On October 17th, 2013, 103 entrepreneurs, owners of micro and small businesses in Macedonia, were recognized for successfully completing the Entrepreneurs Class, Entrepreneurs Finance Class and Program in Collection of Receivables implemented by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) Macedonia with support from the USAID Micro and Small Enterprises Project.

The Entrepreneurs Class is a four-month managerial program covering topics such as access to finance, business planning, sales and marketing, and incorporates networking sessions to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to establish new business contacts.

Bart Putney, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, congratulated this year’s participants and noted, “while shrinking markets and an economic downturn have forced many less savvy businesses to scale back or shut down, half of the Entrepreneurial Class program participants expanded their businesses, increased their staff, or introduced a new management practice.”
Since enrolling in CEED’s programs, participants have created more than 50 new full-time jobs and more than 60 short-term positions.
Certificates were also awarded to participants in CEED’s managerial programs for midsized companies.

NOTE TO EDITORS:   

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia

CEED Macedonia is part of an international network of entrepreneurial centers with offices in 14 countries. Since its founding six years ago, 661 entrepreneurs and managers from Macedonia have successfully completed the Center’s entrepreneurial programs. In addition, 30 companies from Macedonia have used the Market Access services within CEED offices in Kosovo and Albania.  Find out more at www.ceed-macedoni.org