Skopje - Today, 63 entrepreneurs, owners of small and micro businesses in Macedonia, will be recognized for successfully completing the Entrepreneurs Class implemented by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) Macedonia with support from the USAID Micro and Small Enterprises Project.

The Entrepreneurs Class is a four-month managerial program covering topics such as access to finance, business planning, sales and marketing, and incorporates networking sessions to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to establish new business contacts. Practicing what they learned, the participants have already created 36 new full-time jobs and 74 short-term positions, while 30 of them have introduced new business practices in their companies.
“The USAID Micro and Small Enterprises Project is a unique opportunity for new entrepreneurs to receive training and practical knowledge, business support services, and financial capital in the most suitable form without having to travel to Skopje all the time,” said U.S. Ambassador Paul D. Wohlers.

This event also celebrates CEED’s fifth anniversary in Macedonia, and the Center will also award certificates to the entrepreneurs and managers who participated in the other commercially-offered managerial programs.

NOTE TO EDITORS:   

CEED Macedonia is part of an international network of entrepreneurial centers with offices in 12 countries. CEED Macedonia has provided 164 management trainings in 21 different entrepreneurial programs over the past five years. In addition, some 18 companies from Macedonia have used the services of the Market Access Center in Kosovo.  Find out more at www.ceed-macedoni.org

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia.