The project “NEwly established Start-up Enterprise SERvices – NESESER” is implemented within the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014–2020. The contracting authority of this project is the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia, Department for Contracting and Financing of EU Funded Programmes (CFCU), while the project is implemented by three partners: Institute for Development and Innovation, City of Loznica and Development-Guarantee Fund of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from February 2023 to August 2024. The total project budget is 235,881 EUR.
The overall objective of the project is to encourage cross-border, joint economic potential for self-employment, by improving the entrepreneurial environment for young people and women. Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina face similar structural challenges in the labour market: high youth unemployment rates, limited opportunities for women in business, as well as insufficient institutional support for newly established companies. All this shows the need for a joint and systematic approach, which will enable young people and women to become drivers of local economic development.
The project “NESESER” was created as a response to these challenges, and its activities are designed to complement each other and build one whole – from strengthening the capacities of representatives of public institutions and business associations in order to create a more favourable business environment, through a detailed analysis of the current situation and economic potential of Loznica and Brčko District, to the development of concrete business plans for the operation of Business and Entrepreneurship Centres. In addition, special focus is placed on the development and establishment of a web platform that will enable networking and cooperation of business centres in the region and beyond, within the EU.
Through the promotion of cross-border projects and advocacy for expanding the services of these centres, the project aims to open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and encourage sustainable economic development.
Special emphasis is placed on empowering vulnerable groups, primarily young people and women, through gaining entrepreneurial skills and creating conditions for self-employment. It is expected that by the end of the project at least 30 young people and 15 women from Loznica and Brčko District will start their own businesses. In addition, two modernly equipped Business and Entrepreneurship Centres will be established as key infrastructure for supporting the development of local businesses.
The Institute for Development and Innovation, through analyses, development of business plans and creation of innovative solutions, aims to contribute to sustainable local development and the creation of policy recommendations that can shape future public policy measures in Serbia and the region.
The strategic goal of the Institute is to show that economic empowerment of young people and women is not only a matter of equality, but also a key condition for long-term economic growth and social stability.
The project also has a strong cross-border aspect. Cooperation between Loznica and Brčko District enables exchange of experience, joint learning and building long-term partnerships, which will contribute to strengthening good neighbourly relations and regional stability. The establishment of business and entrepreneurship centres in both cities, as well as their connection through the web platform, will enable young entrepreneurs to position their ideas and products not only on the local, but also on the regional and European market.
Through the establishment of new services for entrepreneurs, support for self-employment and promotion of innovative business ideas, “NESESER” aims to increase the visibility and importance of entrepreneurship as a driver of local and regional development. By investing in young people and women, the project partners jointly contribute to building a society in which economic stability and social inclusion support each other.
