On 26 November 2019 a 6.4 magnitude quake struck just before 4 a.m., 34 kilometers northwest of Tirana, Albania’s capital. Consequently, 51 people were killed, and government sources indicate about 2,000 injured. There are reports of severe damage to social infrastructure, and several buildings have collapsed in Thumane and Durres, the two towns highly affected by the earthquake and the numerous daily aftershocks since then, with several people trapped inside in the immediate aftermath.

While main efforts of the government and other actors are concentrated to respond to the livelihood crisis (housing, reconstruction of damaged/destroyed households), UNDP has deployed a response machnisms for supporting the recovery of the micro and small enterprises.  The “In Motion methodology” represents a useful tool to stabilize the economic conditions of the affected business, through the strengthening of business capacities, increasing their competitiveness and improving business infrastructure.

This booklet tells the story of 15 owners of affected micro-enterprises, who have directly benefited technical and financial support, from February to September 2020. The program has facilitated the reopening of these micro-enterprises, improving owners’ entrepreneurial skills, providing grants for the purchase of new equipment and helping owners’ re-create their commercial image.