Semi-Annual Report #13: Economic Security Project

The report highlights the project's progress in supporting businesses and youth in Serbia. Business Support Activities The project's business support activities focused on strengthening business skills, preparing businesses to export, and expanding sales and entering new markets. Trainings were conducted to enhance business skills, with a total of 120 participants attending sessions on computer-driven resource planning, international standards, and new marketing materials. Additionally, 15 businesses participated in trade fairs and trade missions, resulting in new market entries and increased sales. Implementation of business support activities was divided into three main areas: trainings, technical assistance, and expanding sales and entering new markets. Trainings included computer-driven resource planning, international standards, and new marketing materials. Technical assistance focused on preparing businesses to export, with a focus on computer-driven resource planning, international standards, and halal certification. Expanding sales and entering new markets involved trade fairs and trade missions, which resulted in new market entries and increased sales. The project's business support activities had a significant impact on businesses in Serbia. New market entries were made, and sales data analysis revealed a significant increase in export sales and jobs. The project's business support activities also contributed to the development of modern business skills among youth entrepreneurs. Youth Support Activities The project's youth support activities focused on supporting youth entrepreneurship through youth offices and supporting youth entrepreneurs. The project established partnerships with several organizations, including the State University in Novi Pazar Career Center, Presevo High School, and the Economic Faculty, University of Subotica. Implementation of youth support activities was divided into three main areas: support of youth entrepreneurship through youth offices, support to youth entrepreneurs, and strategic partnerships. Support of youth entrepreneurship through youth offices involved training youth entrepreneurs and implementing Youth Entrepreneurship Action Plans (YEAP). Support to youth entrepreneurs focused on developing modern business skills, improving marketing materials, labeling, and packaging, and accessing start-up capital funds. Strategic partnerships were established with several organizations to support youth entrepreneurship. The project's youth support activities had a significant impact on youth entrepreneurship in Serbia. The project's support of youth entrepreneurship through youth offices resulted in the establishment of several youth entrepreneurship centers. The project's support to youth entrepreneurs contributed to the development of modern business skills and increased access to start-up capital funds. The project's strategic partnerships also contributed to the development of youth entrepreneurship in Serbia. Overall, the Economic Security Project Semi-Annual Report #13 highlights the project's progress in supporting businesses and youth in Serbia. The project's business support activities had a significant impact on businesses in Serbia, resulting in new market entries and increased sales. The project's youth support activities also had a significant impact on youth entrepreneurship in Serbia, contributing to the development of modern business skills and increased access to start-up capital funds.