Today at Hub Skopje, in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week the USAID Micro and Small Enterprises Project (MSEP), co-funded by the Government of Switzerland, and implemented by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) Macedonia, awarded certificates to 34 young entrepreneurs who successfully completed the Hub's acceleration programs.

 

 Ambassador Jess Baily, Embassy of the United States in the Republic of Macedonia, noted in his remarks: “We have an impressive group of talented entrepreneurs with us today who represent a bright future of business in Macedonia and the region.  Your entrepreneurial spirit is what drives economic growth and will lead to sustainable incomes and new jobs in Macedonia.” “It is fitting that we celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week here at CEED’s HUB Skopje, as the United States Government through USAID has been partnering with CEED to promote entrepreneurship in Macedonia for over five years now.” “Often it is difficult to take the initial steps in entrepreneurial ventures.  It is difficult to develop a professional business plan, to gain access to funding, and to strengthen the skills and networks necessary for a competitive advantage.  We appreciate HUB Skopje’s work to make this process easier.”

 

Ambassador Sybille Suter Tejada, Swiss Embassy in the Republic of Macedonia stated in her remarks: " Today we also celebrate the Women entrepreneurship day. Only about 30% of the businesses in Macedonia are owned by women, and the majority of them are micro and small enterprises. Switzerland strongly supports women entrepreneurship, and I am glad that 58% of the participants of the acceleration program were women. I hope that in future we will have many more women entrepreneurs in Macedonia, and a great number of them will manage to develop the full potential of their business and expand it."

 

Hub Skopje is co-working space and accelerator, which provides access to an innovative and inspirational working environment to early phase entrepreneurs and companies, free-lancers, and individuals who would like to start their own businesses.

 

Launched by USAID in July 2011 and co-funded by the Government of Switzerland, the Micro and Small Enterprises Project (MSEP) is a five-year, $3,079,400 project that supports micro and small enterprises through training, networking and mentoring opportunities, consultancy services, export support, and access to an investment fund. Project activities are currently implemented in eight regions  covering the entire territory of Macedonia. CEED Macedonia is a USAID legacy institution and the implementer of MSEP.

 

NOTE TO EDITORS: 

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $580 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives, in partnership with the people of Macedonia, aim to improve the quality of life for all living in Macedonia. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia

 

CEED Macedonia is part of an international network of entrepreneurial centers with offices in 14 countries. Since its founding nine years ago, 1.691 entrepreneurs and managers from Macedonia have successfully completed the Center’s entrepreneurial programs. CEED conducts training in management, finance, marketing and middle management for owners and top managers of small and medium enterprises. Find out more at www.ceed-macedonia.org