Location: Municipality of Berat
Implementation period: July 2022 – April 2024
Funding: Swisscontact
Total Budget: €10,454
Implementing partners: N/A
Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, with the support of Swisscontact, implemented the Kickstart project elements “identifying the target group and providing the business mentoring service for this target group” in the Municipality of Berat. The initiative strengthened the capacities of local micro-businesses — both new and existing — by providing tailored business mentoring and financial education to promote sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
The project enhanced the financial literacy, management skills, and access to finance of entrepreneurs in Berat, while fostering collaboration with banking and microfinance institutions to support inclusive local economic development.
Key results:
- 60 micro-businesses in Berat benefited from individual and group mentoring sessions.
- 22 participants were women entrepreneurs active in fields such as hairdressing, hospitality, tourism, graphic design, and social services.
- Monthly on-site mentoring sessions and thematic workshops were organized on topics including financial management, access to credit, human resources, and digital marketing.
- One full-time mentor accompanied participants through structured business development stages, helping them translate advice into practical improvements.
- Strengthened cooperation with local financial institutions to facilitate access to credit for small entrepreneurs.
Success stories:
- Antonel Hoco, owner of a small guesthouse, expanded his business to include a profitable restaurant.
- Kristian Kondi, a young tourism entrepreneur, increased his revenues by improving his restaurant’s financial management.
- Skerdi Kokoshi, a barber, modernized his business with new equipment and design, creating additional employment.
- Olsi Kalemi, owner of a second-hand clothing shop, adopted online selling and social media marketing strategies that led to significant business growth.
The Kickstart project enhanced the sustainability and competitiveness of local micro-businesses in Berat, empowered women entrepreneurs, and fostered a more resilient and inclusive local economy.
