08.01.2021
We educate adults from vulnerable groups with BGN 15 million from the EU
Persons over 16 years of age without education will be trained
Adults from the vulnerable groups will be included in literacy and competence acquisition courses to acquire primary education or the first stage of high school (ie - to have completed 10th grade). The goal is to get a better realization on the labor market through education. This will be done through the gratuitous provision of BGN 15 million under the Operational Program "Science and Education for Smart Growth", which is funded by the EU.
The funds will be allocated on a project basis under procedure BG05M2OP001-3.020 "Adult Literacy-2", and the approved proposals can receive between BGN 250,000 and 750,000. They can be directed to persons over 16 years of age, who, however, have not completed classes from the primary or lower secondary stage, dropped out of the education system, illiterate or illiterate persons, unemployed or persons seeking or receiving protection.
The projects will be implemented in Bulgaria in partnership between schools, personal development support centers and non-profit legal entities. Municipalities, the Employment Agency through the directorates of the Labor Office, the Regional Departments of Education, the Agency for Social Assistance through the territorial directorates of Social Assistance, and the State Agency for Refugees can be included as associate partners.
Among the activities that will be encouraged under the procedure is the re-inclusion in the education system of persons who have reached the age of 16 but have dropped out of school and/or do not have primary education. To this end, they will first have to be found, and then through personal counseling and family work to be motivated to participate in literacy and junior high school skills courses or to validate their results from the informal training and informal learning for acquiring an educational degree/stage of primary education. The goal for those who already have a primary education certificate is to be encouraged to continue their education in a higher level of education - the first stage of high school education - 8-10 grade, and the second stage of high school education - 11-12 grade.
Projects may also provide for literacy courses or the acquisition of competences from the lower secondary stage of primary education for persons over 16 years of age, who shall then complete an examination. Those who pass them will receive certificates for the acquired skills.
The persons who will be included in the projects will be helped to make the transition from education to realization on the labor market. This will be done by informing about the presentation of suitable professions with the help of group / individual activities for acquaintance with professions, consulting according to the education acquired under the project for adaptation of the labor market at regional or local level.
The deadline for application/submission of project proposals is 31.03.2021, 17:30. Project proposals are submitted by applicants only in electronic format, signed with a qualified electronic signature (QES).
More information can be found here.
08.01.2021
EIC Fund: first capital investment of € 178 million in breakthrough innovation
The European Commission has announced the first round of direct capital investments through the new European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund. Forty-two highly innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive capital funding totaling around € 178 million to develop and expand breakthrough innovations in healthcare, the circular economy, cutting-edge manufacturing and other areas. Of these, the French company CorWave is the first EU company to invest in the EIC Fund.
"There are many innovative and talented start-ups in Europe, but all too often they remain small or relocate. This new form of funding - a combination of grants and capital investment - is unique to the European Innovation Council. It will fill the funding gap for highly innovative companies, attract additional private investment and enable them to grow in Europe." said Maria Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.
More information can be found here.
08.01.2021
Unemployed persons owe BGN 26 health insurance per month
From January 1, people who are not insured and are not registered with the labor offices owe a higher health contribution. They have to pay BGN 26 per month in order to have health rights.
The reason is the change in the minimum monthly insurance income for self-insured persons this year, which becomes BGN 650 (growth of 7%), and the maximum remains BGN 3,000.
According to the Health Insurance Act, the uninsured on other grounds are insured on an income not less than half of the minimum monthly insurance income for the self-insured persons.
That is, for them the health contribution is 8% on not less than BGN 325 and not more than BGN 3000 per month. Or the due health contribution for the unemployed becomes BGN 26 per month - 8% of BGN 325.
The health insurance for employees placed on unpaid leave due to production needs, stay or raising a child is at the expense of the employer, and when the unpaid leave is at the request of the employee, the contribution is at his expense. Its amount is again 8% on half of BGN 650, ie BGN 26
The NRA clarifies that the minimum insurance income for part-time or monthly employees is determined in proportion to the total number of working days during the month.
That is, if an employee has a gross salary of BGN 1,000 and this is also his insurance income, but has worked 4 hours a day, then the employer will have to accrue the due insurances on half of the amount, or on BGN 500.
07.01.2021
Techniques for Success: Warren Buffett's Tips for Professional Success
In December, billionaire investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett gave a virtual talk to students graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In his speech, Buffett gave advice to young people on how to succeed in their future professional careers. He advised graduates to read a lot, improve their communication skills and strive to find a job that they like and motivate them every day, Markets Insider reports.
"You have to look for the job you would choose if you didn't need money and for which you would jump out of bed every morning. I was lucky to have such a job and I can tell you that this is something you look forward to every day. You don't have to find this job the day you leave university, but it's out there somewhere," Buffett advises on each student's career choice.
Regarding the development of communication skills, Warren Buffett told the graduates: "You have to be able to write and speak well and develop a curious mind. At the age of 90, believe me, I met many people who became rich in their lives. but they did not succeed." And he adds that the real success is when in the old days you feel the love of your family, friends and colleagues.
Buffett's four favorite books
A well-known American investor recently revealed the four books in which Buffett recommended him to read. However, the same investor asked him if the books of Benjamin Graham, who was Buffett's mentor, were somewhat outdated. The reason - Graham wrote "Security Analysis" in 1934 and "Intelligent Investor" in 1949.
Warren Buffett, who has always used value investing taught by Graham for decades, points out that Graham's readers need to focus on chapters on investment psychology.
He also recommended reading two books by the late economic commentator George Goodman, who wrote under the pseudonym Adam Smith: "The Money Game" and "Supermoney".
07.01.2021
Techniques for success: Marketing lessons that 8 leaders learned in the year of the pandemic
2020 was a year of challenges on many fronts, from the Covid-19 pandemic to racial injustice protests to the highly contested US presidential election. Businesses had to deal with rapid changes in consumer behavior and spending patterns, and many had to adjust their models. To stay afloat, business leaders had to learn to trade successfully while navigating this strange new environment. A group of entrepreneurs share the best marketing tips they have learned this year. Here are some valuable lessons they will take with them in 2021.
Create valuable content - Content has been considered the "king" for years, but in an era of remote work and social distancing, people are consuming more online content than ever before. Businesses need to focus on creating content that is valuable and relevant to their customers.
"Great content will attract your audience to visit your website, and some, if not most, will eventually need your service or at least think of your business," said Alfredo Athanasio, co-founder of Uassist.ME.
Be open to change - This year has proven that even the best plans can be thrown into disarray at any time, so keep your mind open to change, says Kevin Lace, founder and CEO of Leyes Media
"Establishing business ideas and strictly planning for them does not mean that they should be carried out in this way. On the contrary, social scenarios can vary and lead to changes in these planned strategies. These changes can be positive if viewed in terms of evolution and innovation, and can even provide an opportunity for change in the company,” explains Lace.
Communicate - Timely communication is most important for business at a time when public health and social climate are changing frequently and rapidly. Said Balkhi, co-founder of WPBeginner, cites the example of this year's global blockades.
"It has become critical for businesses to add information to social media and websites and provide resources to their audience. The sooner you can respond to your customers, the happier they will be. So, invest in staff and tools to make that possible,” says Balkhi.
Focus on community building - Beck Bamberger, founder of BAM Communications, reminds business leaders that people buy from those they trust. But where does trust come from? The answer is community.
"The community, even if it is virtual, creates consistent interactions that then build trust. We saw the tremendous strength of the community this year through a group of several hundred people that we have raised in the venture capital world through our Slack group,” says Bamberger.
Use video - 2020 has made professionals rely more on video conferencing in person. But don't think that your use of video is limited to Zoom conferencing.
"I used video in all parts of my marketing and sales strategy. From Zoom meetings, to short Loom videos through Google Workplace to text messaging videos, and I've found that this is the best way to keep in touch," said Jean Ginzburg, founder and CEO of JeanGinzburg.com.
Be empathetic - Everyone has been affected by the pandemic and other events in 2020, so in marketing and in life it is important to show empathy for others and their circumstances, says Jennifer Buonantoni, CEO of Press Pass LA and PPLA Social + PR.
"People want to align with companies and brands that are there for them in good and bad times and that are not deaf to the reality they are experiencing," adds Buonantoni.
Suggest solutions to problems - The main problems that people face in 2020 are far from those they faced only a year ago. Businesses need to accept that the long-term, recurring "pain points" they have relied on in their marketing have changed in some way.
"Covid-19 and the economic downturn have brought new challenges to business, unlocking new opportunities for companies capable of moving quickly and offering hybrid solutions that work in the short term. Differentiation is key in 2020, "said Mario Peshev, CEO of DevriX.
Focus on your customer - Your strategy should focus on your customer, says Stephanie Wells, co-founder and CTO of Formidable Forms.
"2020 has brought many challenges to the world and many businesses have been hit hard. Constantly providing excellent customer service and putting customers first will convince them to keep coming back,” says Wells.
05.01.2021
The compensation under the measure "Keep me" to the workers on unpaid leave now amounts to 75% of the insurance income
The compensation for the employees under the measure "Keep me", financed with funds from the Operational Program "Human Resources Development", now amounts to 75 percent of the insurance income for October 2020. The new amount of compensation will cover workers, who are on unpaid leave due to the imposed anti-epidemic measures and are provided on an 8-hour working day. If the employee has been insured part-time, the amount of compensation will be determined in proportion to the working time in his employment contract. Employees who have been on unpaid leave or are not insured with this employer throughout October 2020 will be entitled to compensation in the amount of the minimum wage, which is currently BGN 650.
The measure will cover employees whose unpaid leave is in the period October 29, 2020 - March 31, 2021. The sectors that will receive support are described in the order of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy. Those wishing to receive support under the "Keep me" measure will be entitled to compensation for no more than 60 days within the calendar year.
The information about the insurance income of the employees who have been approved for payment of compensations under "Save me" will be exchanged ex officio between the Employment Agency, the National Social Security Institute and the National Revenue Agency.
05.01.2021
You can also apply for a free vignette for people with disabilities online
The aim is to avoid congestion in front of the Social Assistance Directorates
People with disabilities who wish to receive a free vignette can also apply for its vignette electronically through the secure electronic service system.
The aim is to avoid crowds in front of the Social Assistance Directorates.
The documents can also be submitted through a licensed postal operator or by e-mail: ao@asp.government.bg
Each electronic vignette is valid for one year from the date of its issuance, and it is recommended that the new application be submitted about 10 days before the expiry date.
The application can be downloaded from the website of the Social Assistance Agency here.
05.01.2021
2700 companies have applied for working capital support through the National Revenue Agency
Nearly 2,700 traders have requested support through working capital so far through the National Revenue Agency, the NRA said.
Under this scheme, traders affected by the anti-epidemic measures imposed by 4 orders of the Minister of Health can receive 20% or 10% of their turnover for the respective periods of 2019 or 2020.
The application is done electronically, through the e-services portal of the National Revenue Agency and the UMIS system, reminded by the Revenue Agency.
The grant will be awarded within 7 days of the approval of the project proposal.
Payments can begin after receiving approval from the European Commission, which is expected in the coming weeks.
Additional information on the conditions for application and the mechanisms for granting the aid can be obtained in the special section on the NRA website.
02.01.2021
THE EMPLOYER CANNOT TERMINATE THE USE OF OUR LEAVE
The law in Bulgaria provides for two possibilities to interrupt the use of paid annual leave.
In the first place, interruption of the use of paid annual leave may take place when another type of paid leave is granted to the employee during the use of paid annual leave (for example, leave due to temporary incapacity for work (sick leave) or unpaid leave. The paid annual leave of the employee is allowed another type of paid or unpaid leave, the use of paid annual leave is interrupted at his request and the rest is used additionally by agreement between him and the employer.
The interruption is made at the request of the employee and the rest is used additionally by agreement between him and the employer. The law does not provide a special legal form for this request. In practice, this is usually done with an oral request to interrupt the use of paid annual leave on presentation of a sick leave or other document showing that a type of leave other than paid is permitted. It is recommended in this case as well to form the procedure formally, through a written statement freely prepared by the employee, which establishes the will of the party to interrupt the leave and postpone it for a later moment.
Outside these cases, the paid leave of the employee may be interrupted by mutual consent of the parties, expressed in writing. For this purpose, the employee should serve a written request to the other party to interrupt the paid leave. The notified party shall accordingly express its written consent for the leave to be suspended from that date and to be used further.
In addition to these two cases, the employer has no right to unilaterally terminate the use of paid annual leave (for example by order), provided that he has already authorized it for the specified period of time, unless the employee gives his express written consent. The same applies in the opposite situation - without the written consent of the employer, the employee cannot unilaterally terminate the use of his annual leave, except in the cases listed above.
Reference: Art. 175, para. 1 and 2, Art. 155, para. 4 and 5 of the Labor Code
02.01.2021
What tax changes take effect this year
From this year, a number of tax changes come into force, which affect both companies and citizens. People who decide to renovate their home will benefit from tax breaks. They will be given only for the money given for the work of the masters.
For this purpose, however, they must issue a document, if they are a company, for the price of the work done. If they are natural persons, their data will have to be present in the declaration. Such documents are not attached to the declaration itself, but the submitter must keep them and present them during an inspection by the NRA.
The amount of the relief is up to BGN 2,000 per year. In case of co-ownership of the dwelling, the individual owners can share this amount, as each declares his share, but again the total value should not exceed the maximum. It is deducted from the tax base when filling in the declaration. This relief cannot be used by companies in the commercial activity of which the dwelling in question is included.
But if only the registration address of the company and that of the individual match, then there is no problem to use the relief. The property must be in Bulgaria. It is important to know that the amount can be deducted when declaring income for 2021, ie it will be able to be entered in the declaration in 2022.
There will now be tax rebates for raising a child. They will be used for income in 2021. That is, for those who file a tax return - in 2022, when they fill it out, and for those who will use the assistance through their employer, that is, they are only on an employment contract and have no others, at the end of 2021
The parents of 1 child will be able to deduct from the tax base BGN 4,500, of 2 children - BGN 9,000, and of 3 or more children BGN 13,500. The assistance for raising a child with a disability is reduced by the tax base by BGN 9,000 BGN 450 That is, for raising 1 child in the family budget are conditionally returned BGN 450. The amount will still depend on how much and what other income is declared.
Food vouchers in 2021 will be up to BGN 80 per employee in the company. Together with the additional voluntary insurance and some insurances such as "Life", they serve as a tax relief, as their value is deducted from the tax base. However, this relief can be used only by those for whom there is no obligation that has entered into force at the date of declaration, which will be enforced. A reference to the available liabilities can be downloaded from the NRA website and experts advise to keep it.
