A new call inviting proposals for the creation of a “European Network for Early Warning and for Support to Enterprises and Second Starters” has been published under the framework of the COSME Programme.

The purpose of the call is to create a European network that provides support services to businesses and business owners in distress, or honest bankrupt entrepreneurs who are looking for a second chance.

Experts from across Europe will work together to provide support to identified companies in distress in four Member States covered by the project. When selecting the four target countries, the focus should be on countries where such type of services do not exist or are only partly covered by public and private sectors.

The services offered by the support network will include identification of training opportunities; dissemination of useful examples of policy measures that could be adopted by other countries; effective means to share information, measure progress, define indicators and assess the impact.

Applicants must be legal entities established in a Member State or in one of the countries participating in the COSME programme. The proponents should form a consortium composed of at least 7 eligible organizations from at least 7 Member States or participant countries.
The partnership must involve at least one public authority and at least three SMEs associations or chambers of commerce and industry. Such public or private entities must ensure a diverse expertise and knowledge sharing, involving insolvency and second chance issues.

The total budget of this call is 3.8 million euro, available for the funding of one project proposal.

The EU co-financing rate will be of 75% of eligible costs.

Proposals should be submitted electronically by 31 May 2016.

More information on the call can be found on the dedicated page of the EASME website.