In Pirot, equipment for self-employment was delivered to 10 beneficiaries of the “Reintegrate II – further support for sustainable (re)Integration of returnees in Serbia” project.
In addition to the grants, beneficiaries also received mentorship support and counseling for more successful business operations. Furthermore, all beneficiaries expressed readiness to register their businesses in their applications. Beneficiaries will receive grants in the form of equipment, machinery, and tools worth more than 350,000 dinars each. The following occupations will be supported within the self-employment component:
- Hair and beauty salon (with elements of an educational center)
- Educational and linguistic center
- Carpentry workshop
- Online language school
- Holistic center – Healers Hands
- Teaching foreign languages, translation, and copywriting
- Beauty salon
- Photography studioProcessing and preparation of fruits and vegetables, soil preparation for their production
- Decoration and sale of flowers and balloons
The contribution to the development of these activities fosters diversity in service offerings within the community and contributes to economic growth. Investing in the local market represents a key initiative aimed at supporting economic development and social inclusion of more challenging employment groups. Small grants like these are particularly important as they allow flexibility in fund usage, adapting to the specific needs of each beneficiary. They contribute to a personalized approach to support and increase the chances of success in business.
The current results of the “Reintegrate II” project in Pirot include:
- Employment of 30 beneficiaries with 13 employers
- Allocation of 15 greenhouses in Pirot and the region
- Support for an additional 10 beneficiaries in the self-employment component
- Organization of training sessions for 26 beneficiaries in requalification and qualification
- Establishment of the Dobrosusedski Club Pirot
- Conducting over 197 workshops for more than 350 children and youth
- Holding two seminars aimed at strengthening local social services
- Issuing a public call for support for social initiatives in the territory of the city of Pirot
Through various project activities in Pirot, more than 400 beneficiaries will be supported to strengthen their economic and social status through packages of economic, psychosocial, and institutional support. In addition to supporting the employment of unemployed individuals from more challenging employment categories with established employers, support is planned through providing subsidies for self-employment, various business training sessions, requalification and qualification training, support for children and youth through inclusive workshops, as well as the development of institutional capacities in the field of social protection at the local level by supporting the development or enhancement of social services locally.
The total value of the project in Pirot amounts to 400,000.00 euros, and the project will run until April 31, 2025. Information about project activities, open calls, and more are available on the project website www.reintegracija.net, as well as on the website of the City of Pirot, partner organizations, and associations.
The project is led by the German organization ASB (Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund), with the implementing partner being the Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC) from Belgrade. The beneficiary districts in the project are the Pirot, Rasina, and Raška districts. In Pirot, the local partner is the Ternipe Association. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with the support and co-financing of the City of Pirot.