Expand economic opportunities in selected vulnerable areas, with special emphasis on at-risk people

SCOPES over-arching approach to private sector development in each municipality is market integration, that is, support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises designed to increase their access to new markets and improve their skills and ability to meet market demands and needs. The program works to support private sector and local economic growth through the enhancement of public/private partnership and development of appropriate strategies conducive to the growth of businesses that would create jobs for and improve the economic security of vulnerable populations.

 To increase access to economic opportunities and create jobs for targeted vulnerable populations the ES team will:

• Work with businesses, existing firms (SMEs) to help them grow and expand employment opportunity;

• Work with existing suppliers (micro-enterprises), i.e. associations or cooperatives that are already in the supply chains;

• Work with individuals and prospective entrepreneurs to improve their marketable skills enabling them to find jobs and provide for their family;

For firms and suppliers, Economic Security offers:

a) Investments/grants to help businesses respond to market opportunities;

b) Training in skills needed to succeed (business skills, financial management, advocacy, communication, marketing/promotion, etc);

c)  Technical assistance to improve production and operation processes (new product development, quality improvement, organizational assistance, co-op development); and

d) Assistance in creating and improving business linkages, assisting in promotion and identifying suppliers and buyers.

 
For individuals, Economic Security will offer:

a) Internships/Apprenticeships;

b) Vocational training;

c) A range of tailored skills training (business skills, job skills, technical skills- IT, industry standards, etc).

 
The Economic Security targets sub-sectors/value chains in each municipality

Economic Security program component first major activity is the launch of the  " Realize Your Dream" Business Plan Competition  open to existing companies and start-ups that present a sound business plan meeting the ES criteria and objectives. The competition was the first step at identifying business with opportunities and supporting their growth. Winners were eligible for a combination of grant, training, technical assistance and/or mentoring over a period from six to eighteen months. Business plan competition was implemented in seven initial municipalities: Kraljevo, Kursumlija, Presevo, Bujanovac, Medvedja, Novi Pazar and Prijepolje.  Criteria and guidelines

• To help businesses improve their business planning skills and support the Business Plan Competition the Economic    Security team organized a series of trainings for entrepreneurs with “winning concepts” in seven target municipalities.
• Forty-one winners of the Realize Your Dream” business plan competition was announced at the award ceremony.

Examples of business supported thought the Competition

• Euro-Cup regional rafting championships in Prijepolje

• How to “sell” tourist destinations and organize festivals, Prijepolje

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