On April 12th, 2019, USAID EMPOWER Private Sector in partnership with Sida signed a grant to support apparel manufacturer Wear & Go to obtain BSCI and ISO international standards quality certifications. Once obtained, the certifications will enable the company to expand sales...

The USAID EMPOWER Private Sector project in partnership with Sida recently supported wood-processing company Divani to implement Lean manufacturing at firm level. This was done with the aim of improving the company’s operating performance, productivity, and competitiveness. On...

On March 26th and 27th, 19 youth from Gjilan, Han i Elezit and Kacanik were awarded certificates for the successful completion of in-company training at ceremonies in Han i Elezit and Gjilan. The training was part of EMPOWER Private Sector’s first phase of the On-the-Job (OTJ)...

During February 13th – 16th 2019, EMPOWER Private Sector beneficiary Peppermint International attended the world’s leading trade fair for organic food BIOFACH, in Nuremberg, Germany. The company, which was established in 2012 in Leposavic, produces essential oils from a wide...

On March 1st, 2019, the USAID EMPOWER Private Sector project in partnership with Sida signed a grant agreement to support company ElektroStublla to obtain quality certifications (VDE) for 10 of its products. Elektrostublla produces a variety of pipes, electrical installation...

On February 27th 2019, Kosovo apparel companies participated in a one-day training workshop on the Production Management System (PMS). Participants were trained on establishing Process Specifications, Standard Minute Value (SMV) and Standard Allowed Minute (SAM) and “Pitch Time”....

On February 13th and 14th, 2019, Kosovo apparel, wood-processing, and metal companies participated in a two-day training workshop on LEAN Manufacturing concepts. The USAID EMPOWER Private Sector project in partnership with Sida provided the trainings with the aim of improving the...

On January 31st, 2019, the USAID EMPOWER Private Sector project in partnership with Sida signed a grant agreement to support the establishment of the BONEVET makerspace in Kaçanik. This will be the BONEVET Foundation’s third makerspace in Kosovo, following its success in...

During January 14th-20th, 2019, Kosovo wood processors Albed, Elnor, Graniti and Ventius exhibited their products at the IMM furniture and interiors fair in Cologne, Germany. This is the largest B2B event and trade fair for furniture and interiors producers in Europe. The Made in...

On January 8th, 2019, the USAID EMPOWER Private Sector project in partnership with Sida started a 50-day activity to provide firm-level assistance on Production Management Systems and group training to apparel manufacturers. The activity aims to improve the production management...

On December 5th, 2018, the third annual Wood Industry Convention was held in Prishtina to promote Made in Kosovo furniture and support the growth of Kosovo’s wood-processing industry. The event gathered wood processors, government agencies, donors, international buyers, and...

On December 3rd, 2018, 100 youth from Gjilan and Viti were awarded certificates for the completion of business skills training at ceremonies at the two municipalities. The training was part of EMPOWER Private Sector’s Self-Employment Training Program. The USAID Economic Growth...

The third edition of the Wood Industry Convention will be held on December 5th 2018, at the Emerald Hotel in Prishtina, starting from 9:30. The event will highlight and raise awareness of the importance of the wood-processing sector to Kosovo’s economic growth. Through the...

On November 14th 2018, the second edition of the Apparel Industry Convention took place in Prishtina to promote Kosovo’s apparel industry.  The Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina Colleen Hyland, Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, Head of Development...

October 2018 – The green energy sector presents considerable opportunities for economic growth and job creation in Kosovo. To support this promising sector, USAID EMPOWER Private Sector has initiated and organized the Green Festival for three years running. Held on...

During October 17th and 19th, 2018, Kosovo IT companies Cacttus and LinkPlus participated in the Western Balkans Business Forum in Tallinn, Estonia, hosted by the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Estonia Development Cooperation. Their participation at the conference...

The second edition of the Kosovo Apparel Convention will be held on November 14th, 2018, at the Emerald Hotel, Prishtina, starting from 9:30 am. The purpose of the event is to help the Kosovo apparel industry gain visibility and attract investors, while offering a networking...

On October 15-18, 2018, Kosovo wood processors brushed up on their painting skills and learned new techniques at a wood painting course held by USAID EMPOWER Private Sector in partnership with Sida. Fourteen participants from seven wood processing companies, including a company...