Small and Powerful - From a Business Idea to an Enterprise that Transforms Local Communities
From sustainable tourism and local production to innovative products and the modernization of traditional crafts, women entrepreneurs across Serbia are demonstrating that small business ideas can grow into enterprises that drive the development of entire communities. Grant recipients of the Strong and Significant programme presented their business success stories on Fruška Gora, showcasing how investments in knowledge, equipment, and promotion can accelerate growth.
During 2025, five women entrepreneurs from Serbia received grants totaling £50,000 through the Strong and Significant programme, implemented by NALED with the support of the British Embassy in Serbia. The funding was used to enhance production processes, procure equipment, digitalize operations, and develop new products – ranging from eBike tourism tours and organic food to innovative products made from wood, metal, and natural ingredients.
The visit to Fruška Gora was opened by Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED, Tatjana Macura, Minister without Portfolio responsible for Gender Equality, and Edward Ferguson, British Ambassador to Serbia.
“Women entrepreneurs demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, creativity, and initiative needed to become self-employed, but they often require additional support and opportunities to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. More than 80 applications were submitted to the Strong and Significant grant call – an average of 16 applications per grant. This clearly shows that women’s entrepreneurship does not lack initiative; rather, it needs better conditions for business growth and development,” said Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED.
As part of the visit, an eBike tour across Fruška Gora was organized with Tatjana Anić, a Strong and Significant grant recipient and founder of the Explore Balkans initiative, which promotes sustainable tourism, active holidays, and the exploration of Serbia’s natural and cultural heritage. Tatjana used the grant funds to purchase five electric bicycles and supporting equipment, including helmets and GPS devices, enabling her to expand capacity for thematic tourism tours.
“Women’s entrepreneurship is one of the key areas strongly supported by the Office I lead, as the economic empowerment of women directly contributes to stronger families, local communities, and society as a whole. The Republic of Serbia continuously works to create an enabling environment in which women have equal opportunities to develop their ideas and establish and grow their businesses. The examples of entrepreneurs supported through the Strong and Significant programme demonstrate how knowledge, innovation, and perseverance among women serve as important drivers of sustainable development. We will continue supporting initiatives that facilitate women’s access to finance, education, and markets because we believe that investing in women means investing in a stronger and more prosperous Serbia,” emphasized Tatjana Macura.
The event also featured products developed by other grant recipients. Among them were products from the Eden Origin brand from Čačak, including a lavender liqueur and a newly launched lavender syrup, developed through investments in lavender cultivation and processing equipment, as well as digital marketing to strengthen the brand. The grant also enabled the modernization of production at Tain Bakery through the acquisition of a professional rotary oven, significantly improving both production capacity and product quality. In addition, the owner obtained certification for organic bread production, which is expected to commence in the near future.
Support also enabled Cherry Art Hub from Novi Sad to acquire a CNC machine, a 3D printer, and related material-processing equipment, establishing serial production of collections made from stainless steel, aluminium, and plywood while creating opportunities for digital sales and broader brand promotion. Studio Provansa from Vrbas invested the awarded funds in a dosing system and a pneumatic sealing machine, enabling the automation of packaging processes, while also strengthening its market presence through investments in digital marketing targeting both local and regional markets.
“The United Kingdom is proud to support initiatives that create opportunities for women to start, grow, and expand their businesses. Experience from around the world shows that when women are able to participate fully in economic life, entire communities benefit through increased employment, innovation, and prosperity,” said Edward Ferguson, British Ambassador to Serbia.
According to data from the Serbian Business Registers Agency, women own approximately 30% of sole proprietorships and companies in Serbia. Research also indicates that women more frequently face challenges in accessing finance, business networks, and growth support. This is why support programmes play an important role in creating equal opportunities for development and economic independence for women.
