SUPPORT PROVIDED TO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES, AS WELL AS TO YOUTH

15. October 2012.

Source: Jugpress / Bujanovac – The USAID's Economic Security Program Manager, Michael Pillsbury, said that under that program 24 million dollars were invested in various projects over the past six years

Out of that amount, around eight million dollars were spent on municipalities throughout Serbia, as part of the assistance provided to strengthen the municipalities’ response and planning in emergency situations, "Mr. Pillsbury said, adding that "Bujanovac was also involved in this component of the program."

“The remaining 14 million dollars were divided, so that one half of the money was spent in Sandzak, while the other half was spent in southern Serbia. When it comes to the component to strengthen security, we had two priorities. The first priority relates to direct support to small and medium-sized enterprises that wish to grow larger and conquer new markets. We supported over 100 businesses in South Serbia, which, this year, earned more than seven million dollars, thanks to the new contracts they had signed, fairs and the support provided to them, "said Mr. Pillsbury.

In support of the second component, the strengthening of youth entrepreneurship and youth offices, this program is focused on the implementation of the priorities envisaged in the National Youth Strategy.

“As part of support to the Youth Offices, we provided training to coordinators of these offices as well as direct access to grants, which ensure employment and self-employment. In every municipality, we spent around 10,000 dollars on capacity building and on assistance to Youth Offices, as well as an additional 5,000 dollars on projects that emerged from the plan, "said Mr. Pillsbury.