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FORUM ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE ROLE OF SMEs ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
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Young people of Republic of Kosovo should be supported by building entrepreneurial skills in order to foster the initiatives for establishing small and medium enterprises
 Prishtina, 17th of November, 2009, Business Support Centre in Kosovo (BSCK) has organized the forum “Entrepreneurship and the Role of SMEs on Economic Development” at Gagi Caffe, Prishtina. The goal of this forum was to present existing information and discuss on the challenges, problems, and the importance of entrepreneurship, especially SMEs, in Kosovo. This forum involved entrepreneurship lecturers and trainers, representatives of organizations and businesses which help on development of new ventures in Kosovo, experienced entrepreneurs, new entrepreneurs, and other young people who look forward to become entrepreneurs in near future.
Mr. Besnik Krasniqi, Director at BSCK, has emphasized that adequate planning and building human capacities are very important elements for young people who want to establish their businesses in Kosovo. Mr. Krasniqi, has explained the ongoing effort on upgrading the entrepreneurship modules lectured at the School of Entrepreneurship, which is organized by BSCK and supported by Foreign Ministry of Netherlands (FMN). So far, BSCK has helped 30 entrepreneurs to establish their businesses. Another 12 businesses are underway of being established. Young people living in Kosovo are able to gain entrepreneurial skills through trainings organized in Prishtina, Peja, Prizren, and Drenas. Moreover, they can benefit free consultancy hours, free business registration, access to micro-credits, and promotion of business to potential partners and investors. During the next year, BSCK will create an incubator which is supported by FMN and Municipality of Prishtina. This opportunity and other events such as “Breakfast with an Entrepreneur” will offer better conditions to new businesses to have a successful development.
Mr. Durim Hoxha, Consulting Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Development (CEBD), has delivered a presentation on the development of SMEs and the factors that impact development of entrepreneurs. Mr. Hoxha has explained the trend of types of businesses from 80’s onwards. During this period, SMEs are considered as more favorable enterprises because of the dynamic market and the frequent changes. In European Union, 67% of the working places are generated by SMEs. Mr. Hoxha has indicated that human capital, knowledge and innovative ideas are crucial factors which determine success and fast development of new enterprises.
Experienced entrepreneurs claimed that it is important to organize forums and social events which involve entrepreneurs, representatives of different institutions, job seekers, and other representatives of organizations which contribute to building human capacities. These events create more space to keep people informed regarding the opportunities that exist in the country where these businesses operate.
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