FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many municipalities MEGA works in?
The USAID-funded Municipal Economic Growth Activity works with 32 Serbian cities and municipalities (Subotica, Indjija, Zrenjanin, Novi Beograd, Loznica, Kragujevac, Uzice, Krusevac, Prokuplje and Vranje, Pecinci, Arilje, Sabac, Smederevo, Kraljevo, Cacak, Vrsac, Prijepolje, Leskovac, Pancevo, Paracin, Sombor, Novi Sad, Sremska Mitrovica, Valjevo, Zaječar, Niš, Pirot, Novi Pazar, Medveđa, Bujanovac, Preševo).

Current MEGA program funding?
The current funding of the MEGA program is $26,5 million. It should be emphasized that MEGA is primarily training and technical assistance program and, thus, has a very limited grant fund.

What is the value of Grant Fund and how will it be used?
The Grant Fund is $1.5 million.  MEGA FDI project has a grant fund of $750,000.

Who to contact if you have questions about MEGA?
For any questions and/or concerns regarding Municipal Economic Growth Activity please E-mail us on mega@ui-serbia.org.  For any enquiries, you can also contact MEGA office in Belgrade directly on + (381) 11 2071 900.

What is the connection between MEGA and NALED?
The National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) came about as one of the MEGA program initiatives to foster business-friendly environment in Serbia.  In 2008, NALED became self-sustainable and has implemented several important initiatives, in cooperation with MEGA, such as "Out of the Maze" campaign and Business Friendly Certification Program.

What are/were the selection criteria for the MEGA program?
There are a number of criteria for the selection of municipalities to be included in the MEGA program.  Some of the most important ones are as follows: (a) MEGA is looking to work with bigger, more economically advanced municipalities; (b) the municipalities should be (or are potential) regional centers; (c) the level of resources (financial and human) the municipality is prepared to invest as a direct support to the MEGA program; (d) geographic position of the municipality in an effort to work with all regions of Serbia; (e) pro-reform attitude of municipal government.  There are also other criteria which candidate municipalities are well informed of prior to applying for the participation in the program.

How is MEGA assisting program municipalities in investment promotion?
Through building the capacities of local governments to attract and retain investors and strengthening functions of local economic development offices.  Also, Program provides support in improvement of marketing and promotion materials, including municipal websites, creating investment-site location databases, supporting municipal participation in investor conferences, and similar.