08.07.2024

The Minister for Communities and Returns, Nenad Rašić, paid a significant visit to three beneficiaries of grants supported by the Ministry for Communities and Returns. These grants were awarded as part of the "Public Call for Strengthening Communities through Support for Small and Medium Enterprises", implemented during the period of 2023/2024. The visit of Minister  Rašić was aimed at evaluating the progress of these businesses and the support that the grants have given in their development and growth.

Nikola Daniq: Owner of the Photocopy Shop

Nikola Danić, one of the grant recipients, is the owner of a photocopy shop in a small community. With the financial support received, he has managed to modernize his equipment and improve the services he offers. In the meeting with Minister Rašić , Danić expressed the hope that in the future he will have the opportunity to expand his work and hire 2-3 new workers to better serve his clients.

Minister Rašić congratulated him on the progress and encouraged the continuation of efforts for further business development. He emphasized that the grantees will have the right to reapply  after two years if they need to expand their business, ensuring that the ministry's support will continue to help the economic growth of the community.

Marko Mladenovic: Owner of Api Room for Respiratory Treatment

Another beneficiary of the grants was Marko Mladenovic, who has opened an Api room for respiratory treatment. This room uses bee products to help patients with breathing problems, an innovative and natural method that has attracted a lot of interest.

"With the grant received, I have been able to create a suitable and well-equipped environment for our treatments. Our clients are very satisfied and have reported significant improvements in their respiratory health," he explained.

Minister Rašić expressed his appreciation for Mladenovic's initiative and pledged continued support. He emphasized the importance of innovation in the development of small and medium enterprises and their role in improving the quality of life in the community.

Vladimir  Janićijević:  Tire repair shop

Vladimir  Janićijević, another beneficiary of the grant, is a tire repair who has used the funds to facilitate his work and expand his business. With the grant received, he has managed to employ three workers and has plans for further expansion of his business.

In the conversation with Minister Rašić, Janićijević spoke about the benefits of financial assistance and his plans for the future. "The grant has enabled us to purchase new equipment and increase our capacity. Hiring three new workers has been a big step for us and we plan to expand further to provide better and faster services to our customers ," he said.

Minister Rašić expressed his support for Janićijević's efforts and pledged to continue supporting

Overall Program Benefits

Minister Rašić emphasized the importance of such programs for the economic development of communities and the improvement of the quality of life. He noted that last year, 269 projects related to economic development and newly formed and existing companies benefited from this process. In addition, agriculture has also been heavily financed, helping farmers and agricultural enterprises to improve their capacities and productivity.

In conclusion, Minister Rašić 's visit to the grantees was a demonstration of the commitment of the Ministry of Communities and Returns to support the development of small and medium enterprises and to improve the lives of the citizens of the communities. With continued support and concerted efforts, these enterprises have the potential to contribute to economic development and create new employment opportunities in their communities.