The project is a contribution to the acceleration of Georgia's European integration. It aims at strengthening region-based civil society organizations (CSOs) along the implementation of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) - part of the Association Agreement of Georgia with the European Union, and along the implementation of the national policy on small ll and medium enterprises (SME).
Still, a very small number of Georgian companies (according to some surveys only 6%) trade with the EU under the DCFTA. Region-based SME and particularly rural entrepreneurs with limited access to expertise, finance and difficulties entering new markets have to eventually comply with DCFTA regulations. In this regard, regional CSOs can serve as effective vectors of democratic and socio economic development in the rural regions.

1. Increased capacity of LAGs and other CSOs to act as resource channels on relevant aspects of the DCFTA for micro- and small enterprises and agri-producers in their target areas.
2: Increased capacity of LAGs and other CSOs to facilitate engagement of rural population in their areas in policy dialogue

1: CSOs and LAGs improve knowledge on aspects of DCFTA relevant to rural development, food safety and quality standards (HACCP), technical aspects of agricultural standards
2: LAGs/CSOs are enabled to identify and research local products with potential to enter European markets and generate local employment and income
3: CSOs and LAGs establish information and resource desks and disseminate information about relevant aspects of DCFTA, as well as relevant government- or donor-led programs to micro- and small businesses and agri producers in their area of operation
4: CSOs/LAGs are better positioned for advocacy and policy engagement through training and linking with the Georgian Alliance on Agriculture and Rural Development (GAARD)
5: CSOs/LAGs monitor the effects of DCFTA and SME policy on local producers and SMEs and contribute to formulation of policy recommendations