Document provides guidance for Just Transition Fund (JTF) regions considering using JTF funds for support programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These programs could provide a variety of services, from financial support for innovation to operational consulting and employee competency development. The toolkit summarises the main focus areas of these programmes, provides examples of good practice from across Europe and recommendations for programme design broken down by focus area. It also provides some general recommendations and other resources for additional information and support in the design and implementation of these programmes.

The document focuses on the five most common areas of focus for SME support programs:

• Incubation and coaching/mentoring
• Education and competence development
• Consulting and advisory services
• Financial support for investments
• Equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in the SME workforce

The document contains case studies of nine programs that overlap in several of these five focus areas. Each section of the document focuses on one of the five focus areas, describes in detail several case study programs that cover that focus area, and synthesizes recommendations for designing an effective program dedicated to each focus area.

In addition to recommendations tailored to individual areas, there are several general recommendations for designing effective regional SME support programs, which could be particularly relevant for successful initiatives within the JTF territories. These include:

• Providing added value: New programs should be designed to add value, complement existing offerings and not (excessively) overlap with them.
• Precise targeting: The program design should take into account the different needs of SMEs at different stages of development and precisely define the target group.
• Offering variety and choice: Precise targeting does not necessarily mean that programs have only a narrow scope.
• Providing available information: Advisors and resources should at least be (also) easily accessible online or by phone.
• Fast processing of requests: The time lag between submitting an application for support and receiving it should be as short as possible to ensure certainty for the businesses applying for it.
• Sustainable support: It is important to create a foundation for businesses to understand what next steps follow after immediate support, capacity building or funding ends.
• Success rating: Programs should ensure that they adequately monitor and measure performance against their objectives and outcomes.

The document also includes a list additional resources, which may be useful for regions designing SME support programmes. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• Just Transition Fund (JTF): An EU fund designed to support regions affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Enterprises with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million.
• Incubation: The process of supporting startups in their early stages, by providing resources, mentoring, and space.
• Coaching/mentoring: Individual guidance and support for entrepreneurs from experienced experts.
• Education and competence development: Programs and courses aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of employees and businesses.
• Consulting and advisory services: Professional assistance and advice for businesses in various areas such as strategy, finance and marketing.
• Financial support for investments: Grants, loans and other forms of financing designed to support SME investments.
• Equal opportunities: Ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all, regardless of gender, age, origin or other factors.
• Inclusive growth: Economic growth that benefits all members of society, including disadvantaged groups.
• Just transformation: A process of transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy that ensures social justice and support for workers and regions affected by this change.