On 27 July 1998, the Official Gazette No. 173 published an explanatory circular by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Crafts on the procedures for granting the incentives provided for by Law 215 of 25.2.1992 ("Positive action to promote female entrepreneurs"). Essentially, the circular explains a number of aspects of the application form that is to be filled in by companies interested in obtaining support and which is available from banks, chambers of commerce and employers' organisations.
Firstly, it should be recalled that only firms founded prior to 22 March 1992 are eligible to claim support. In addition, the firms must exhibit one of the following characteristics: small firms run by women (cf. Ministerial Decree of 18.9.1997, published in the Official Gazette No. 229 on 1.10.1997), or partnerships or cooperatives in which women occupy 60% of the positions, or incorporated firms in which women occupy at least two thirds of the positions on the administrative body.
Financial support by the Ministry can take the form of either capital grants or tax allowances. In accordance with Article 4 of Law 215/1992, this support is subject to a ceiling of 50% in non-disadvantaged areas and 60% in disadvantaged areas. For the acquisition of concrete services, the grant can amount to between 30% and 40% of the costs.
To the extent that the projects fit into the framework of regional development - another criterion on the basis of which applications are examined - these projects are evaluated under two additional aspects. In this case, it is necessary to specify the regional development plan with which the initiative is linked. A copy of all the relevant documents of a declaration by the regional authorities is to be submitted.
An additional element for a positive evaluation of the proposed initiative is its "supra-regional" or "supra-national" impact or "projection". Clearly, in such cases the regions or countries involved must be indicated. This "projection" requires a suitable type of activity and an adequate investment volume.
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