RFI Serbia Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) activity
ID: 332719Type: Forecasted
Overview

Buyer

Kosovo USAID-Pristina (USAID-KOS)

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Business and Commerce

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Other

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/332719
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Serbia is seeking responses to a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at designing a new initiative to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia. The RFI invites comments, opinions, and recommendations from interested organizations and individuals to inform the development of this five-year program, which focuses on integrating SMEs into higher-value markets and addressing key challenges such as outdated production capabilities and workforce skill mismatches. This initiative is crucial as SMEs represent 98% of businesses in Serbia but contribute only 28% to the GDP, highlighting the need for improved productivity and access to financing, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities. Responses to the RFI are due by April 28, 2021, and should be submitted via the provided Google survey link; for further inquiries, contact Albert Rexhepi at arexhepi@usaid.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Albert Rexhepi Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
    003813859592242
    arexhepi@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    PD summary_Serbia SME Development.pdf
    PD.pdf
    USAID Serbia is initiating a five-year program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Serbian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by integrating them into higher-value value chains and markets. This initiative is critical as SMEs represent 98% of businesses in Serbia but contribute only 28% to the GDP while employing 66% of the workforce. Key challenges identified include insufficient competitiveness, outdated production capabilities, underdeveloped management practices, a mismatch in workforce skills, and a constrained business environment. The program will focus on improving SME productivity and profitability through management enhancements, expanding exports via better market alignment, and increasing access to diverse financing options. Special emphasis is placed on addressing barriers faced by women, youth, and marginalized communities in accessing economic opportunities. Additionally, USAID aims to foster human capacity development among youth to mitigate population decline caused by high unemployment rates and outmigration. The overall objective is to adapt SMEs to market trends and enhance their operational capacities for a more sustainable post-pandemic economy.
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