The RISE project has announced the launch of its 5th edition, welcoming 148 young entrepreneurs organized into 53 teams from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Supported by funding from l’Agence Française de Développement, the European Union, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), and the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO), these participants will develop their social business ideas to create positive changes in their communities.
A wave of ideas from the Western Balkans
The call for applications, launched in September, received a huge response from all over the region. After a careful selection process, 53 teams with strong motivation and innovative ideas were chosen. Their projects focus on important topics such as education, tech for good, sustainable development and culture.
Two examples serve to illustrate these themes: Eko Karton from Durres, Albania, which aims to collect and recycle used cardboard by creating a system for collection from businesses and individuals. This initiative seeks to reduce waste and environmental pollution while offering a sustainable solution for environmental protection. Another example is Mindful Young Leaders from Probishtip, North Macedonia, which focuses on empowering young people with mindfulness and leadership skills to create positive change in their communities.
RISE is committed to promoting gender equality and supporting ideas from areas beyond capital cities. This year, 59% of the entrepreneurs selected are women, and 52% of the proposed projects will be implemented in cities and communities outside the capitals of the Western Balkans.
What’s next for RISE Jouney 5
With the selection process complete, the programme now enters the Ideation Chapter. Local incubators (ARNO, Balkan Green Foundation, IEC Tehnopolis, NEŠTO VIŠE, Smart Kolektiv, Yunus Social Business Balkans) in the region will provide training, workshops, and mentoring to help participants turn their ideas into practical social business models. This phase will also encourage teamwork and cultural exchange.
A key moment will be the demonstration day, where each team will present their projects. Two outstanding teams from each incubator will receive financial grants, regional training opportunities, and further support to bring their ideas to life.
About RISE
This project is co-funded by the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union, Regional Youth Cooperation Office and the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ). RISE project is developed in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO),Pulse (Groupe SOS), PULSE Balkans, the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ), ARNO, Balkan Green Foundation, Nešto Više, Smart Kolektiv, IEC Tehnopolis and Yunus Social Business Balkans.