A 1.9 Billion Kuna Tender for the Processing Sector is Coming

The processing industry is once again awaiting the opening of the long-anticipated tender this year, which can assist entrepreneurs in the processing sector in increasing competitiveness and business sustainability. Entrepreneurs whose applications pass the tender will be able to finance the procurement of machinery, tools, and equipment, invest in production facilities, and digitalize business and production processes, but all under one condition – the change that occurs must lead to a higher level of environmental protection.

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— – The question is no longer how we will maximize production with EU funds, but how we will optimize the process while reducing harmful environmental impacts and strengthening competitive advantage – says Sandra Anić, head of the Aestus Consulting team and an expert on EU funds, who has led project applications during her 10-year career at a company authorized for environmental protection procedures.

Up to 35,000,000.00 Kuna for construction, procurement of equipment, tools, and machinery

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises will be able to achieve up to 7,500,000.00 Kuna, while medium-capitalized companies will have the opportunity to utilize up to 35,000,000.00 Kuna. Investments will be directed towards energy-intensive industries, including metal processing, textiles, food, chemicals, construction, and wood processing industries.

The Aestus Consulting team guides entrepreneurs through the process of preparation, application, and implementation of projects.

– We have been waiting for the tender for the processing industry for a long time, and we certainly invite entrepreneurs to contact us to find innovative solutions for utilizing available financial resources in a timely manner – says Sandra.

What is the preparation process for applying for the project?

– During this initial phase of working on project applications, we work together with the entrepreneur to answer questions, specifically about suppliers in the process, about the product and the production process, and ultimately about the distribution of the product to end users. Think within the INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT method. This is a model in which added value is created with EU funds, which are just another tool for the entrepreneur, while for us, they represent exciting work on fine-tuning products and processes. The final result is established key performance indicators, each individually linked to a specific goal –  says Sandra.

What goals must entrepreneurial projects contribute to?

Today, we are facing a new transformation that the European Union will implement through the EU taxonomy – a list of economic activities with performance criteria contributing to six environmental goals that guide investors and companies to invest in environmentally acceptable economic activities.

They have a special impact on the success of entrepreneurial projects for EU funds. Although it concerns the largest entrepreneurs, it is expected that this system will also spill over to the smallest ones.

See the six set goals of the EU taxonomy that entrepreneurial projects must contribute to in the image below.

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How to translate these six goals into the context of a winning project in the EU funding tender is the subject of work on conceptualizing the project application, which serves as the basis for making a decision to enter the tender.

What digital tools are available that can be financed with EU funds?

In the initial phase of the production process, software tools are available that help track the procurement of raw materials and assist in cost control while clearly indicating the environmental impact. The software collects qualitative information about sustainability, certifications, and performance from its suppliers and employees to make ecological decisions and enable innovation. With the help of artificial intelligence, it is possible to automatically track and measure CO2 emissions to transform the process from carbon-positive to environmentally positive.

At the level of the production process, solutions are available that accelerate and green the process because production is fast  and efficient as long as the delivery of raw materials from the warehouse to the line is quick, and therefore warehouses, with the help of Warehouse Management Systems and new autonomous forklifts, are turning into production centers, making handling immeasurably safer.

– From all in the chain, including distributors, we must seek a statement on how they impact the state of the environment during the partnership formation phase. Otherwise, everything remains just words on paper. Do not agree to carbon offset models because what we need is an instant reaction, immediate reduction, and zero carbon footprint – concludes Anić.