Empowering SMEs in the construction sector for circular economy

The BLOOM project focused on the business growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Croatia, particularly in the aftermath of the damage caused by the earthquakes in December 2020. The project aimed to educate entrepreneurs in the construction sector in the affected areas about key aspects of the circular economy, with a special emphasis on agility and sustainability.
BLOOM provided technical and business education, helping entrepreneurs develop business models, strategies for material reuse, and waste management. The project also involved collaboration with Norwegian partners to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience. Key activities included training for green enterprises, the development of educational materials, and the creation of a feasibility study on the circular economy and its value for green SMEs.
The project successfully strengthened collaboration between Croatian and Norwegian entities and encouraged innovation in sustainable business practices, contributing to a better future for the construction sector in Croatia.
The project successfully enhanced the capabilities of green SMEs and large enterprises in the construction sector through comprehensive training and the promotion of sustainable practices. Forty-five green SMEs and five large enterprises participated in executive training modules, receiving extensive hours of training, coaching, and mentoring to improve their staff's skills. These sessions were conducted in a hybrid format with the involvement of the construction chamber of commerce. The project also supported knowledge transfer by training Croatian trainers on circular economy and agile approaches, which they then taught to 100 professional experts. This effort introduced best practices from Norway, fostering innovation and sustainability.
To showcase the project's outcomes, a public event was held, and multiple media publications were released. Additionally, information about Green Industry Innovations and the benefits of sustainability for construction SMEs was distributed to stakeholders, further promoting sustainable development and innovation in the sector.