USAID’s Marginalized Populations Support Activity, in cooperation with the Municipality of Osmaci secured 48,000 BAM for supporting the launch and development of businesses owned by marginalized women. Today, 4 selected entrepreneurs signed grant agreements at the Mayor’s office.

“I’m very grateful to USAID and the Marginalized Populations Support Activity for recognizing our efforts to improve the quality of life in our small municipality. I’m particularly pleased to see USAID present in small and rural communities, because this type of support benefits the local populations in more than one way, and I’m hoping we will continue this cooperation in other projects as well”, said Mr. Ljubo Petrović, Mayor of Osmaci Municipality.

Four new businesses mean jobs for four people, and the new entrepreneurs are all determined to create even more jobs. Osmaci will get their first 3D print shop, an ethnographic village will contribute to developing tourism, and one of the businesses will focus on cattle rearing and fattening. The fourth business will offer tire repair and other specialist services.

“I want to encourage all young and ambitious people with business ideas to take that first step and register their business, and work hard on making sure it thrives. I’m opening the first 3D shop in the area, and I plan to market and sell my products across BiH and beyond”, said Pavlina Spasojević, a young entrepreneur from Osmaci. She says the fact that her business will be the first of its kind in Osmaci gives her an edge on the market.

This support is intended for businesses owned by women with disabilities, mothers of persons with disabilities, women from rural areas, victims of violence and unemployed young women.

The funds are awarded through the Fund for Supporting Businesses Owned by Marginalized Women which was founded in the beginning of 2017, and has thus far supported over 200 businesses. The support provided by the Fund resulted in the launch of sustainable businesses that continue to grow, improving many household budgets and providing new jobs.

Creating the Fund, with joint forces of USAID/PPMG and partners, provided opportunities for sustainable development of entrepreneurship of marginalized women, by encouraging self-employment, improving and facilitating their participation in entrepreneurship, and creating new jobs.