Project Summary
“Gazelles” are innovative companies characterized by their rapid growth pace contributing substantially in the creation of new jobs. It is estimated that Gazelles represent only 4% of all companies, but account for 70% of all new jobs.
The “Gazelle project”, under the framework of the INTERREG Balkan – Mediterranean 2014-2020program, is planning and implementing joint sustainable measures in order to create a dynamic ecosystem for innovative SMEs in the Balkan Med area.
The general objective of the project is twofold:
- the acceleration of BalkanMed “Gazelles” and
- the creation of an ecosystem where “Gazelles can run faster and further”.
Specifically, the project aims to tackle the major obstacles in the development and growth of Gazelles:
- access to finance through the support of the creation and the valorization of Business Angels Networks (BANs) and
- access to external knowledge whether this is knowledge of the market or technical expertise by boosting technology transfer strategies and facilitating the connection between universities and innovative SMEs.
The activities and the expected results of the Gazelle project include :
- Development of a transnational integrated mechanism facilitating “Gazelles” at an early stage of development by promoting access to a) finance and b) scientific knowledge and expertise that can be directly ‘put into action’.
- Strengthened organizations that can support the creation of business angel networks
- Transfer of best practices – development of integrated methodology – including tools for business angels and entrepreneurs / potential entrepreneurs, as well as knowhow transfer tools
- Implementation of an intensive business acceleration program for selected innovative SMEs that is focused in two important axes : the angel market and the technology transfer.
- Policy updates and recommendation in the fields of technology transfer to SMEs, innovation as well as promotion and support of BANs.
Latest News
The “GAZELLE” project and innovations in North Macedonia and the Balkan region, Skopje, 27.09.2023
Оpportunities for financing and growth of innovative companies were discussed at the final conference of the GAZELLE project, organized by the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 28.9.2023
“Growing and scaling Gazelle companies in Balkan Med area”, 25.5.2023, TIF -Helexpo, Τhessaloniki, Greece
“Pitch Session: High-potential innovative SMEs in Balkan Med area”, 26.5.2023, TIF -Helexpo, Greece
