March 28, 2014 in Tetovo, the USAID Small Business Expansion Project together with Ecolog, an international integrated services company, launched the Support Fund for Women and Youth Entrepreneurs. Each partner has contributed $15,000 to establish the fund, which will help small businesses increase their capacities, create more jobs, and improve livelihoods and lives in the Polog region.

“An investment in the Support Fund for Women and Youth-run Businesses is an investment in the people of Polog, and it benefits all the people of the region,” said U.S. Ambassador Paul Wohlers. He added, “I strongly urge other businesses to follow Ecolog’s lead with a contribution to the Support Fund for Women and Youth-run Businesses.”

Research indicates that societies with greater gender equality experience faster economic growth. Both the public and private sectors benefit when women are able to fully participate in the economy. Over the past year the USAID Small Business Expansion Project has helped a number of women entrepreneurs in the Polog region by awarding grants to women-led businesses with a high potential for growth. With USAID support, grantees doubled their production capacities and collectively created 33 new jobs in the process. The Support Fund will extend these efforts to include young entrepreneurs as it continues to boost local economies and transform lives.

An advisory board of local businesswomen and government representatives will nominate businesses for funding support. USAID encourages investors and eligible entrepreneurs to contact the Fund’s advisory board at: office@zlrr.org.mk