“Open4Business: Empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans - Pathways to the EU” is the second dedicated event for businesses in the Western Balkans to learn more about financing opportunities from the European Union available through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The event takes place in Belgrade, Serbia on 9 April 2025 and aims to facilitate private investments in the region by:

• Giving MSMEs a clear overview of EU-backed financing opportunities
  
   
• Encouraging matchmaking among businesses and with financial institutions
  
   
• Sharing knowledge between local and EU businesses, public authorities and the European Commission on policies and obstacles to doing business

Creating a business climate more conducive to investments and development are key priorities reflected in the Reform Agenda for the Western Balkans, and this event takes another step in making them a reality on the ground.

A programme tailored to business

The event is organised around two main blocks.

During the morning session, you will learn about various funding opportunities available, as well as hearing the practical experiences of those businesses who have already benefitted.

Is your company driven by innovation? There are dedicated financing options for investments in innovative products and processes. Looking to enhance your environmental impact through climate-smart investments? Specific programmes support the transition to low-carbon economies. If digital transformation is your priority, funding is available to help businesses improve digitalisation, automation, and overall competitiveness, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

There are 19 active programmes that blend grants and loans or provide guarantees through the Western Balkans Guarantee Facility.

A broader discussion of the main regional policy priorities that support the competitiveness of MSMEs with representatives of the European Commission, Serbian government and chambers of commerce will allow you to share your own challenges and opportunities.

Matchmaking for success

In the afternoon session, MSMEs will have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face and online pre-arranged Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Finance (B2F) meetings, allowing local and EU companies, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), local Financial Intermediaries, and local Chambers of Commerce/Business Associations to network and exchange views on needs and opportunities.

Nearly 500 participants joined the first edition of the event in October 2023 in Skopje, with 250 businesses benefiting from networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Participate in-person or online

Organised by the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the event will be held live in Belgrade, Serbia.

If you cannot be present in Belgrade, you can follow the event online, and book a meeting with your preferred financial institutions or other businesses using our online event platform.

Don't Miss Out - Register Today!

Participation in this event is free of charge. To secure your spot, register by 04 April through this link

All information on the event agenda, participating partners and matchmaking opportunities can be found here.

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Practical information

“Open4Business: Empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans - Pathways to the EU”

Date: 9 April 2025

Venue: Hotel Metropol Palace, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 69, Belgrade 11000, Serbia