The USAID Inclusive Economic Engagement Activity aims to help women-owned and minority-owned businesses become more resilient through tailored technical assistance and grants. One of the activities, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, aims to provide a tailored micro-entrepreneurship platform covering the entire business aid package.
A participant from the first edition of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Ylberinë Lushtaku, founder of Juliene Haute Couture, shares her experience from fashion enthusiast to creating her own startup. Because the bootcamp uses targeted training, Ylberinë saw this platform as an opportunity to benefit from tailored assistance in addressing start-ups’ unique challenges and empowering them to thrive. She gained essential skills and the resilience needed to navigate the competitive fashion landscape. Specifically, she states, “The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp has equipped me to confidently tackle the fashion industry’s obstacles.” Consequently, this initiative aims to foster inclusive economic growth and bolster women- and minority-owned businesses in Kosovo.
Ylberine’s remarks resonate with other young women who wish to pursue careers as entrepreneurs. Her story shows that by persevering, one can overcome diverse barriers faced along the way. In addition, her newfound success highlights the value of targeted training and its role in nurturing resilient businesses and inspiring future entrepreneurs in Kosovo.
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp’s impact reflects far beyond business success—it includes the importance of economic growth, demonstrating that targeted training can empower individuals to overcome barriers and create their own path. As Ylberinë’s story continues to inspire, the entrepreneurial horizon looks promising, as it awaits a new cohort of empowered and resilient business leaders trained by the USAID-funded Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.
