Economic Resilience Program

a group of people standing in a room

The Economic Resilience Program (ERP) aims to boost sustainable economic development in Kosovo by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Collaborating with local municipalities and stakeholders, ERP empowers youth, women, and entrepreneurs through tailored training and resources. Key methodologies include 'In Motion,' which revitalizes business models and enhances digital presence, and 'Growing Your Business (GYB),' focused on optimizing operations. The pilot programs have supported 20 businesses in Prizren and are now being implemented in Viti/Vitina with 20 additional businesses (12 In Motion and 8 GYB). As ERP expands to more municipalities, it fosters inclusive growth, climate resilience, and social inclusion, strengthening the overall economic landscape in Kosovo.

In Motion Methodology Implementation:

Support local MSMEs across Kosovo through the 'In Motion' methodology, focusing on revitalizing business models, enhancing digital presence, and strengthening commercial identity Activities:

- Provide tailored business support to MSMEs in various sectors.

- Deliver advisory services in areas such as marketing, branding, and operational efficiency.

- Enhance digital presence and customer engagement strategies to improve business competitiveness.

Growing Your Business (GYB) Methodology: 

Provide comprehensive support to local micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) through the ‘In Motion’ methodology. This includes enhancing business models, digital presence, and branding strategies to improve their competitiveness and appeal to tourists. Activites:

- Implement targeted support to improve business management practices and operational efficiencies.

- Strengthen marketing strategies, administrative controls, and financial management within MSMEs.

- Facilitate the integration of MSMEs into broader supply chains, boosting their competitiveness and sustainability.

Results up to date:

Growing Your Business (GYB) Methodology: 

We have successfully selected 8 diverse businesses from the municipality of Viti/Vitina for the GYB Programme, representing a range of industries, which enhances the program's appeal and impact. These businesses include goat cheese production, vegetable canning, furniture making, gastronomy, butchery, mushroom farming, pastry production, and farming. Consultants have begun providing tailored support to each company, following the GYB methodology, to address their specific needs and challenges, ensuring they can strengthen their roles within the supply chain.

In Motion Methodology:

We have successfully completed a pilot project with 20 businesses in Prizren, where 40% of the businesses were led by women. The selected businesses covered various industries, including handicrafts, retail, nuts, tailoring, gastronomy, and more. Additionally, some businesses from minority communities were included, ensuring a diverse and inclusive approach. The project had a significant impact by transforming how these businesses operate, enhancing their commercial image, and providing them with essential equipment.

Building on this success, we have now launched the program in Viti/Vitina, where 12 businesses have been selected. These include a hair salon, tailor, sweet shop, bakery, meat store, and others. Consultant has already started providing tailored consultancy services to these businesses.
 

 Economic Resilience Programme - ERP
BeneficiariesLocal businesses (MSMEs) across Kosovo, especially youth- and women-led enterprises, and businesses from non-majority communities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, processing, trade, and hospitality.
PartnersMunicipalities across Kosovo (Currently Prizren and Viti/Vitina).
Budget400,000 EUR
SDGs Addressed- No Poverty
- Gender Equality
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
1. Beneficiary Businesses Engaged40 businesses across Prizren and Viti/Vitina, supported under "In Motion" and "Growing with Your Business (GYB)" methodologies.
2. Training and EducationProviding training to entrepreneurs ensures equitable access to quality education.
3. Access to FinanceBoosting entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth with improved access to finance.
4. Employment Impact126 employees across supported businesses.
5. Women’s Employment59 women employed by businesses benefiting from the programme, promoting gender equality.
6. Women-Owned Businesses45% of the businesses supported are owned by women.
7. Non-majority Communities25% of the businesses are led by non-majority communities in Prizren.
8. Youth EmploymentPromoting employment for young people, addressing youth unemployment and economic inclusion.
9. Sectoral GrowthEnhancing productivity in manufacturing, fostering industrial growth.
10. Market ExpansionExpanding markets for MSMEs, encouraging trade and economic diversification.
11. Innovation & InfrastructureAccess to new markets encourages innovation and the use of infrastructure.

 

StatusActive
Time FrameFebruary 2024 – December 2026
WhereKosovo-wide (Initiated in municipalities of Prizren and Viti/Vitina)
Focus Area- Sustainable Economic Development 
- Private Sector Growth 
- MSME Support and Development 
- Gender Equality and Inclusion 
- Climate Change Resilience
Beneficiaries- Local businesses (MSMEs) across Kosovo 
- Youth and women throughout Kosovo 
- Entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing, and processing
Partners- Municipalities across Kosovo 
- UNDP
Donor(s)- Municipality of Prizren: 100,000 EUR 
- Municipality of Viti/Vitina: 100,000 EUR 
- UNDP: 100,000 EUR
Budget300,000 EUR
ContactAlban Kryeziu 
alban.kryeziu@undp.org 
Project Manager 
+38349788411