The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEL) recently organized a highly successful seminar / workshop entitled 'Financing Innovation', in the framework of the CIDE NET (Creative and Innovation Driven Enterprises' Network) project Interreg BalkanMed, in which it is a partner. The purpose of the event was to inform SMEs on the new Research and Innovation Foundation financing programs, while enhancing skills and providing information to SMEs on raising finance both locally and from European funds.
Addressing the event, Nikolas Iordanou, Senior Officer and Coordinator of Research, Innovation and European Programs at the Limassol Chamber, referred to the objectives of the CIDE NET project, as well as to the new services created through the implementation of the program and offered to Chamber members and other interested parties. He emphasized the importance of securing funding for the development of innovative products or services, as it is essential for the completion of the innovative idea and essential for supporting start-ups. He added that the purpose of the seminar was to provide in-depth information on the various funding tools offered at European and national level, the presentation of new innovation support plans by the Research and Innovation Foundation with a budget of €18 million and the networking opportunity between businesses and consultants in the subject area.
By attending the seminar, participants had the opportunity of obtaining information on how to develop their skills in finding opportunities to fund their business innovations, by innovation expert Christos Zachariadis. There followed the presentation of the new Enterprise Innovation Financing Programs and Services of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus by George Christou, Scientific Officer at the Research and Innovation Foundation. Finally, Konstantinos Cloudas, Director of Enoros Consulting, introduced the online e-mentoring service of the CIDE-NET project, which is offered free of charge to businesses.
The implementation of CIDE-NET provides for targeted actions aimed at encouraging companies to invest and adopt innovative solutions to address competitiveness, the challenges of the business environment and improve day-to-day organization and operation. More info, including about upcoming seminars can be found at: http://www.cidenet.eu/
