The first application of the SIEM mechanism: selected projects to support women entrepreneurship

Within the framework of the project “European Small Business Act as a framework of SME strategies and policies in BiH – SBA in BiH”, the SIEM mechanism was applied for the first time. The SIEM mechanism is being developed and used to improve implementation of strategies and plans focused on SMEs. The first application was implemented in intensive cooperation with the RS Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship, as one of the main partners of the project. It is about awarding two grants to support women entrepreneurship.

In total, 25 applications were submitted for the public call for women entrepreneurship support, and after evaluation by the commission consisting of representatives of the RS Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship and Eda, two projects were selected. These are projects “Support to Entrepreneurship of Women of Republika Srpska” (submitted by the RS Chamber of Commerce, Banja Luka) and the project “An Ethno Entrepreneur” (submitted by the Humanitarian Association of Women “Duga”, Banja Luka). The total value of these two projects is KM 105,347.26 KM, with the grant amount of KM 79,997.26.

In the projects, there are planned activities that contribute to the institutional strengthening of women entrepreneurship, strengthening the competitiveness and cooperation of women in entrepreneurship, and their media promotion. Project interventions have been selected in accordance with the SME Development Strategy of Republika Srpska for the period 2016-2020 and the European Small Business Act.

The project “European Small Business Act as a framework of SME strategies and policies in BiH – SBA in BiH” is financed by Sida through the Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina.