The Bulgarian Association of Regional Development Agencies (BARDA) was established on 1 July 1997 by 7 regional development agencies in Bulgaria to serve as an umbrella association of independent regional and local development entities with the assistance of EEC/ILO/GOPA through the GTZ Program: "Vocational Training and Active Employment Measures". Thus far, BARDA includes 19 agencies and business centres, situated in all regions of Bulgaria. 

BARDA is a partner of the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA) and a member of the Bulgarian Economic Forum. 

BARDA participates actively in the preparation of the  National Strategic Reference Framework 2007 – 2013,  the Regional Operational Programme and other OPs for the next Programming Period.

BARDA acts as an umbrella association of independent regional and local economic development agencies and SME support centers in Bulgaria

BARDA is oriented predominantly towards the development of the SME sector and regional economies at large.

BARDA is the voice of the regional development agencies at national level working closely with government and its agencies in order to further the cause of local and regional economic development

BARDA member agencies gather together representatives of local government, chambers of commerce, branch unions, local business associations, vocational training institutions, academia, banks, and private companies. As such, they reflect a broad representation and acceptance of regional actors involved in the SME and regional development support arena.

BARDA acts as a forum for coordination of information and services, development of joint projects, attraction of investment, and joint participation in national and international programmes. It provides training, capacity building assistance, and information to members, as well as supports the establishment of similar structures in other regions.

BARDA acts as a spokesperson for its members, and helps represent the interests of the local business community in Bulgaria. It works closely with relevant ministries and government agencies and assists the development of national policies for business and regional development.