About Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity
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USAID Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity
Community Development Fund is implementing the USAID-funded Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity, which is a five-year Activity aimed at empowering and reviving women- and minority-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Activity will increase economic opportunities and improve the resiliency of target MSMEs. Strengthening them will contribute to private sector growth and increased integration into the overall economy in Kosovo.
The USAID Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity aims to advance the targeted women and minority owned businesses through the following three mutually supportive objectives:
- Objective 1: Women owned, and minority owned businesses become more resilient through tailored technical assistance and grants.
- Objective 2: Women owned, and minority owned businesses integrate into Kosovo and regional markets through market linkages.
- Objective 3: Sustainable business partnerships among women owned businesses and minority owned businesses and association and other networks established.
The USAID Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity will support the targeted women – and minority – owned MSMEs to increase:
- Resiliency through grants/funding, technical assistance network development and improved operational efficiencies;
- Business integration into Kosovo and regional markets through market linkages;
- Create sustainable business partnerships and networks among women and minority owned
Expected results:
- Increased business acumen of up to 250 minority and women entrepreneurs through grants, technical assistance, and helpdesk services
- Up to 500 new jobs created
- 100% increase in sales of MSMEs receiving support from the IEEA in the first year after the grant award and an average of 20% sales growth in the following years
- At least 2,000 persons attend USG supported events and activities
- At least 200 businesses supported through at least 20 B2B events and market linkage activities
- Up to 250 businesses join sectoral associations, chambers of commerce, and the Business Women’s Club
- Up to 60 businesses trained on franchising and up to five franchise models are piloted by women and minority owned businesses
- Awareness raising through five annual campaigns conceptualized and implemented supporting at least 10 target businesses and up to 12 sectoral briefs per year published in selected sectors to increase coverage
