Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Creating a Municipal Development Center
Center for Municipal Development "Millenium - Nikopol"
Background
The Municipal Development Center was set up in the framework of the Danube River Initiative Program implemented by the Foundation for Local Government Reform and the United States Agency for International Development. The Municipality of Nikopol prepared a project for developing the Center whose prime mission is to stimulate a beneficial environment for entrepreneurship, consultancy services, information provision and other activities directed to economic stabilization of the region.
The Municipal Development Center was set up in the framework of the Danube River Initiative Program implemented by the Foundation for Local Government Reform and the United States Agency for International Development. The Municipality of Nikopol prepared a project for developing the Center whose prime mission is to stimulate a beneficial environment for entrepreneurship, consultancy services, information provision and other activities directed to economic stabilization of the region.
Practice
Nikopol is among the small towns in Bulgaria with a population of 4 10 000 people, which typically need a specialized center providing diverse local services. In this town of 1 800 years of historical past, difficult present and unclear future, and a population representing four ethnic groups of Bulgarian, Roma, Turkish and Vlah origin, the local intelligensia has long considered the idea of creating a services center, which can help boost the rates of local development.
The setting up of the Center aims:
- to fill in the gap of not having any local non-governmental organizations acting in the region, which can research opportunities and funding sources in the area of economic development, education, health care, social activity, tourism etc. - to support the development of local business;
- to stimulate citizen initiative for starting up their own business;
- to promote the Municipality of Nikopol and the region and attract investments;
- to achieve higher transparency in local government and enhance citizen control and participation in decision making.
This is achieved through a wide range of services provided by the Millenium - Nikopol Center: complex assistance in starting private business; office services such as photocopying, printing, typing, translation, business correspondence, design and production of advertising material, information and consultancy, establishing contacts with partners in the country and abroad, e-mail and Internet.
The Center has its own office in the building of Napredak Chitalishte (Culture Center). The Center is governed by a Managing Board of 7 people on voluntary terms. Day-to-day activities are performed by Executive Director and technical assistant, appointed through a competition. When necessary, assistance is provided by external experts and consultants.
Nikopol is among the small towns in Bulgaria with a population of 4 10 000 people, which typically need a specialized center providing diverse local services. In this town of 1 800 years of historical past, difficult present and unclear future, and a population representing four ethnic groups of Bulgarian, Roma, Turkish and Vlah origin, the local intelligensia has long considered the idea of creating a services center, which can help boost the rates of local development.
The setting up of the Center aims:
- to fill in the gap of not having any local non-governmental organizations acting in the region, which can research opportunities and funding sources in the area of economic development, education, health care, social activity, tourism etc. - to support the development of local business;
- to stimulate citizen initiative for starting up their own business;
- to promote the Municipality of Nikopol and the region and attract investments;
- to achieve higher transparency in local government and enhance citizen control and participation in decision making.
This is achieved through a wide range of services provided by the Millenium - Nikopol Center: complex assistance in starting private business; office services such as photocopying, printing, typing, translation, business correspondence, design and production of advertising material, information and consultancy, establishing contacts with partners in the country and abroad, e-mail and Internet.
The Center has its own office in the building of Napredak Chitalishte (Culture Center). The Center is governed by a Managing Board of 7 people on voluntary terms. Day-to-day activities are performed by Executive Director and technical assistant, appointed through a competition. When necessary, assistance is provided by external experts and consultants.
Results
Throughout its operation since September 2000 the Millenium - Nikopol Municipal Development Center has been visited by a number of citizens and representatives of companies and institutions in utilizing the services offered. The friendly and responsive staff is supported by municipal administration. Hopes for the successful development of the Center are connected with three basic assumptions:
- the Center responds to the real need for the services it offers;
- the Center will actively work with prospective clients;
- a permanent contact with current clients will be maintained.
Throughout its operation since September 2000 the Millenium - Nikopol Municipal Development Center has been visited by a number of citizens and representatives of companies and institutions in utilizing the services offered. The friendly and responsive staff is supported by municipal administration. Hopes for the successful development of the Center are connected with three basic assumptions:
- the Center responds to the real need for the services it offers;
- the Center will actively work with prospective clients;
- a permanent contact with current clients will be maintained.
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