site.btaState Funding for Disabled People Starting Own Businesses, Doubles in 2024

The Agency for People with Disabilities (APD) has supported 23 projects of disabled people starting their own business and the projects were worth over BGN 605,500. The amount is almost double that allocated in 2023, when 17 projects were funded for just over BGN 330,000, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy said Tuesday.

From 2024, the support under a programme for financing start-up and development of self-employment by people with disabilities has increased by 50% and applicants can now receive up to BGN 30,000 instead of BGN 20,000. The application conditions have also been eased. The funds allocated this year have been used to set up a car repair shop, an air-conditioning and heating service, a furniture workshop, a watch repair workshop, an audio and video processing studio, etc.

Funding for a project is received from one person with a disability. He or she can use the funds to register a company - sole trader or single limited company, to purchase equipment, machinery, supplies, training, etc. After the two-year period of setting up the business, the company could be registered as a specialized enterprise and employ other disabled people. 

To ensure access to jobs and adapt the working environment, employers and employing authorities can apply for projects under the National Programme for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

The Agency also finances proposals by specialized enterprises and cooperatives to improve working conditions, staff qualifications and skills, create fixed assets, etc. Funding is also available for the establishment of sheltered employment centers. 

Through the agency, employers can also be reimbursed for social security contributions, which can be used to support the rehabilitation and social integration of employees with disabilities in a specialized and real working environment. Employers who have entered into contracts under the Programme may be reimbursed to up to 30% of the contributions paid for employees with permanent disabilities. Specialized enterprises and cooperatives can claim reimbursement of 50% of contributions made for all employees, the Agency said.