Small and micro enterprise support

The goal of this component is to support small and micro enterprises to enable them to increase and/or stabilize revenues and generate local employment opportunities. 

Through this component, small and micro enterprises are supported through grants, training and technical assistance. Business start-up and expansion grants are available to complement savings and other funds already mobilized by (will be) entrepreneurs.  The enterprises need to match the grant with a percentage amount required by project. Grants are provided for business development, specifically for purchase of machinery, tools, or specialized training but are not approved for new constructions or raw materials.

In order to be eligible to receive a grant, the entrepreneur should have the following characteristics:

•    Be a Kosovar citizen;
•    Be the legal owners of a SME (have no more than 20 employees) that is registered and in compliance with the national law;
•    If the enterprise has been in operation for more than a year, be up to date with tax payments;
•    Be able to prove that (i) the SME is presently operating, or that (ii) the business has the potential to be successful, most conditions are met to start operations (including needed permits) and receiving the support made available by CDF will enable operations to start without delay;
•    Signify their understanding that a personal contribution is required to obtain a matching grant.
•    Regularly attend training that is set mandatory by CDF unless the beneficiary has attended a similar training in the past.

Notwithstanding the above criteria, SMEs with the following characteristics and requests are not eligible:

o    Seasonal work;
o    Enterprises that apply for tools and equipment that automate their production line or substitute their existing equipments;
o    Present discriminatory traits or have a negative impact on the social cohesion of the community;
o    May generate negative impacts on the environment or on vulnerable groups;
o    Have an explicit political orientation or purpose;
o    Request support to purchase land or engage in heavy construction (light construction, like sheds, will be permitted if the construction is on the SME owner’s land or with the written consent of the land owner).