The project was implemented within the INTERREG IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Greece – Republic of North Macedonia 2014–2020.

Project duration:
06.09.2022 – 15.12.2023

Project Implementer:
Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia – Regional Chamber headquartered in Bitola

Project Partners:
• University of Western Macedonia, Kozani – Greece (Lead Partner)
• Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and the Institute of Chemical Processes and Energy Resources (CPERI), Greece
• Smilevski Business Academy (BAS), North Macedonia

---

APRIL / MAY 2023

Within the framework of the G.EM.S project, SEMAK was engaged to develop a Green Entrepreneurship Guide, through the preparation and delivery of two comprehensive and practical manuals for companies:

1. Regulatory and policy guidelines for green energy and environmental protection; and

2. Financial opportunities, including subsidies, grants, and programmes from national and EU funds for green and energy-efficient investments.

The activities were carried out in full coordination and professional cooperation with the project partners and the relevant project structures.

SEMAK (Association for the Promotion of Socio-Economic Development, Environmental Protection and National Culture) is a civil society organization dedicated to sustainable development, green economy, and capacity building of companies and communities through strategic analyses, practical tools, education, and support for green investments and alignment with EU policies.

---

MAY / JULY 2023

Additional activity implemented by SEMAK within the G.EM.S project

In line with the overall objective of the G.EM.S project – supporting regions in transitioning from a “brown-based” economic model to a sustainable, green-based economy – SEMAK implemented a specialized capacity-building and practical support activity for companies, start-ups, and SMEs.

The activity focused on training and advisory support for 200 participants, members of the Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia, with the aim of:

• increasing capacities for applying to national and EU funding programmes;
• applying energy efficiency measures and green technologies in business operations;
• ensuring compliance with EU environmental legislation, IPPC and SEA;
• identifying innovative and green investment opportunities.

As a concrete result of this activity, the following outcomes were achieved:

• 200 companies, start-ups, and SMEs were trained;
• application packages for financial support were prepared for:

• 5 companies – green loans;

• 5 companies – innovation and technological development (FITR);

• 5 companies – green and energy investments through IPARD.

The activities were implemented through one-day workshops and advisory sessions, in cooperation with Smilevski Business Academy (BAS) and the Regional Chamber headquartered in Bitola, with the participation of a team of 4–6 expert consultants.

Workshop topics included:

• green jobs;
• innovation and automation;
• digitalisation and closing production cycles;
• recycling and development of new products from waste;
• energy savings and renewable energy sources.

Through this activity, SEMAK directly contributed to the practical implementation of the green agenda of the G.EM.S project, connecting companies with concrete financial instruments, knowledge, and expert support for the development of green jobs.