In the framework of the project intended for returnees from Germany and other Western European countries "Assistance for a New Start", the delivery of equipment for self-employment to beneficiries who were approved for this support this year began early in July 2022.

This support was allocated to 20 returnees, including  5 non-returnees from marginalized population groups, primarily from the territory of the project locations (Sremska Mitrovica, Ruma and Pećinci), but also others in Vojvodina (Sombor and Novi Sad). Each one these 25 previously attended a one-on-one telephone based training on how to write a business plan and the Commission for the selection of support beneficiaries gave aproval to their applications with a business plan. In addition to the required equipment and tools worth up to 750 euros without VAT, beneficiaries also receive professional support from EHO advisors in running their own business until November 2022, all with the aim of achieving the best possible business results and highest possible income for them and their household.

During the first delivery on July 4 in Sremska Mitrovica, GIZ Serbia representative Marija Dragić, Project Manager/PME contact person for cooperation with CSOs in Serbia, as well as Ana Birgeš, EHO Project Coordinator, were also present, witnessing satisfaction of beneficiries with the equipment received. On that day, three beneficiaries were supplied with equipment for washing cars, carpets and furniture, for painting and painting works, and also for tools for construction and craft works.

The services provided are supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the Migration for Development (PME) Programme. The Programme is part of the global initiative “Returning to New Opportunities” of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).