On September 9, 2024, a business incubator was officially opened at the Youth Center in Loznica as part of the NESESER (Newly established Start-up Enterprise Services) project, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among young people and women. The project is implemented by the Development Guarantee Fund of the Brčko District of BiH, the City of Loznica, and the Institute for Development and Innovation from Belgrade.
At the opening ceremony, Bojan Lučić, Coordinator of the Youth Center in Loznica, highlighted the significance of this incubator for young people and women who are eager to start their entrepreneurial journey. “The Business Incubator is not just a physical space; it’s a hub where young people can network, receive mentorship, and develop their ideas into stable and successful businesses,” Lučić stated. He added that the incubator currently hosts 11 startup entrepreneurs from various sectors, including youth policy, media reporting, and support for youth with developmental challenges.
Tanja Glišić, Head of the Department for Social Activities of the City of Loznica, emphasized the importance of this project as the first cross-border cooperation initiative between Loznica and the Brčko District of BiH. “This project not only enables young people and women to develop their business ideas but also strengthens cross-border cooperation and facilitates the exchange of experiences and best practices between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Glišić said. She also announced the start of training sessions for startups beginning on October 2, which will help improve their entrepreneurial skills.
Nenad Jevtović, Director of the Institute for Development and Innovation, as one of the project partners, expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of this initiative. “The opening of this incubator is just the first step towards creating a strong entrepreneurial community in Loznica and beyond. We plan to expand our support network in the coming months and involve even more young people and women from Loznica and the surrounding area,” Jevtović remarked.
Joint Project Manager, Indira Lević Muharemović, underscored the project’s importance for both local communities: “This project will help young people stay in their communities and develop entrepreneurial skills. Loznica and the Brčko District share similar challenges, and these incubators provide significant support.”
Among the incubator participants is Valentina Đurić, a representative from the Technical School in Loznica, who emphasized the importance of the support received through the project. “In addition to our profession as architectural technicians, we are focusing on environmental topics. We are currently working on developing an air purifier that would function naturally,” Đurić said.
Branislava Gajić from Sveti Sava High School presented the student company “Lola vibe,” which produces medicinal products based on lavender essential oil. “Our products are designed to provide a sense of security and reduce stress. The support we’ve received through this incubator is crucial for our further development,” Gajić stated.
The opening of the NESESER Business Incubator in Brčko is scheduled for the end of September 2024, marking the establishment of another supportive space for young entrepreneurs in the Brčko District.
