Skopje - Today in Stip, USAID launched its new Micro and Small Enterprises Project for the East Region.  The project supports the growth of entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprises through exchange of experience, consultancy, export support and investments. 

“The USAID Micro and Small Enterprises Project is a unique opportunity to receive training and practical knowledge, business support services, and financial capital in the most suitable form, all aimed at stimulating higher rates of growth and job creation in the micro and small enterprises sector,” said Joseph Lessard, USAID Economic Growth Office Director. 
This new project will be implemented by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) Macedonia, which has provided management trainings and entrepreneurial programs for the past five years.  The new project is designed specifically for micro and small business entrepreneurs who have a high potential for growth.  The project will be implemented in five regions:  Skopje, Polog, Eastern Macedonia, Vardar and South East region. 

USAID is proud to partner with CEED Macedonia.  USAID worldwide is increasing funding to local organizations to build their capacity and ensure their sustainability over the long term.  USAID Macedonia has, in fact, increased the amount going to Macedonian NGOs from $700,000 in fiscal year 2010 to $3.4 million in fiscal year 2011.  We plan to continue increasing this amount over the next few years.   

NOTES TO EDITORS:   

CEED Macedonia is part of the international network of entrepreneurial centers with offices in Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Slovenia, Romania, Montenegro, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia and USA. CEED has a provided 128 management trainings in 21 different entrepreneurial programs over the past five years. In addition, some 15 companies from Macedonia have used the services of the Market Access Center in Kosovo.  Find out more at www.ceed-macedonia.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 or visit the Facebook profile http://www.facebook.com/#!/USAIDMacedonia.