USAID’s Marginalized Populations Support Activity, in cooperation with the City of Gračanica secured 42,000 BAM for supporting the launch and development of businesses owned by marginalized women. A total of six new businesses will be registered, ranging from agriculture to production and services.

Although she has an opportunity to leave the country, Belkisa Alihodžić Dirckson wants to stay and build a future in her city. She is planning to launch a clothing, fashion accessory and souvenir brand. “Thanks to the support provided by USAID and the City of Gračanica, we can start our own business that I’m going to call “Dream Job”. I hope that managing my own business will allow me to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, said Belkisa, one of the future entrepreneurs in Gračanica.

Today’s contract signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Nihad Sinanović, Advisor to the Mayor on local development and finance said he was grateful to USAID’s Marginalized Populations Support Activity and that Gračanica has always supported the development of local entrepreneurship, as much as their budget allowed. He noted that joining funds means that grantees get stronger support. 

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. In addition to funding, Marginalized Populations Support Activity and local self-government units provide mentorship and administrative and technical support to the business owners for the first 12 months.

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.