From ideas to real business success stories: Grants awarded to four new local businesses
On 21 April 2026, the Sasa Foundation signed grant agreements for the co financing of four innovative business projects participating in the Acceleration Programme “Start Your Business Adventure in Makedonska Kamenica”, with a total value of up to EUR 50,000.
The Programme aims to support local entrepreneurs in starting or further developing their businesses, thereby directly contributing to local economic growth and the creation of new jobs.
SUPPORTED BUSINESS PROJECTS
The selected projects, chosen by an expert committee, are:
- Vila Kalimana Lake View – a project for the development of a new tourist complex near Lake Kalimanci.
- Fizio Aktiv – a project for the development and provision of organised tours and tourism servicesusing electric bicycles.
- Micro Greens – a project for the production of organic agricultural crops.
- Osogovski Plod – a project for the collection and processing of natural forest products.
These business projects fall within sectors identified as priorities by the community through previously organised workshops and demonstrate strong potential for sustainable development, particularly in tourism and agriculture.
FROM IDEA TO BUSINESS
A total of 18 applicants responded to the public call, of which 16 developed business plans in the final phase. In addition to financial support, all participants received:
- Practical training
- Mentorship support
- Knowledge and skills for business development and implementation
In the coming period, the selected projects will enter the implementation phase with continued professional support.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND THE FUTURE
“With this Programme, we are not only investing in business ideas, but also in people and in the future of Makedonska Kamenica. Our goal is to create sustainable businesses that generate new jobs and long term value for the community” – Management Board of the Sasa Foundation
PART OF A BROADER DEVELOPMENT VISION
The Acceleration Programme is part of the broader initiatives of Sasa mine and the Sasa Foundation, aimed at:
- Strengthening the local economy;
- Fostering an entrepreneurial culture and
- Improving the quality of life in the community.
The acceleration programme, including the training programme and financing and implementation of the projects, will be implemented from February 2025 till December 2025.
- Individuals and teams
- Micro and small companies (up to 100,000 in annual turnover in the previous fiscal year)
- NGOs – minimum one year of existence prior to applying for grant funding
Priority areas: business ideas in the following areas will have priority.
- Tourism development: active, rural, historical and cultural heritage
- Agriculture development
* For strategic priority details, please see the Application guideline
Eligible project location: The economic activity proposed by the applicants must take place in the Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica and its surrounding area. Municipality of Makedonska Kamenica includes: Todorovci, Lukovica, Kostin Dol, Kosevica, Mostica, Dulica, Sasa, Cera and the town Makedonska Kamenica.
Applicants that successfully complete the acceleration programme and comply with the grant criteria, will qualify for the opportunity to apply for grant financing:
- The total available funding amount in the pilot round is 50,000 Euros.
- The minimum requested amount for financing is 5,000 Euros and the maximum requested amount for financing is 20,000 Euros.
- Mandatory co-financing: 20% of the requested grant
Contact person:
Ana Pavlova
a.pavlova@sasa.com.mk
+389 71 334 922
