Entrepreneurs from the North-West Region who are developing innovative products, services, or solutions now have access to a unique funding opportunity through the pilot call CROWD4SME-NW. The program combines the power of community crowdfunding with European financial support, offering a concrete path to turn ideas into sustainable businesses. Through CROWD4SME-NW, micro-enterprises and start-ups can test the market feasibility of their business idea, attract their first supporters, and secure a financial aid of up to €10,000 from the North-West Regional Programme 2021–2027. “We want to encourage local innovation and support entrepreneurs who create real solutions for our communities. CROWD4SME-NW is a modern mechanism that validates ideas directly in the market before attracting public funding,” said representatives of the North-West RDA. How the program works: Phase 1 – Crowdfunding: Selected projects will launch their campaign on the Consolid8 platform, where they must raise at least 50% of the required budget (up to €20,000). Phase 2 – Grant: Projects that meet the criteria will be able to apply in 2026 for co-financing through the North-West Regional Programme. Participants also benefit from free consultancy to prepare and run their crowdfunding campaign, national visibility, and access to a network of supporters. Who can apply: Entrepreneurs from the North-West Region (counties: Bihor, Bistrița-Năsăud, Cluj, Maramureș, Satu Mare, Sălaj), developing projects in smart specialization fields such as: - Health & Wellbeing - Agri-food - Cosmetics & Food Supplements - New & Advanced Materials - Advanced Manufacturing Technologies - Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) More details and the Applicant’s Guide are available here: https://www.nord-vest.ro/anunt-de-lansare-a-apelului-de-proiecte-crowd4sme-nw/