At a time when the number of those leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina in search of work abroad is growing rapidly, entrepreneurship is an increasingly common option for those who remain. Due to the sudden increase in the number of entrepreneurs in Bijeljina, the amount allocated for subsidies has been doubled. Almost 40 percent of them are women.
After catering facilities were closed at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Sandra Senić and her husband were left without income. This mother of three children then dared to start her own business and now employs three employees.
“The business is growing, we are trying to expand our services. When you work for yourself, it opens up various opportunities, if you are creative, you can show creativity, if you are ready to start new businesses, you are the only one to ask yourself. No one breaks your wings, you know what the job description is,” says the owner of the carpet center, Sandra Senić.
Out of the total number of entrepreneurs in Bijeljina, 40 percent are women, which makes this city one of the top in the country, but also in the surrounding area.
“It’s a lot of work, you have to work all the time, people think it’s easy, but it’s not and everyone has the opportunity. We decided because it’s the best way to employ yourself and support your family and work,” the owner points out. pancake house Vladana Runjevac.
Entrepreneurship in Bijeljina has experienced a real expansion since the coronavirus pandemic.
“For five years in a row, we have been monitoring an increased number of entrepreneurs, a greater number of registered than deregistered businesses. Female entrepreneurship is a trend in Europe and the developed Western world and is continuously developing,” said Milorad Stević from ZPU “Entrepreneur Bijeljina”.
As an additional support for entrepreneurs, this city has doubled the allocations for subsidies.
“In 2021, the budget was 200,000, that amount was increased by 100% so that this year we have 400,000 for public calls and we divided them into five public calls,” notes Marko Vlačić, director of the Development Agency of the City of Bijeljina.
Entrepreneurship is the key to reducing unemployment and the departure of people from these areas, experts say. However, in order to use the potential of entrepreneurship, greater allocations are necessary in all local communities.
