Small and Powerful – Women and Small Business Empowerment Program

Donor: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Implementation Period: November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2026
Beneficiaries: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurs, mayors of municipalities, and female local government leaders

The "Small and Powerful – Women and Small Business Empowerment Program” is a project implemented by NALED to empower local political leaders and women entrepreneurs in Serbia. The primary goal of the project is to create a sustainable impact by providing resources and support to women, enabling them to advance their businesses and contribute to a more inclusive economy.

Women-led SMEs will be supported through the establishment of a Small Business Council and a Permanent Women’s Committee, various thematic training sessions to improve their business operations, and grant awards.

At the local level, the project will empower female mayors to develop action plans that create favorable business environments and foster inclusive and efficient operations.

A special focus will be placed on connecting, networking, and creating advocacy initiatives for long-term reforms.

Project Components

1. Empowerment of Women-Owned SMEs
2. Empowerment of Female Mayors and Local Leaders
3. Strengthening Networking and Advocacy Initiatives, connecting leaders at the local, national, and regional levels

Objectives

The overarching objectives of the “Small and Powerful – Women and Small Businesses Empowerment Program” are to promote the economic and political empowerment of female leaders and entrepreneurs in Serbia.

• Economic Empowerment: Supporting women-led SMEs by addressing barriers to digital transformation, innovation, access to financial resources, and improving cybersecurity.
• Political Empowerment: Enabling female leaders in local governments to participate more actively in decision-making processes and develop local action plans.
• Networking and Advocacy: Strengthening networks of women leaders and entrepreneurs through joint events, policy improvement recommendations, and collaboration platforms, including the Small Business Council and Women’s Committee.

Expected Outcomes

• Economic Impact
  By addressing the digital and financial needs of women-led businesses, the project will contribute to their sustainable growth, innovation, and enhanced competitiveness.
• Political Impact
  Through its activities, the project will equip local government leaders with mechanisms and resources to strengthen their positions among local business communities and implement business environment reforms.
• Sustainability and Networking
  By establishing strong networks and institutionalizing policy implementation changes, the program will ensure continuous support for its beneficiaries. Female leaders and entrepreneurs will develop regional and international networks, further enhancing their positions within their local communities.