YOUNG MAN FROM BUJANOVAC STARTED THE MANUFACTURING OF BEEHIVES WITH THE FUNDS RECEIVED IN THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ISSUED BY THE EUROPEAN PROGRESS PROGRAM

29. June 2017.

Bujanovac - Stefan Manasijevic from Bujanovac says that the funds he received through the call of applications of the European Progress Program are a big chance for him. Stefan got the grants for starting his own business or the business of manufacturing beehives and frames through the call for applications "Your Idea, Our Support." He points out that although it has been half a year since he started working, he manages to hold on the market and believes that his business will continue to develop.

"Despite the fact that the weather conditions were extremely unfavorable this spring, I achieved satisfactory results. Customers are satisfied with the quality, so that in addition to the customers from Bujanovac and Vranje, and I also have those from Gnjilane and Kumanovo,” Stefan says.

"I decided to apply because I think it is better to have my own private business, since then I am able to set the volume of production, working conditions and the working hours. I did not expect my idea to be accepted. I was overwhelmed by the number of submitted business plans, since around a hundred business plans had arrived from some thirty municipalities covered by the program, which is not too many, "Stefan said.

Risk assessment, market analysis and product placement are some of the things that Stefan, like the remaining 21 young entrepreneur who had received financial support in the competition, learned from mentors in training sessions that the European Progress program had organized for them.

The European Progress monitors the registration process and their work, bearing in mind that the initial years of operations are the most demanding ones.

As part of the European Progress’ public call “Your Idea, Our Support," the support amounting to 183,307 euros was approved, through which 22 young people from 14 municipalities in the southeast and southwest Serbia received the equipment and started their businesses.

"The European Union and the Government of Switzerland supported the young people in the eligible municipalities to develop their business ideas and establish their businesses, which will positively affect not only their lives and the lives of their families, but also the local economy. Young entrepreneurs, thus, provide an excellent example to their peers, and jointly contribute to solving the problem of unemployment in this segment of the population," Graeme Tyndall, the European Progress Program Manager, said.

From 2,500 to 10,000 euros were granted per project. Eligible to apply for this form of support were the unemployed aged from 18 to 30, living in one of the municipalities included in the implementation of the European Progress Program.

Source: South News and Coordination Body