative products and processes. Looking to enhance your environmental impact through climate-smart investments? Specific programmes support the transition to low-carbon economies. If digital transformation is your priority, funding is available to help businesses improve digitalisation, automation, and overall competitiveness, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. There are 19 active programmes that blend grants and loans or provide guarantees through the Western Balkans Guarantee Facility. A broader discussion of the main regional policy priorities that support the competitiveness of MSMEs with representatives of the European Commission, Serbian government and chambers of commerce allow you to share your own challenges and opportunities.

In the afternoon session, MSMEs will have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face and online pre-arranged Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Finance (B2F) meetings, allowing local and EU companies, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), local Financial Intermediaries, and local Chambers of Commerce/Business Associations to network and exchange views on needs and opportunities.

For more information, please find attached the agenda of the event. Participation is free of charge, and I would like to invite you to register your participation under the following link: https://open4business-empowering-msmes-in-wb.b2match.io/, indicating whether you will participate in person or online.