Ust-Kamenogorsk – The winners of the competition for financial support for developing small business were announced today. Financial support is provided in the framework of the EU-funded project “Greater Stakeholder Engagement at Local Level in East and Central Kazakhstan” which is fully aligned with Kazakhstan National Plan on 100 Concrete Steps as it contributes to rural economic development and empower local communities in their interaction with local authorities.
The competition was launched to support business projects that would implement economic development initiatives enshrined in the inclusive community development plans elaborated in the framework of the EU Project. This includes creation of new job opportunities for youth and women, and improving the quality of local service delivery.
The total amount of the financial support is KZT 12 000 000 for 12 business projects to be implemented in the pilot rural territories of the EU project: Pervomayskiy and Volchanskiy rural okrugs of Shemonaikha rayon, Glubokoe and Belousovka townships and Kozhokhovo rural okrug of Glubokoe rayon of East Kazakhstan oblast; and Nura township, Akmeshit, Izendi, Mynbayev and Zharaspay rural okrugs of Nura rayon in Karagandy oblast.
People from socially vulnerable groups such as the disabled, mothers with many children, youth, and representatives from private enterprises took part in the competition for financial support. In total, 31 applications were received, including 17 from East Kazakhstan oblast. The selection committee awarded five best projects from East Kazakhstan oblast that would now receive the financial support in the total amount of KZT 5 577 000. Among the five winners are those who wish to further develop an existing chicken farm, provide car wash and dry cleaning of carpets services, open a sports & recreation center, a manicure salon and develop a local tourist base. All these new small businesses will contribute to the replenishment of local budgets. The competition participants were supported by project experts in the process of developing projects.
