Business And Cultural Development Centre (Kepa)

Business and Cultural Development Centre (KEPA) was formed in 1991 by the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (FING) and the Exporters’ Association of Northern Greece (SEVE).Since 1993, KEPA has proved its success as an Intermediate Management Agency for National and Community Programs at regional and national level.The Centre’s efforts have made their mark by enhancing the competitiveness, of all types of business'. It has had a particular impact on SMEs operating in Northern Greece, providing tangible support and assistance. In 1997 KEPA with Central and Western Macedonia Chambers of Industry, Commerce and craft Industry, and Western Macedonia Development Company ΑΝΚΟ formed the Union Development of Macedonia (ANEM) Agency. In 2002 KEPA and ANEM formed the consortium KEPA-ANEM in order to undertake project management in the context of Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness’ 2000-2006.KEPA is a partner of the Intermediary Managing Agency of Operational Competitiveness Programme “Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship” 2007-2013 (OPCII) that comes under the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) geographically responsible of the regions of Central and Western Macedonia. As a result, KEPA became a point of reference for regional development in Greece.In particular it can be described as : • a powerful regional structure that supports entrepreneurship; • a prestigious and highly reliable body, offering fast, transparent, flexible and efficient services with a fast turnover; • A focal point for businesses with regards to the implementation of development actions, and a basic information centre for funding opportunities under national and European programmes. In view of ensuring the successful implementation of its work, KEPA has introduced and applies an integrated quality system in the fields of design, application, monitoring and management of development projects.