MACEDONIA: Entrepreneurship in Macedonia has Perspective

Even in a period of crisis, young people have ideas, desire and willingness to run a business. This is good, positive and shows that there is perspective and ambition for development of entrepreneurship in Macedonia, Economy Minister Fatmir Besimi said Wednesday after visiting the PSM Incubator.

The PSM Incubator, Besimi stated, is an excellent example and manner to promote business and competitiveness.

The PSM Incubator successfully functions since its establishment. 30 firms, employing young people aged between 18 and 28, function in it. Despite affirming the spirit of entrepreneurship, it also support projects from conception till complete realisation, said Minister Besimi.

The Ministry of Economy continuously backs entrepreneurship. Euro 100.000 are envisaged for it this year.

For business development the state provides other types of support apart from direct support via various programs. The Ministers noted that this was very important taking into consideration that 90% of the total number of employees were in small and medium enterprises.

Formed two years ago, the PSM (Youth Entrepreneurial Service) Incubator so far has enabled 34 businesses to be launched that employ 90 young people. The main focus is in information technology, although there's great interest in opening business in the field of trade.

The incubator offers trainings for opening new businesses, premises, consultant services, promotion, contacts with business partners, financial assistance, etc.
The incubation process last for two years and its goal is young people to remain in Macedonia.

Source: www.vlada.mk