Digest

Volume 8, (April – June 2023)

Welcome to our eighth news digest from Dua Partner Invest platform, with new developments that we invite you to get acquainted with below!

Dua Partner Invest is an initiative of Partners Albania for Change and Development in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. It is a virtual hub serving to WB6 start-up community to boost connections, outreach, and access funding opportunities. Dua Partner Invest successfully helps overcome the barriers of access to finance by being a pivotal place and intersection of promising young talents who deal with the constant challenge of finding support to put their ideas into practice, and experienced investors looking for the next big thing.

2 YEARS DUA PARTNER INVEST🎉🥳

In this 2-year anniversary of Dua Partner Invest, we are very proud to share the highlights and achievements of the platform over the past two years.
From creating the platform to connecting hundreds of DPI members, empowering entrepreneurs, establishing partnerships, increasing network, and presenting investment opportunities, it has been an incredible journey.
We are very happy to be part of the success of our community! Dua Partner Invest will continue to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Western Balkans region through expanded services, partnerships, and knowledge sharing, aiming to drive positive impact and growth.

Read the report on Dua Partner Invest Milestones in 2 Years

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

APPROVAL OF LAW NO.36/2023 ON SOME CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO LAW NO.22/2022 "ON THE SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OF STARTUPS IN ALBANIA"

On May 25, the Assembly of the Republic of Albania approved the Law No. 36/2023 On Some Changes and Additions to Law No. 25/2022 "On the Support and Development of Startups in Albania", introducing changes such as the concept of digital nomads, and the creation of STARTUP ALBANIA, an agency that will support entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.
Read the amendments and additions approved in Law no. 36/2023

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCING ENTITIES WITH THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE STATUS

Following the approval of the fund in support of social enterprises in Albania, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MHSP) launched the call for applications for financial support for entities that have received the ‘Social Enterprise’ Status (issued by MHSP).
Through two forms of subsidies, the fund will support NPOs with ‘Social Enterprise’ Status, to provide services and contribute to the opening of new jobs, by employing individuals from disadvantaged groups. The application deadline was June 30th, 2023.
Read more about the call for applications for social enterprises

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS ON SOCIAL ECONOMY & EU SOCIAL ECONOMY GATEWAY LAUNCH

On June 13, 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal for Council recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions. The proposal, aims to support Member States in integrating the social economy into their policies, creating a favourable environment, and implementing supportive measures for the sector. The proposal emphasizes the importance of advancing access to the labour market, enhancing social inclusion, and contributing to territorial cohesion across the European Union.
The European Commission has launched the EU Social Economy Gateway, a platform that serves as a one-stop hub for information related to the social economy in Europe. It offers valuable resources, including information about the concept of social economy, details about the social economy action plan, relevant EU funding programs, and insights into the social economy ecosystems across EU Member States.
For more information:
Commission proposal on developing social economy framework conditions
Social Economy Gateway

NEW EDITION OF “THE STATE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT (SESO) IN EUROPE AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES REPORT’’ 2022 -2023

Euclid Network has issued the new edition of “The State Of Social Enterprise Support (SESO) In Europe and Neighbouring Countries Report” for the 2022-2023 period.
The report is the fourth annual assessment on the impact, needs, challenges, obstacles, and opportunities encountered by social enterprise support organizations in Europe and neighbouring countries. It aims to better understand the state of social enterprise support in their country of origin or operating countries, and determine cross-border trends and challenges, particular characteristics of this sector, and the avenues for growth, collaboration and scaling.
Read the report

FUNDING AND SUPPORTING MECHANISMS

GREEN BUSINESS COMPETITION 2023 - ALBANIA

For the 11th consecutive year, on 16-17th of May, Partners Albania organised the National Green Business Competition 2023. After the application process for the national competition, which was completed through the Dua Partner Invest platform, twenty-one finalists, selected among applications from social enterprises, individuals, small business ventures, and non-profit organizations, presented their business ideas and were evaluated by an independent jury of experts.
The competition supports business ideas in two Lot-s: Lot 1 “Business Ideas at Conceptual Stage” with a fund of 500 000 ALL per idea, and Lot 2 “Businesses in Pre-Seed Stage” with a fund of 800 000 ALL per business. Winners of the 2023 competition are Marçela Tringaj with “Purteka. Gardening for children”, Leonida Palushaj with “Clay Play LAB” Sentiljana Marku with “Danja's Raspberries”, Ornold Bazaj with “Reality Escapers Albania”, and Marjana Jakini with “Trendy Traditë”.
Read more about the Green Business Competition 2023

BALKAN GREEN IDEAS NATIONAL COMPETITION 2023 – NORTH MACEDONIA

The Balkan Green Ideas National Competition in North Macedonia took place on June 20th, and the jury chose the best green ideas that reflect a strong business model for the integration of local communities and companies that showcase their commitment to a regenerative economy. The winners are Mirjana Josifoska from DPTU MIR- JOS DOOEL with ‘Designed hats”, Natali Ristovska from JOVANKA MAISON DOOEL with “Bags designed through knitting technique”, and "Blagojce Najdovski with “Apico-Pro Superfood”.
Learn more

NATIONAL FORUM OF GREEN IDEAS 2023 – SERBIA

The National Forum of Green Ideas in Serbia took place on June 15th, and three winners were selected out of 10 shortlisted project proposals. The winners are: Zadrugarstvo association, “Connect Clean Roma Group” cooperative, and Intergenerational Volunteer Center with “Bleja Woolen Balls”.
Learn more

BALKAN GREEN IDEAS 2023 – WB REGION

The Balkan Green Ideas is organised as a regional competition, where winners of the national competitions from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia compete for funds of 5,000 and 10,000 dollars to support the implementation of their green business ideas. Three winners from Albania namely “Purteka. Gardening for Children’’, “Danja’s Raspberries”, and “Reality Escapers Albania’’ will compete with winners form other countries during the 'Balkan Green Ideas Competition 2023'' that will take place in October in Montenegro.
Balkan Green Ideas is supported by Rockefeller Brothers Fund and is implemented by Balkan Green Foundation in partnership with Partners Albania for Change and Development (Albania), Trag Foundation (Serbia), Mozaik Foundation (Bosnia and Herzegovina), ARNO (North Macedonia), Venture UP (Kosovo) and Fund for Active Citizen-fAKT (Montenegro).

EVENTS

THE FUTURE IS GREEN. LET’S “PAINT” IT TOGETHER! - FAIR

In the frame of EU Green Week 2023, on June 7, 2023, Partners Albania organised "The future is green. Let’s “paint” it together!" fair of local products and services of green social enterprises.
The event comes as a continuation of the work and contribution of the organisation for more than a decade in support of entrepreneurship and social economy in the country.
Green social enterprises, members of the Dua Partner Invest Platform, winners of the Green Business Competition through the years, and other financing schemes of PA, presented their products and services in the sector of tourism, agriculture, handcrafts, culinary, medicinal and aromatic plants, and welcomed visitors to experience typical local products and services, to exchange practices, to create networking opportunities and establish further collaborations in their enthusiastic initiatives.
The event was greeted by the Minister of State for the Protection of Entrepreneurship Mrs. Edona Bilali, Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Economy and Finance Mr. Eduard Shalsi, and Mrs. Juliana Hoxha, Director of Partners Albania.
Read more about the fair

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Dua Partner Invest, in collaboration with the Lincoln Center Leadership Forum, organised an online webinar dedicated to the Social Entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans. The online event was organized as a follow-up event of the Leadership Forum, where DPI members, the Leadership Forum members and the wider community had the opportunity to engage in making a strong social impact through business.
Members of the DPI platform: Elizabeth Grezda from “Mami Care”, Xhenson Çela from “Romix Community Toys” and Rakip Belishaku from “Rinora Handmade” shared their journey and experience, and discussed about social entrepreneurship in Albania.

Discussions were followed by findings of the “Survey on the social entrepreneurial environment in Albania”.
Read more about the webinar and the Leadership Forum

INFORMATION SESSIONS

To assist all interested applicants in the Green Business Competition 2023, Partners Albania and Dua Partner Invest organized orientation information sessions regarding the registration in the DPI platform and the application process. The info-sessions were held on-site and online and served the purpose of informing the audience about the criteria, the application process and the next phases of the competition.

TRAINING SESSIONS

Partners Albania in the framework of the National Green Business Competition, organized training sessions to assist interested individuals and entities with the completion of the application documents. The trainings were focused on the “Business Plan Preparation” and “Marketing & Promotion”, and were provided pro-bono by Tirana Bank and Credins Bank.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

WISEs4Youth PROJECT

PEER LEARNING EVENT "SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A DRIVER OF INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR YOUTH: EXCHANGING GOOD PRACTICES AND STRENGTHENING LOCAL SUPPORT"

The 'WISEs4Youth' project partners conducted the virtual Peer Learning Event “Social Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Inclusive Growth for Youth: Exchanging Good Practices and Strengthening Local Support’’.
The participants in the event had the opportunity to explore and learn more about social entrepreneurship, the role of WISEs in the local and national economies, legal frameworks, and government measures, presented by a group of 7 panellists representing national and local authorities from Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia Serbia, and Slovenia.
In interactive sessions, participants discussed the challenges of social enterprises/WISEs in their ecosystems, and opportunities to establish partnerships and develop networks.
Read more about the WISEs4Youth project

STUDY VISIT IN ALBANIA

On the 26th of June, 17 young social entrepreneurs and representatives of partner organizations of the ‘WISEs4Youth’ project participated in a study visit to Albanian social enterprises, gaining insights into the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Albania.
In a day filled with inspiration and knowledge-sharing, visitors had the opportunity to explore and learn about the activities of three Albanian social enterprises supported by Partners Albania: "Te Xhoni" Café, Center for Culinary Education (Qendra për Edukim Kulinar), and Funky Cabins – Glamping. Participants engaged in enriching discussions, exchanged ideas, and witnessed the positive impact that these enterprises are having in the community.

EYSET PROJECT

TOOLKIT FOR YOUTH WORKERS TO ENHANCE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The ‘EYSET’ project partners have finalized the Toolkit directed to the youth workers. The Toolkit aims to empower youth workers and to make them able to support young people and young people with disabilities in becoming entrepreneurs in the tourism value chain. It introduces more inclusive methodologies, methods and tools, and raises the awareness of the importance of the creation of accessible materials also in non-formal and informal education, directed to young people to ‘leave no one behind’.
Learn more about the EYSET project and read the Toolkit and Appendix

PROMOTION OF DUA PARTNER INVEST ENTREPRENEURS

MEDIA PROMOTION OF GREEN BUSINESS COMPETITION WINNERS

Thanks to the collaboration of Partners Albania with the media, continuous promotion of entrepreneurs, startups, and innovative, local sustainable economic development initiatives is provided!
Winners of the National Green Business Competition 2023 in Albania, presented and promoted their business ideas in a series of interviews and reportages on television, as following:

► Reportage about the “Danja’s Raspberriers” farm in Vau i Dejës, featured in "Si në Familje" TV show on RTSH.
See the reportage here

► Ornold Bazaj founder of “Reality Escapers Albania” and Marçela Tringaj founder of “Purteka. Gardening for Children” were invited in "Si në Familje" TV Show on RTSH.
Follow the interview here

► Marjana Jakini founder of “Trendy Traditë”, Sentiljana Marku founder of “Danja’s Raspberries” and Leonida Palushaj founder of “Clay Play Lab”, discussed about their businesses, in “Si në Familje” TV Show on RTSH.
Follow the interview here

► Alis Mustafa, Project Manager at Partners Albania, Marjana Jakini (“Trendy Traditë”) and Leonida Palushaj (“Clay Play Lab”), promoted sustainable green businesses on “Scan Update” TV show on SCAN TV.
Follow the interview here

► Marçela Tringaj (“Purteka. Gardening for Children”), Sentiljana Marku (“Danja’s Raspberries”) and Ornold Bazaj ("Reality Escapers Albania”), were invited on SCAN TV’s “Scan Update” TV show to promote their business ideas.
Follow the interview here

SUCCESS STORIES OF ALBANIAN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

► Rakip Belishaku, founder of Rinora Handmade, shared his successful entrepreneurial journey in the production of bio-cosmetic products, from the cultivation of Luffa plant, in 'Scan Update' TV Show on SCAN TV.
Follow the interview here

► Aurora Piranej, founder of Margjelo Filigran Albania, shared her inspiring journey, and the international success of amazing handcrafted treasures, on ‘Rudina’ TV Show on RTV Klan.
Follow the interview here

PUBLICATIONS

CHARACTERISTICS AND CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN ALBANIA – COMPARATIVE STUDY

“Characteristics and Challenges of Social Enterprises in Albania – Comparative Study” is prepared by Partners Albania as part of the “RISE-ALB” project. The study maps the “established and potential” social enterprises in Albania to better understand their features, requirements, and future trends in the field. Furthermore, considering that this is the second research having the same viewpoint and goal with the first one, the study compares the results with those of the 2020 study in order to identify the key changes and the progress of social enterprises in Albania.
Read the study in DPI Library

NEWS

Dua Partner Invest as a platform where members meet with valuable information and important opportunities, provides to its Western Balkan community present opportunities for participation and application in different funding schemes and acceleration programs, with aim to support start-ups and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in general.

Read more from our news

UPCOMING EVENTS

Some highlights for the upcoming months. Stay tuned for more!

“Green Tech Pitch Night” online Conference on August 17th, 2023
Global Innovation Challenge 2023 - Application deadline on August 20th, 2023
“Green Product Award 2024” Standard application Deadline on September 7th, 2023
“Study Visit in Serbian Social Enterprises – WISEs4Youth project, September 2023,Serbia
Policy Dialogue on Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans – Vision 2030
Digital/Green/Health Pathways” Conference - on September 13th in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

OUR COMMUNITY

Join our Community

Dua Partner Invest is an initiative of Partners Albania for Change and Development.

Contacts

Email: info@duapartnerinvest.com
Telephone:00355 42254881
Adress: Elbasani Street, Park Gate Building, 10th floor, App. 71 / 73, Tirana. Albania

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