site.btaAgency for People with Disabilities Opens Funding for Employment Projects for People with Disabilities

The Agency for People with Disabilities (APD) has launched funding procedures for employment projects, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy said here on Tuesday.

APD will provide up to BGN 30,000 for self-employment projects by individuals with permanent disabilities, with no personal contribution required. Applications are open until April 23. Funds can be used for investments, new businesses, workplace outfitting, and renovations. Eligible applicants must have at least 50% reduced working capacity and not own or co-own other businesses.

The agency is also funding Protected Employment Centres, offering up to BGN 920,000 per project to train at least 15 individuals with severe disabilities. Specialised enterprises, cooperatives, and vocational rehabilitation centres can apply until April 29.

Additionally, social and business-oriented projects for protected work environments can receive up to BGN 50,000 (with a deadline by April 22), while business-focused investments can get up to BGN 90,000 (with a deadline by May 19).

Under the National Employment Programme, up to BGN 20,000 is available for workplace accessibility, with BGN 2,000 per person for training. Applications are due by April 15.

In 2024, APD nearly doubled its funding for self-employment projects, increasing the maximum grant to BGN 30,000 and simplifying application conditions.