3,5 million BGN will be used to fund projects of employers to create new jobs and improve working conditions for persons of working age with permanent disabilities in 2021. The funds are provided under the National Program for Employment of Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

Employers can receive up to 10,000 BGN to provide access to existing or new jobs for persons of working age with permanent disabilities. The same amount will be used to fund proposals for adapting existing jobs and equipping new jobs for persons of working age with permanent disabilities. For qualification and re-qualification of a worker with a disability, employers can receive up to 1,000 BGN. Applicants can apply to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) until April 15.

Another project will provide up to 20,000 BGN for implementation of projects for persons with disabilities who want to start an independent business. With these funds they will be able to finance their investment costs, construction and repair works, equipment of the workplaces, training of the personnel and the owner, and the coverage of the start-up capital. Applicants must have at least 50% reduced working capacity and must not participate as owners or partners in other companies. Project proposals must be sent by February 25 to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

The APD will also finance projects of enterprises with social and economic focus aiming to improve working conditions. Their focus should be on technological equipment upgrades, introduction of new technologies and creation of new jobs. Those with social focus can receive up to 40,000 BGN as the deadline for submitting proposals is March 19. For projects with economic focus, applications should be submitted until March 29 as the maximum amount of the subsidy is 80,000 BGN.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is also announcing a competition for financing projects for establishment of centres for sheltered employment. It is open to specialised enterprises and cooperatives of persons with disabilities, occupational health facilities, as well as any organisation of persons with disabilities registered under the acting legislation. Each centre for sheltered employment must provide conditions for creation of work skills and habits of at least 15 persons with multiple permanent disabilities, along with the provision of a minimum package of personalised support services. The applicants approved will receive up to 300,000 BGN for the establishment of a centre for sheltered employment. The deadline for submitting projects is April 5.

APD also accepts proposals for financing projects for rehabilitation and integration of persons with disabilities. They are divided into four components with a subsidy amount between 4,000 BGN and 18,000 BGN. The project proposals may have subject of activity related to one of the four components. The deadline for submission is February 24, 2021.

Projects for building an accessible architectural environment of cultural, historical and sports sites for persons with disabilities will also be financed. Project proposals will be accepted until March 4.

All documents and conditions for applying for projects can be found on the website of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.