The business acceleration programme “Start your business adventure in Makedonska Kamenica” including the full training programme and financial support, is a pilot activity as, part of the project “Sustainable Development for Makedonska Kamenica” by the Sasa mine. The programme includes an intensive training program that supports individuals, newly founded companies and existing micro companies in fast-tracking their ideas into successful businesses, through mentorship, education, and networking and, financial support in a form of a pre-seed and seed financing. We’re looking for hardworking, reliable, and passionate individuals to join us. We value people who are committed to excellence, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and thrive in a collaborative environment. Our ideal candidates are proactive problem-solvers, adaptable to change, and eager to contribute to the success of both the company and the local community. If you’re ready to grow your career in an advanced, supportive workplace, we want to hear from you!
The programme aims at local economic development of the municipality within the following strategic goals:
- Support skills upgrade, entrepreneurship and support for SMEs in the Municipality
- Develop selective forms of sustainable tourism
- Stimulate sustainable agricultural development
1. WHAT WE OFFER?
The acceleration programme offers complimentary training and mentoring tailored for individuals and entrepreneurs from Makedonska Kamenica. It’s primary objective is to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills, thereby facilitating the establishment of sustainable businesses to foster economic growth in the region. Participants will receive comprehensive training in business and financial planning, along with guidance on accessing finance and effective marketing strategies.
After completing the training, tailored individual mentoring sessions with experts will be provided based on participants’ specific needs and preferences, followed by a business plan competition, offering participants the opportunity to compete for a financial award of up to 20,000 EUR. The Grant programme will enable individuals, companies, and NGOs to start a new venture or expand their resources, hire employees, and scale their operations faster than they might be able to do solely with their own funds.
2. STRUCTURE OF THE ACCELERATION PROGRAMME
3. TIME PLAN
The acceleration programme, including the training program and financing and implementation of the projects, will be implemented from December 2024 till December 2025.
4. WHO CAN APPLY?
- Individuals, teams, and newly established companies (startups)
- 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, Kosevic, Mostica, Dulica, Sasa, Cera and the town Makedonska Kamenica.
5. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF GRANT BENEFICIARIES
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
6. HOW TO APPLY?
All interested applicants should fill an online application by January 24, 2025 latest.
For more information you can download the Application guideline.
Contact person:
Ana Pavlova
a.pavlova@sasa.com.mk
+389 71 334 922
