USAID’s Economic Security program has provided $20,000 of assistance to CELIK-U, a Presevo-based company that specializes in the production of windows and frames to provide part of the funds needed to purchase four machines that will complete and modernize the company’s production process.
The new equipment will increase the company’s production capacity, increase the quality of the products and enable the company to expand into new markets. USAID representatives from the Vranje filed office and Michael Pillsbury, Director of USAID’s Economic Security program, will join the ceremonial opening of the new production line in Presevo, on Monday, 22 December 2008.
CELIK-U is one of eight winners of the 2nd Round Business Plan Competition, launched by USAID’s Economic Security program in early 2008. The program conducted the business plan competition to identify promising businesses and to promote entrepreneurship in the area.
USAID’s Economic Security program works to promote economic growth in underdeveloped municipalities in southern and southwestern Serbia by working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and with Serbia’s youth to equip them with skill sets required to compete in a global economy. The business development activities supported by the program include: supporting trade show attendance and study tour participation; training in business skills, marketing, product design, and sales; assisting with international quality standards acquisition; and, creating market linkages at trades shows.