Young entrepreneurs in northern Albania win grants to kick-start their businesses
She had secured free office space for four months from a family friend, but simply didn't have the money to buy the necessary equipment for her planned business.
Then she learned from the local television of a competition offering financial support of up to 800 euros for the best business ideas outlined by young entrepreneurs in the north of the country. She entered - and was delighted to become one of the 44 winners.
Creating more jobs in poor regions
The competition, which has given Lindita and her peers from the regions of Shkodra, Kukës and Peshkopi a chance to start or further develop their own businesses, is part of an OSCE-supported project to boost economic development by creating more jobs in northern Albania, the country's poorest region.
The initiative, which was also supported by the Economic Development Programme of the German Association for Technical Co-operation (GTZ) and the Dibër Vision Programme, was highly publicized in the northern regions as a great opportunity for young people to obtain some much-needed financial aid to run a business.
"More than anything else, what made me decide to start a business was my desire to escape the walls of my house," says Lindita shyly.
Help for women entrepreneurs
The competition was important for all young entrepreneurs in the region, and especially for young women from Albania's rural areas like Lindita. Out of the 44 winners, 32 were female, 13 of whom come from Shkodra alone.
The joint project made grants totalling up to 40,000 euros available to the winners. The money will enable them to launch or expand a range of businesses including electrical, mechanical, computer and veterinary services, tailors, hairdressing and production of traditional food.
The winners were chosen with the direct assistance of consultants from GTZ. The Association's Director in Albania, Ismail Beka, points out that the administration of the grants will be closely monitored by his organization.
Training for all participants
"All the participants received guidance on how to outline their business ideas for the competition, and the winners will continue to receive training in the future," he says, adding that the project will be extended to other areas of the country.
Lindita is optimistic when asked about the prospects for her shop. "I have an advantage with the location of my store, because it is close to the University of Shkodra and the local property registration office.
"Thanks to the training I have received from GTZ and the OSCE on how to run a business, I believe my shop will be successful," she says.
Ledia Muço, the Presence in Albania's National Economic and Environment Officer, says that the OSCE would be very interested in supporting similar initiatives by local or international organizations in the future.
"Projects like this help to achieve the aim of boosting development in Albania's poorest regions and integrating the most vulnerable groups of the society," she says.
Co-operation on all levels
The initiative, an example of co-operation among donors and institutions both on the local and national level, also received the blessing of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy and the National Employment Service. Its implementation was supported by local government bodies in the targeted regions.
It followed a series of training seminars designed to enhance entrepreneurship among young people that the Presence organized in 12 regions in the country during 2003-2005.
Lindita, meanwhile, has the support of her family and the people in her village, many of whom want her to train them in computer skills so they do not have to travel to the city.
And she is already thinking about the future: "Firstly, I would like to gain some experience, make some money and then plan something bigger," she says.