Support of micro-enterprises by the ERDF at a regional level – evaluation of the Polish experience

Abstract

When Poland acceded to the European Union, it became a beneficiary of financing from the structural funds, in particular from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). One of the main objectives of EU structural policy is to improve the competitiveness of regional economies – aid beneficiaries, which is possible, inter alia, thanks to the support of the competitiveness of business entities. The sector of MSME (micro-, small and medium enterprises) is a particular focus of such support. This paper constitutes an attempt at summarising the experience of Polish regions within the scope of support provided to micro-enterprises from the ERDF funds, with a particular focus on the West Pomeranian Province.