FORBIZ II - Creating a Better Business Environment in Ukraine, EC

Project Description

Following a very positive independent evaluation, the FORBIZ I project has been extended by 22 months (see also FORBIZ I below). Ricardo led the SME team and component, with a focus on:

• Implementation of the SME Development Strategy and Action Plan (2018-2020);
• Preparation of the framework/process for new SME Development Strategy and Action Plan (2020-2027) with a COVID-19 focus;
• Public Private Dialogue (PPD), donor coordination and inter-ministerial and inter-agency coordination;
• Sustainable development of the SME Development Office (SMEDO) established in late 2018;
• Regional and local SME development strategies and their implementation (Luhansk / Donetsk regions);
• Self-Regulation law and methods for voluntarily raising business standards (e.g. codes of conduct, complaints, procedures, etc.).
• Support to SMEs to access EU programmes (COSME/EEN/Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, Horizon Europe, etc.

Ricardo also supervised and coordinated the following activities:

• Development of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Consortium Model for Ukraine and draft application to EASME;
• Development of a model and analysis on the impact of COSME support on Ukrainian SMEs;
• Evaluations of the SME Strategy and SME Development Office, leading to the creation of the Entrepreneurship & Export Promotion Office;
• Implementation of SME support to regional and local authorities, including diversifying mono-industrial economies in South-eastern Ukraine;
• Development of SME support programmes to enhance the SME sector, including donor funding / project management cycle management;
• Development of Self-Regulation Organisation Law and Business Standards development for business associations / support organisations

Services Provided

• Led SME Team
• Insititution building of the SME Developmen Office
• Support to SMEs to access EU programmes (COSME/EEN/Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, Horizon Europe, etc.)
• Public Private Dialogue (PPD)
• Conor coordination and inter-ministerial and inter-agency coordination
• Development of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Consortium 
• Development of Self-Regulation Organisation Law and Business Standards, etc.