Grant funds awarded for Start-up businesses – young people launching three new crafts

In order to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment of young people from Stari Grad, the Municipality of Stari Grad will finance three projects, i.e. business plans, with non-refundable funds for Start-up businesses, in the amount of five thousand KM each. The best projects submitted to the public call published in July this year, according to the selection of the Commission for awarding non-refundable funds for Start-up businesses, are: "Geodetic services and geodetic products 'GEOmap'" by Alija Žutić, "Zavrzlama Art studio" by Nadira Korjenić, and "Floor layer" by Haris Hajkurić.

In accordance with the Local Development Strategy of the Municipality of Stari Grad 2014-2018, the strategic priority related to increasing employment is the promotion of available co-financing programs for entrepreneurs for the purpose of employment and education of citizens for self-employment. The Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo has recognized the importance of these goals and continuously strives to improve the quality of life and the standard of living of its citizens through various co-financing support programs.

- Announcing the call for the selection of the best business plans and awarding non-refundable funds for Start-up businesses was our pilot project. The large number of interested parties showed us that this is a good way to influence the increase in employment, so in the coming years we will strive to plan more significant funds for such projects in the budget - said Selma Velić, head of the Sector for Local Development through which the entire procedure was carried out.

Haris Hajkurić is 34 years old, unemployed and registered at the employment bureau. With the approved funds, he intends to start a craft and engage in floor laying work. He says he does all construction work, but has the most experience in floor laying, and these funds will be useful for him to develop his business.

- I heard about the public call on the radio and thought it was a chance for me. I previously worked in private companies dealing with construction work and gained good experience. I decided to apply and now I intend to start a craft, use the knowledge I have gained, and work.

He adds that he will introduce himself to suppliers, invest in advertising, and has already contracted some jobs.

- I think one can do this job and live from their work, if they want to work. In the foreseeable future, if the business develops, I might even hire someone - said Hajkurić, full of hope that he will succeed with his work and grateful for the opportunity.

Young people up to 35 years of age, unemployed, residing in the municipality of Stari Grad, and with a business plan could apply for the public call, along with submitting a certified statement that upon approval of the business idea, they will register and develop their own business in the area of the Municipality of Stari Grad Sarajevo.