European House Skopje is an NGO in Macedonia that promotes European values, democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation. Its goals include advocating for European integration, strengthening democracy, fostering regional cooperation, promoting education and youth development and enhancing public dialogue. Its overarching objective is to contribute to the development of a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous society in North Macedonia and the wider region.

To support the activities of European House Skopje, you can contribute financially by transmitting any amount to their account at Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje. Here are the details:

Account No: 40100-620-16-25730522-22823

Bank: Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje

Bank address: Kej Dimitar Vlahov street No. 4, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia

SWIFT code: KOBS MK 2X

Contact: contact@ehs.mk, www.ehs.mk

EUROPE HOUSE SKOPJE

 

Doing business in Macedonia

Macedonia plays a modest role on the world economic stage. Yet this Balkan country also offers opportunities. But how do you do business in Macedonia? Whether you want to know what your business opportunities are, or how to do business in an internationally responsible way, we've got you started.

Residents and society

North Macedonia is located in the Balkan region and is a parliamentary republic. The population is growing slowly and numbers 1.8 million. About a quarter of them live in the capital Skopje. The different ethnic groups of the country can be found in this city. Mainly Macedonians, but also Albanians, Bosnians, Roma, Serbs and Turks.

The population in Macedonia is highly developed, according to the United Nations Human Development Index. This means that the country scores well on issues such as education level and general standard of living.

Do you want to know more about North Macedonia, such as the local currency, gross national product or demographics? Take a look at our North Macedonia Factsheet.

Economic situation

Macedonia's economy recovered strongly after the coronavirus pandemic. According to the World Bank, the economy grew by 2.1% in 2022. In 2023, this is likely to be 2.4%. The energy crisis and high food prices are dampening growth and causing very high inflation. Inflation is rising at a slower pace in 2023, but is still high.

The most important sector for the Macedonian economy is the service sector. It is responsible for more than half of the gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023, the services sector again contributed the most to the economy. Sectors such as manufacturing and construction had a much harder time.

The economic outlook for North Macedonia is positive. The World Bank expects growth of almost 3% per year in 2024 and 2025. This is partly due to large government investments and foreign investors who are focusing on nearshoring. Furthermore, Macedonia is on the path to becoming an EU member, which could also stimulate the economy. On the other hand, elections delay important economic reforms. Higher inflation could also curb economic growth.

Business Opportunities

The investment agency 'Invest Macedonia' provides information on what the government of North Macedonia itself sees as promising sectors. It summarises these sectors concisely on its website. Keep in mind that this information is written to promote doing business in Macedonia. You will read about the following sectors:

• Automotive Parts
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Agriculture and Food Processing
• Textiles & Clothing
• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Wine industry

Projects of the EBRD

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) supports the development of a number of sectors in Macedonia. For example, they invest in projects and promote trade financing by other parties. This can lead to opportunities in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy and infrastructure. Search the overview of current tenders on the EBRD website for specific projects.

Doing business in Macedonia

The official investment agency Invest in North Macedonia helps foreign companies that want to do business in Macedonia. Among other things, it provides information on how to start a business. Keep in mind that this information is written to promote doing business in the country.

International Corporate Social Responsibility

International business offers opportunities, but also challenges. These require good preparation. Make sure that you do business abroad in a socially responsible manner. In this way, you can help improve the local situation, build a good reputation and a future-proof company.

As an entrepreneur, the Dutch government expects you to map out the risks to people and the environment in your business operations and in the international value chain. And that you prevent and address the negative consequences of this. You also need to communicate about this. This is called due diligence. In doing so, you will follow the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Corporate Social Responsibility.

 Investigate the risks

Entrepreneurship is not without risks. Every country presents challenges. The following sources will give you a first impression of possible IRBC risks. It is important that you research these yourself before doing business abroad. Also, keep up to date with local developments.

• CSR Risk Checker (CSR Netherlands)
• Corruption Perceptions Index (Transparency International)
• Human Development Index (United Nations) - Choose the country at the top of the drop-down field.
• Status of conflicts (Crisis Group)
• ThinkHazard (World Bank)
• Travel advice (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) - Fill in the country.

Export rules

Access2Markets: the most important export rules

The European Commission's online portal Access2Markets contains the most important export rules and practical tips for Macedonia. Haven't worked with Access2Markets before?

Documents, procedures and rules

The following resources also provide information about rules:

• Macedonia Customs provides information on export rules.

 Trade agreement with Macedonia

The EU has had a trade agreement with Macedonia since 2016. This includes agreements on government tenders and the abolition of import duties. Do you want to know if there are lower import duties for your product? Then enter your HS commodity code in the Access2Markets portal. This will help you find the specific rules for your product.

Want to know more?

Check out World Integrated Trade Solution (an initiative of the World Bank and UNCTAD) for statistics on North Macedonia.

The impact of capacity management on business objectives: From theory to practice

Capacity management is a set of planning actions used to ensure that any business infrastructure has adequate resources to maximize its potential activities and production output under any conditions. When discussing resources, it’s important to acknowledge that there are two types of resources, human and infrastructural, as there is a difference between their capacity attributes which affects the planning methodology. An airline for example, needs capacity in terms of different aircraft types, depending   on the   range and number of passengers, available cargo space etc.   These are infrastructural resources. However, an airline also needs air and ground crew to operate the infrastructure which falls under category of human resources. But why is capacity management so important for building and operating a sustainable business model and what is the connection between infrastructural and human resources?   Let’s take an example from our favorite social place, namely a restaurant on a Saturday night. You enter a fully booked restaurant, find your table, and spend the entire evening waiting for drinks and food due to lack of human resources in the kitchen and the bar. Most of us will be unsatisfied with such service and therefore won’t visit the restaurant again. On the contrary if the restaurant operates with their maximum human resource capacity on a Wednesday evening, where there aren’t many reservations, it will also incur losses. So how should the restaurant manage their capacity in this example? The infrastructural resources are fixed in this example due to the size and design of the restaurant and it can be measured as the number of available seats. The restaurants utilization of the infrastructural resources can be measured as the number of occupied seats divided by the number of available seats as a percentage. If there are 46 guests in 100 seats restaurant, we can say that utilization is 46%. But what about planning and managing human resources? This is where the math gets complicated. We need to know either by experience or measurement how many guests one waiter can serve, and then calculate the process time from “enter” to “serve”, and only then can we determine the number of waiters we need.  For the kitchen’s human resources, the planning is even more complex, as there is no clear and precise prediction of the customers’ menu preferences, so we’re forced to rely only on the number of reservations and historical data of orders from the menu. This example illustrates the importance and complexity of capacity management, while also taking into consideration the interplay between infrastructural and human resources.  What isn’t mentioned, is that the crew in the restaurant also need some capabilities to cook and serve the meals, but that discussion is left for another time. Capacity management is a cyclic process constructed in four phases, and based on my experience I will try to explain each phase by using simple examples from real life. That said, in many instances capacity management can be very complex exercise multiple variables which requires a proper Capacity Management Information System. (CMIS). Let’s explore a restaurant’s capacity planning in a simplified simulation.

1.   Analyzing the demand based on business objectives.

This initial phase is extremely critical as it determines your real demand, sets the basic forecast models for planning of both infrastructural and human capacity. For the restaurant business we need a clear forecast model of potential utilization on each day of the week, a forecast of the popular dishes on the menu, and many other aspects. In this phase it is recommended to develop a forecast plan or model. A forecasting model will never be very accurate for a restaurant due to the many varying factors as: time of the month, weather, season etc., but is still recommended to have a basic model based on historical data and direct reservations.

 

2.   Evaluating the current infrastructure.

In this phase the current infrastructural capacity should be evaluated to assess potential extension or additional changes. For the restaurant, the main question will be: ‘can we extend the capacity in the current restaurant and by how many seats?’ Can we re-use the current kitchen layout and infrastructure?  What is the current utilization distribution for a week, a monthly, and a year.

 

3.   Implement Capacity Planning

In this phase the real business magic happens. Based on the analysis and evaluation done in the previous phases we have to determine and establish a capacity planning model.  The capacity planning model should contain all basic variables and metrics to enable dynamic planning operations from day to day. Based on our forecast model for our famous restaurant we need to determine the following variables:

 

•   Supply and utilization per employee.

If a waiter works a 6-hour shift, there is a high likelihood for them to take breaks totaling 45 minutes, so the actual time spent working will be 5 hours and 15 minutes. Furthermore, in that time the waiter will also spend time prepping the tables before the arrival of customers. If we assume that will total to an additional 45 minutes the actual “Value Adding Time” for serving customers will be 4 hours and 30 min.  So, the actual “Value Adding Activity” or “Revenue Generating activity” is 75% and this variable shall be included in the planning. So, if the total service staff consist of 10 waiters, each working 6-hour shifts the total serving capacity will be 45 hours and not 60 hours. The same approach will be applicable for the kitchen staff as well and it’s common to use 68 - 75% utilization in capacity planning in many industries.

•   Volume in terms of customers per hour.

Why per hour? Normally the guest spends around 2 hours in the restaurant, and it will give more precise planning if the volume is hourly calculated. With these variables, it is possible to calculate the required capacity. Let’s assume the restaurant opens at 17.00 and there are 80 customers expected in the first hour. Let’s also estimate the serving time per customer (Process Time) to be 5 minutes. The entire demand will hence be 80 customers · 5 min equaling 400 minutes or 6.6 hours of required capacity in the first hour. The utilization was 75% so an extra 25% (breaks and table preparation) needs to be added, which brings the total to 8,3 hours capacity required for the first opening hour or 8,3 full time waiters. From 18.00 to 19.00 the volume is 100 guests and the same calculation as before can be repeated: 100 · 5 min = 500 minutes or 8,3 hours. If we apply 25% for lost utilization the required capacity will be 10,4 hours or 10,4 full time waiters. The approach for the kitchen will be the same, just with more variables such as the customer’s order etc. This capacity planning method is very precise, and can be written as: 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (V). Process Time (PT) 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑, and we need to calculate required supply in terms of human resources taking into consideration the true utilization which is between 68% - 75%. Now imagine high volume operations like Anti Money Laundering in Financial Institutions. It is common to process millions of customers per year and if the volume (V) and process time (PT) are not precisely captured and calculated, there will be a huge difference in the calculated capacity plan. If your PT changes by just 1 minute, suddenly the demand will change with 1 million minutes if the V = 1.000.000 operations. That difference is about 15 Full Time Employees (+/-). In summary it is extremely important to properly forecast and monitor volumes and manage the process time. In such high-volume industries, it is very important to implement Capacity Management Monitoring, which brings us to the next phase.

 

4.   Monitor Production Capacity

 

Once the forecasting plan (managing demand) and our capacity plan (calculating supply demand) are finalized, it will require a thorough process of monitoring the variables impacting the capacity plan but also frequent revision of the entire capacity management.  It is common practice especially in high volume industries to recalculate capacity in every instance when your process has changed which means your forecast and volume therefore may have changed or your infrastructure has changed. Another aspect is how to connect your capacity management process with your performance management process. If today’s production according to performance management has not been achieved, it must be investigated as it will impact your capacity demand in the following days and some variables in the capacity model therefore will require rework.

Summary of learnings:

 

• Capacity management is an extremely important element of Operations Management and has direct impact on business objectives as illustrated in this article. Not enough capacity will create customer complaints, delays, backlogs and will in a worst-case scenario have very negative impacts to the business. Too much capacity or overcapacity will impact your financial performance in terms of P/L (Profit/ Loss).

 

• There are two types of capacity, infrastructural which relates to the company’s assets and human resources which refers to utilizing the assets to create customer value.

 

• Capacity Management is a cyclic process of about 4 few phases and should as a minimum contain: Demand Assessment (forecast Planning); Current Infrastructure Assessment; Capacity Planning (calculating supply) and Monitoring Production Capacity.

 

Project Title: Solar Photovoltaic System Installation

Project Objective: To design, install, and maintain a photovoltaic system to generate clean and sustainable electricity for [Specify the purpose, e.g., a residential home, commercial building, or industrial facility] while reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Project Scope:

1. Project Planning and Feasibility Study:

Identify the location and purpose of the PV system.

Assess the energy needs and consumption patterns.

Evaluate the financial feasibility, including potential incentives and ROI.

Determine the system size and capacity needed.

Obtain necessary permits and approvals.

2. Design and Engineering:

Develop a detailed system design, including PV panel layout, mounting structure, and electrical components.

2.1 Determine System Size and Capacity:

• Calculate the energy requirements of the facility or location where the PV system will be installed.
• Assess available roof or ground space for solar panels.
• Use local solar irradiance data to estimate the system's capacity (kW or MW) needed to meet energy demands.
• Consider future expansion possibilities.

2.2 Select Solar Panels:

• Choose high-efficiency solar panels that are suitable for the project's requirements.
• Ensure the selected panels have the appropriate certifications (e.g., UL, IEC) and warranties.
• Consider factors such as space constraints, shading, and budget when selecting panel types (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film).

2.3 Determine Panel Layout:

• Optimize the orientation and tilt angle of the solar panels for maximum energy production.
• Use tools like solar radiation analysis software to find the optimal positioning.
• Consider local shading patterns throughout the day and year.
• Design the panel layout to minimize inter-row shading.

2.4 Select Mounting Structure:

• Choose an appropriate mounting structure based on the installation location (roof, ground, tracking system).
• Ensure the structure is durable, corrosion-resistant, and compliant with local building codes and regulations.
• Calculate wind and snow loads to determine structural requirements.
• Design for proper panel elevation to minimize shading and maximize sunlight exposure.

2.5 Design Electrical Components:

• Develop a detailed electrical diagram that includes:
• PV array wiring: Determine series and parallel connections for the panels.
• Inverter selection: Choose the type (string, micro, central) and capacity to match the PV array's size.
• DC and AC disconnects: Include safety switches and breakers as required by local regulations.
• Wiring and conduit: Plan the routing and sizing of all electrical conductors.
• Grounding: Ensure proper grounding of the system for safety and electrical compliance.
• Combiner box: If necessary, include a combiner box to consolidate DC connections.
• Battery storage (if applicable): Design battery connections and charging systems if the project includes energy storage.

2.6 Calculate System Performance:

• Use software tools or calculations to estimate the system's energy production and performance.
• Account for factors such as temperature, shading losses, and equipment efficiency.
• Calculate expected annual energy yield and compare it to project requirements.

2.7 Safety Measures:

• Implement safety features such as arc-fault detection, rapid shutdown, and surge protection.
• Ensure that the installation complies with local electrical and safety codes.
• Include warning labels and signage as necessary.

2.8 Monitoring and Control:

• Integrate monitoring and control systems to track the PV system's performance.
• Include data logging, remote monitoring, and fault detection capabilities.
• Select appropriate communication protocols for data transmission.

2.9 Environmental Considerations:

• Plan for environmentally friendly practices, such as using biodegradable cable insulation and recycling materials when possible.
• Consider wildlife protection measures if the installation is in a sensitive habitat.

2.10 Document the Design: - Create detailed design documents, including drawings, schematics, and equipment specifications. - Ensure that all components are listed with their respective models and capacities. - Include a Bill of Materials (BOM) for procurement.

2.11 Review and Approval: - Review the design with relevant stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and regulatory authorities. - Make any necessary revisions based on feedback and approvals.

Once the detailed system design is finalized, it serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the installation, ensuring that the solar photovoltaic system is safe, efficient, and capable of meeting its energy production goals.

Calculate the optimal tilt and orientation for the solar panels.

Specify the type of solar panels, inverters, and other equipment.

Create an electrical diagram and wiring plan.

3. Procurement:

Source and purchase the required PV panels, inverters, mounting structures, and other necessary components.

Ensure that all equipment meets quality and safety standards.

Establish a procurement schedule to meet project timelines.

4. Installation:

Prepare the installation site, including any necessary structural modifications.

Install the mounting structure and solar panels according to the design.

Connect the electrical components and wiring.

Perform safety checks and inspections.

Test the system for functionality and efficiency.

5. Commissioning and Testing:

Verify the proper operation of the entire PV system.

Conduct performance testing under various conditions.

Ensure that the system is synchronized with the local electrical grid (if applicable).

Fine-tune system parameters for optimal performance.

6. Monitoring and Maintenance:

Implement a monitoring system to track energy production and system health.

Establish a maintenance schedule for regular inspections and cleaning.

Train the system owner or operators on maintenance tasks.

Develop a plan for addressing any issues or malfunctions.

7. Documentation and Reporting:

Maintain detailed records of all project activities and equipment specifications.

Create a user manual for system operation and maintenance.

Prepare regular performance reports for the system owner.

8. Environmental Impact Assessment:

Assess the environmental benefits of the PV system, including carbon emissions reduction.

Implement eco-friendly practices during installation and maintenance.

9. Project Closure:

Obtain final approvals and permits from relevant authorities.

Hand over the system to the owner or operator.

Conduct a final project review and evaluation.

10. Project Monitoring and Evaluation:

Continuously monitor the system's performance and energy production.

Evaluate the project's success in meeting its objectives and ROI.

Identify opportunities for system expansion or improvement.

Project Timeline: [Specify the estimated start and end dates for each phase of the project.]

Budget: [Provide a detailed budget estimate for the entire project, including equipment costs, labor, permits, and contingency.]

Project Team: [List the key project team members and their roles, including project manager, engineers, technicians, and contractors.]

Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies, including weather-related delays, equipment failures, and regulatory changes.

1. Weather-Related Risks:

• Risk: Adverse weather conditions such as storms, hail, and heavy rain could damage the PV panels during installation or while in operation.
• Mitigation:
• Install lightning protection and surge suppressors.
• Choose durable, high-quality PV panels and mounting structures.
• Schedule installation during favorable weather conditions.
• Have a backup plan for weather-related delays.

2. Equipment Failures:

• Risk: Components such as inverters, wiring, or batteries may malfunction, leading to system downtime.
• Mitigation:
• Source reputable and reliable equipment from trusted manufacturers.
• Perform thorough quality control checks during procurement.
• Implement a regular maintenance schedule to detect and address issues promptly.
• Keep spare parts on hand for quick replacements.

3. Safety Hazards:

• Risk: Accidents, electrical shocks, or falls can occur during installation and maintenance activities.
• Mitigation:
• Conduct safety training for all personnel involved.
• Ensure that all workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Follow safety guidelines and protocols rigorously.
• Have first-aid kits and emergency response plans readily available.

4. Regulatory and Permitting Challenges:

• Risk: Delays or complications in obtaining necessary permits and adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Mitigation:
• Engage with local authorities early in the project to understand and address permitting requirements.
• Hire experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about local regulations.
• Keep accurate records and documentation for compliance.

5. Financial Risks:

• Risk: Budget overruns, unexpected costs, or changes in incentives and tax credits.
• Mitigation:
• Develop a detailed budget with contingency funds.
• Regularly update the budget to account for any changes.
• Stay informed about government policies and incentives related to solar energy.

6. System Performance Shortfalls:

• Risk: The PV system may not meet the expected energy production levels due to design or installation errors.
• Mitigation:
• Conduct thorough site assessments and feasibility studies.
• Employ experienced engineers and designers to ensure optimal system design.
• Regularly monitor and maintain the system to maximize performance.

7. Environmental Impact:

• Risk: Improper disposal of old equipment or hazardous materials during installation and maintenance.
• Mitigation:
• Follow environmental regulations for waste disposal and recycling.
• Implement eco-friendly practices, such as recycling PV panels at the end of their lifespan.
• Minimize disturbance to local ecosystems during construction.

8. Supply Chain Disruptions:

• Risk: Disruptions in the supply chain due to global events, such as pandemics or trade disputes, may impact equipment availability.
• Mitigation:
• Diversify suppliers to reduce reliance on a single source.
• Maintain good communication with suppliers to anticipate and address potential delays.
• Stockpile critical components when possible.

9. Theft and Vandalism:

• Risk: Solar panels and equipment may be vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
• Mitigation:
• Install security measures such as alarms and surveillance cameras.
• Choose installation sites with lower risk of theft or vandalism.
• Consider community engagement to increase awareness and security.

10. Changes in Solar Technology: - Risk: Rapid advancements in solar technology could lead to obsolescence or reduced efficiency of installed systems. - Mitigation: - Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends. - Plan for system upgrades or enhancements as needed. - Consider modular designs to facilitate technology updates.

Regularly reviewing and updating this risk assessment throughout the project's lifecycle is essential to address new risks that may arise and to ensure the ongoing success of the solar photovoltaic system installation.

Conclusion: A well-planned and executed photovoltaic project can provide long-term benefits in terms of renewable energy generation, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. This project plan outlines the essential steps to successfully design, install, and maintain a solar photovoltaic system.

How do I set up a project

 

Setting up a project can vary depending on the type of project you are working on. However, here are some general steps that you can follow to set up a project:

1.    Define the project scope and goals: Before starting any project, you need to clearly define what you want to achieve and what the project's purpose is. This will help you stay focused and ensure that the project is successful.

2.     Identify the resources needed: Once you have defined the project scope and goals, you need to identify the resources required to achieve those goals. This could include people, equipment, software, or other resources.

3.    Create a project plan: Develop a plan that outlines the tasks to be completed, the timeline for completion, and the responsibilities of each team member. The project plan should be detailed enough to provide direction, but flexible enough to accommodate changes as needed.

4.     Determine the budget: It's important to know how much the project will cost and where the funding will come from. This will help you stay within budget and ensure that the project is financially viable.

5.     Assemble the project team: Identify the people who will be working on the project and make sure everyone is clear on their roles and responsibilities. This will help ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

6.     Set up communication channels: Establish effective communication channels for the team to use to stay in touch with one another. This could include regular meetings, email, chat, or other communication tools.

7.     Implement the project plan: Once everything is in place, it's time to put the project plan into action. This involves completing the tasks outlined in the plan, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as needed.

By following these steps, you can set up a solid foundation for your project and increase the chances of success.

Project Title: Empowering Youth with Disabilities through Entrepreneurship (EYDE)

Project Summary: The Empowering Youth with Disabilities through Entrepreneurship (EYDE) project aims to promote the social and economic inclusion of youth with disabilities by providing them with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to funding. The project will be implemented through a partnership between the public and private sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies.

Project Objectives:

1.    To provide entrepreneurship training to 50 youth with disabilities aged 18-30 in the pilot phase, with the goal of helping them develop the skills and knowledge needed to start and run a successful business.
2.    To provide mentorship to the youth with disabilities during the pilot phase, connecting them with experienced entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and support as they develop their businesses.
3.    To provide access to funding for the youth with disabilities in the pilot phase, allowing them to secure the necessary capital to start or expand their businesses.
4.    To promote greater awareness of the potential of youth with disabilities to be successful entrepreneurs, and to help break down stereotypes and negative attitudes towards this population.

Project Activities:

1.    Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific challenges and barriers faced by youth with disabilities in starting and running a business.
2.    Develop an entrepreneurship training curriculum tailored to the needs of youth with disabilities, with input from stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
3.    Recruit and select 50 youth with disabilities aged 18-30 to participate in the pilot phase of the project.
4.    Provide entrepreneurship training to the youth with disabilities, using a combination of in-person and online learning methods.
5.    Connect the youth with disabilities with experienced entrepreneurs who can serve as mentors, offering guidance and support as the youth develop their businesses.
6.    Provide access to funding for the youth with disabilities in the pilot phase, through a combination of grants, loans, and crowdfunding campaigns.
7.    Monitor and evaluate the progress of the youth with disabilities, assessing the impact of the entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and funding on their businesses and their overall well-being.
8.    Promote the successes of the youth with disabilities, sharing their stories through social media, events, and other channels to help break down stereotypes and negative attitudes towards this population.

Project Outcomes:

1.    50 youth with disabilities will receive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to funding, improving their skills, knowledge, and access to capital.
2.    30 new businesses will be started by the youth with disabilities in the pilot phase, creating jobs and promoting economic development.
3.    Greater awareness of the potential of youth with disabilities to be successful entrepreneurs will be promoted, helping to break down stereotypes and negative attitudes towards this population.
4.    The public and private sectors will collaborate to support the social and economic inclusion of youth with disabilities, setting a precedent for future partnerships and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion.

Budget: The total budget for the EYDE project is estimated at $250,000, with funding from both public and private sources. This includes costs associated with developing the entrepreneurship training curriculum, providing mentorship and funding to the youth with disabilities, and monitoring and evaluating the project outcomes. The project will be implemented over a period of 12 months, with the option to extend the pilot phase based on the evaluation results.

Conclusion: The EYDE project offers a unique opportunity to promote the social and economic inclusion of youth with disabilities through a collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors. By providing entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to funding, the project aims to empower youth with disabilities to start and run successful businesses, creating jobs and promoting economic development while also challenging negative attitudes towards this population. With careful planning and implementation, the EYDE project has the potential to set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of marginalized groups through active approaches. By demonstrating the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in promoting entrepreneurship among youth with disabilities, the project can inspire similar collaborations in other areas of inclusion.


Zoran Dimitrov