Deadline: September 30, 2025
The Economic Inclusion and Justice for Women (EWI) project aims to empower women in the Western Balkans and strengthen their economic rights.
The focus areas of the program include the development and promotion of sustainable businesses run by women, increasing the employability of women through vocational training, improving institutional and social conditions for women’s entrepreneurship, and strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders for gender-sensitive policies.
The public call is open to women who have a business idea and want to register their own business or improve an existing business in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, West Herzegovina Canton, and specific municipalities including Gornji Vakuf – Uskoplje, Bugojno, Trebinje, Ljubinje, and Bileća. Women over 18 years of age with a business idea or an existing business in manufacturing, services, or agriculture are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to women from marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities, long-term unemployed women, members of national minorities, single mothers, young women under 30, women aged 50+, and women from rural areas.
Participants will receive support in creating a business idea for new businesses or improving existing businesses. A comprehensive training cycle, either “Start your own business” or “Improve your business,” will be organized, combining theoretical and practical components. Participants will develop a business plan during the training and receive all necessary teaching materials.
After completing the training, an expert committee will evaluate business ideas and plans to provide financial and advisory support. New businesses can receive a grant of EUR 2,500 for basic working capital, while existing businesses may receive EUR 5,000 for the purchase of essential resources. Additional mentorship will focus on areas such as marketing, human resource management, procurement, pricing strategies, market positioning, institutional networking, and promotion. Equipment purchase restrictions apply, including no second-hand machinery, livestock, or trading equipment.
The application process involves completing an online application form or submitting it at partner organization offices, participating in training, and receiving mentoring support. Final selection and contract signing will be conducted for candidates who actively participate in the training sessions. Info sessions will be held in various local communities to provide further guidance. The application deadline is September 30, 2025, at midnight.
For more information, visit CARE Balkans.
