site.btaHuman Resource Development Programme Chief: Bulgaria Tops EU in Youth Entrepreneurship, 1,500 Jobs Created

Head of the HRD OP Managing Authority Tsvetan Spasov said nearly 1,500 new jobs have been created through the financial instruments Microcrediting with Shared Risk and Portfolio Guarantees with Loss Ceiling under the Operational Programme Human Resources Development (HRD OP), surpassing expectations by almost 20%, the official website of the HRD OP said on Friday.

Spasov spoke during a conference on Financial Instruments for Social Economy, Microfinancing, and Worker Support held in Madrid, Spain. He noted that over 900 beneficiaries have received support so far, primarily start-up micro-enterprises, including those created and managed by individuals from vulnerable groups, as well as social enterprises.

Spasov said over 900 beneficiaries have received support so far, primarily start-up micro-enterprises, including those launched and managed by individuals from vulnerable groups, as well as social enterprises.

The Managing Authority will continue using financial instruments in the 2021–2027 programming period. A key innovation will be the integration of microcredit financing with other support measures funded by the HRD OP.

The range of eligible beneficiaries will also be broadened to include young entrepreneurs. Bulgaria is emerging as a leader in entrepreneurial attitudes in the EU, particularly among people under 30. The country reports the highest share of young people running their own business in Europe—14%, compared to the EU average of 9%.