The implementation strategy for the SME development policy has been defined pursuant to the SME Promotion Programme for the period of 2008-2012. Within the framework of this Programme and on the proposal of the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship, the

Government adopts the annual SME Promotion Operational Plan that defines state aid (grant) projects and other support measures to be implemented in the following year.

By means of the SME Promotion Operational Plan, the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship has ensured a framework for the implementation of the grant projects for SMEs, while the body in charge of their operational implementation is the Croatian Agency for SMEs.

Financial resources allocated for each project should contribute to the achievement of objectives set out in the Operational Plan: creation of a favourable entrepreneurship climate, development of entrepreneurship culture, promotion of education and life-long learning in entrepreneurship, enhancement of productivity in production, introduction of new technologies, all of it with the purpose of ensuring the preconditions for the establishment of the knowledge-based economy.

Grants within the state aid scheme are primarily granted to the entrepreneurs with the growth potential, new entrepreneurs and target groups entrepreneurs (women, young, start-ups, disabled persons, etc.), but also to the institutions with direct or indirect role of entrepreneurship development (regional development agencies, entrepreneurship centres, technology parks, chambers, cooperatives, etc.). Funds are intended for the co-financing of high quality entrepreneurship projects, investments in the education of entrepreneurs, purchasing of equipment, trade participation, as well as other activities defined within each project.

More detailed information about the actual projects can be found in the Croatian section of the web site.