Belgrade, March 17, 2022 – Together with our longtime associate and business expert Sonja Dakić, over 20 young participants from 10 selected teams of the Program for sustainable ideas worked today on the analysis and development of their business models that are based on innovative ideas that address social and environmental challenges.

Through joint work, discussions and expert advice, using the Business Canvas tool, participants defined their product/service, customer, distribution channels and what makes them unique on the market. They also mapped important partnerships and specified key activities and necessary resources, as well as the financial basis of the business. The program is aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs, whose enterprises are in the start-up phase and who are developing sustainable solutions to social problems. For 4 months, the companies will work together with a team of experienced business mentors and experts to acquire knowledge and skills that will help them improve their business idea. This was the second of a series of six workshops that will be organized until June

The Program for Sustainable Ideas is being implemented with the support of the US Embassy in Belgrade and is part of the five-year strategy and program of the Smart Impact Fund – Fund for the Development of Sustainable Economy. The Fund strives to provide long-term professional and financial support to social enterprises in various stages of development and thus contribute to the development of an economy with positive social impact. By 2024, the program will invest about half a million euros in initiatives and companies that contribute to sustainable and positive changes in their communities.

The Smart Impact Fund program is implemented with the support of EFSE Entrepreneurship Academy – EFSE Entrepreneurship Academy and EVPA – European Venture Philanthropy Association. The Fund for the Development of Sustainable Economy has been launched by Smart Kolektiv with the support of the Framework for Giving Project, funded by United States Agency for International Development USAID and implemented by the Coalition for Giving, led by the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation.