Young Entrepreneurs from the Western Balkans Embark on a Journey to Change the Future 

March 11–13, 2025, marked an exciting milestone for 12 bright and ambitious teams from the Western Balkans, as they came together in a dynamic online bootcamp focused on social entrepreneurship, marketing, and intercultural collaboration. 

Supported by Local Incubators: Balkan Green Foundation (Kosovo), Smart Kolektiv (Serbia), IECT Tehnopolis (Montenegro), Nesto Vise (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ARNO (North Macedonia), and Yunus Social Business Balkan (Albania), two teams from each country joined this empowering three-day program, fueled by innovation and a shared drive to make a positive impact in their communities. 

The bootcamp served as an intensive preparation for the incubation phase, where each team will receive further mentorship and support to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.  

Meet the Teams: Stories of Purpose and Innovation 

In a series of short interviews, we got to know the entrepreneurs behind the ideas. Here’s a glimpse into their visions: 

Kosovo*

LEARN 4 ALL

Arsa from Gjakova/Đakovica and Mirlinda from Podujeva/Podujevo – two young women making education more inclusive. Their project gives all students access to resources adapted to different needs, styles, and languages – even covering topics like climate change.

ALTERNATIVE TOURS

Diona from Gjakova/Đakovica and her team are reimagining tourism in Kosovo through Alternative Tours and Critical Cultural Exchange, blending art, storytelling, and sustainability to offer visitors meaningful connections with hidden heritage.

NORTH MACEDONIA

HORIZON

Slavko’s project Horizon blends education and entertainment through an innovative multimedia platform, offering affordable access and equal opportunities while reshaping the educational landscape across the region.

INCLUSIVE VOICES

Inclusive Voices from North Macedonia is a radio program that amplifies the stories of people with disabilities, fostering dialogue, breaking stereotypes, and building a more inclusive society.

ALBANIA

BUSY BEES AFTER SCHOOL

Suejd and Irisa’s project, Busy Bees After Schoo,l provides children with academic support, creative learning, and a safe space to thrive beyond the classroom.

VLORA FOOD DELIVERY

Mikaljeno and Enes are launching Vlora’s first online food delivery app, combining convenience with social impact by creating jobs for Roma youth and families facing economic challenges.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

OSMIJEH ZA SVE

Ema and Emina from Sarajevo lead Osmijeh za sve, a toy rental initiative that brings joy to children while reducing consumerism, saving resources, and protecting the environment.

API KOMORA

Mladen and Suzana from Banja Luka created Api Komora, a bee therapy room that uses the natural power of beehives to support immunity, respiratory health, and overall wellness while reconnecting people with nature.

SERBIA

DIGITAL AND STEM EDUCATION

DigiLand STEM edukativni prostor bridges the digital divide by combining English learning with digital skills, empowering children from rural and underserved areas to thrive in the digital age.

CAREER LAUNCH

Career Launch is a platform connecting users with career counselors and HR experts, providing guidance and resources to explore, develop, or reinvent their career paths.

MONTENEGRO

SALVAGE

Marko from Montenegro leads Salvage, a project that transforms used coffee grounds into unique, eco-friendly souvenirs, combining sustainability with creativity.

ECO FIBER

Eco Fiber transforms plastic waste into eco-friendly wool, turning a bold idea into a sustainable solution that tackles pollution and promotes a circular economy.

LOOKING AHEAD

These young changemakers are just beginning their entrepreneurial journeys, but their ideas hold the potential to drive real change across the region. With the tools, mentorship, and regional network gained from the bootcamp, the next chapter of their ventures is already unfolding.

Stay tuned as we follow their incubation phase, and witness how a new generation of entrepreneurs is shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative Balkans.

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