2nd Quarterly Report for FY 2018

The initiative aimed to assist SMEs in adhering to current legislation and help Chambers build capacities. The report highlights the activities conducted during the second quarter of FY 2018. Info sessions were organized in different country regions, with a total of 9 events held in 8 cities. These sessions covered topics such as Labor Law, public procurements, and environmental regulations. The events were attended by local expert lecturers, SMEs, and representatives from the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia. The info sessions were successful in identifying policy issues and providing valuable information to companies. The events were widely covered by media, with 158 online media news published on Macedonian online media channels. The Chambers contributed to the successful execution of this sub-activity, providing strategic and logistical support, as well as technical writing of project documentation. The implementation of the voucher scheme model for direct support of SMEs was initiated in FY2018. The Rulebook for functioning of the voucher scheme was developed, revised, and adopted as an official document. The Rulebook includes specific criteria for choosing users of co-financed consultant services, such as gender balance, membership in one of the 4 Chambers of commerce, and employed accountant or lawyer. Trainings for consultants were conducted to increase capacities for providing advisory services for SMEs related to legal compliance. Two-day training events were organized on occupational safety and health at work in the textile and construction sectors. A tender procedure was conducted to choose a service provider for the voucher scheme, with two companies selected to provide the service. The report also highlights the outcomes of the info sessions, including the identification of topics, local expert lecturers, SMEs present, and media announcements. The results show a significant increase in the number of SMEs present on the info sessions, with a total of 245 SMEs attending the events. The number of men and women participants also increased, with 186 men and 229 women attending the info sessions. The implementation of the voucher scheme and training of in-house and external advisors is expected to enable connection between regional service providers and companies in need of professional services to help them comply with business regulations. The project aims to improve the business climate in Macedonia by assisting SMEs in adhering to current legislation and helping Chambers build capacities.