Category Archives: insights

PANI: Turning waste into opportunity, and visibility into growth

Since 2009, PANI has been building its business within the circular economy, a sector that rarely gets the spotlight but plays a critical role in sustainability. Focused on plastic recycling and production, the company transforms materials often seen as waste into reusable products, from biodegradable plastic bags to a wide range of packaging solutions that […]

Call for Offers: Baseline and Endline Assessment for AI Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs and Students

The Enabling Income Generation for the Poor (EnInGeP) project is seeking a qualified research company to conduct a baseline and endline assessment of two AI training workshops  targeting women entrepreneurs and students in Kosovo. The assignment will assess participants’ knowledge, confidence, and application of AI tools before and after the trainings, generating evidence on the […]

Building a modern dairy business with a clear vision

Since 2003, Aldi Dairy, part of the Opatija company, has been one of the early dairy manufacturers in Kosovo. From yogurt and sour milk to cheese, the company has built a stable presence in the local market, supplying customers across the country with consistent dairy products. Today, the company is led by Arbnora Durmishaj, representing […]

Maestro: Building a business with purpose, precision, and a clear vision

When four brothers return home from abroad with a clear vision, the result is rarely accidental. For the founders of Maestro, their time in Germany shaped a strong work mindset, one built on structure, discipline, and high standards. Bringing that approach back to Kosovo, they set out to build a business that is not only […]

Re-opened Call for Proposals: “AI for Women” Workshops

The EnInGeP project, financed by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by CARE International Balkans and ECIKS, has re-opened the call for a service provider to design and deliver two AI training programs: Ai4WomenEntrepreneurs – 10-day training for 15 women entrepreneurs Ai4Students – 5-day training for 20 female students Who can apply: Companies or NGOs […]

Call for Applications: Public Relations Specialist (EnInGeP Project)

ECIKS is looking for a Public Relations Specialist to join the Enabling Income Generation for the Poor (EnInGeP) project, financed by Austrian Development Agency and implemented together with CARE International in the Balkans. This is a part-time, hybrid position, running until December 2026, requiring both remote work and regular in-person coordination with the team in […]

Call for Proposals: Provision of Training and Capacity Building Services – “AI for Women” Workshops

The “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor – EnInGeP” project, financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by CARE International in the Balkans and ECIKS, invites qualified service providers to design and deliver two specialized AI training programs. ToR is available for download HERE About the Workshops: Ai4WomenEntrepreneurs: A 10-day practical program for […]

Call for Offers : Production of Promotional and Testimonial Videos for the Digital Empowerment Initiative (DEI)

ECIKS, within the framework of the EnInGeP project, announces the launch of a Terms of Reference for the production of promotional and testimonial videos under the Digital Empowerment Initiative (DEI). The Digital Empowerment Initiative, supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and co-financed by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (MIET), is implemented by […]

Smart Signal Signs: From Fushë Kosovë to European Roads 

In an industry where precision is everything, Smart Signal Signs in Fushë Kosovë has built its reputation on accuracy, durability, and consistency. Founded with a clear focus on aluminium fabrication, the company specializes in manufacturing traffic signs and metal structures using advanced laser cutting, welding, and powder coating technologies.  Today, Smart Signal Signs produces between 7,000 and 10,000 traffic signs per month, […]

EduFashion: Dressing Childhood Dreams, One Brave Step at a Time 

When Ermira started EduFashion in 2018 in Prizren, she didn’t have a big team or a polished brand. What she had was skill, courage, and a clear instinct to build something of her own. Designing and sewing children’s dresses herself, often with just one employee, she turned creativity into a business shaped by persistence and ambition.  EduFashion creates formal and ceremonial clothing […]

Trepharm gains EU GMP certification and opens new international markets

Our client Trepharm, a Kosovo-based pharmaceutical manufacturer with more than a decade of operating experience, has achieved European Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) certification. EU GMP confirms that medicines are produced and controlled under strict international quality and safety standards. It is a demanding requirement for supplying regulated pharmaceutical markets. For Trepharm, this is a […]

Call for Offers : Production of Animated Explainer Videos (EnInGeP Project)

On behalf of the Enabling Income Generation for the Poor (EnInGeP) project, financed by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by CARE International in the Balkans and ECIKS, we are pleased to invite you to submit a technical and financial offer for the production of animated explainer videos for the “Biznesi Im” platform tools. Please find HERE the […]

Building Independence: How KS Group designed a children’s brand 

When you meet Xhevdet and Arbela, the first thing you notice isn’t the scale of their business, it’s the way they speak about their work. Calm, thoughtful, and deeply committed, they approach ideas the same way they approach life: together. Partners in business and in life, they share a love for craftsmanship, from designing furniture to collecting vintage objects and oldtimers, where patience, […]

Designing smarter and building faster: How Eko Building Project leveled up with digital tools 

In Prishtina, inside a cozy new office buzzing with creativity, the team at Eko Building Project is designing the future of architecture in Kosovo. With seven staff members and an expanding portfolio of urban planning, interior design, and architectural projects, the company has become a trusted name in sustainable and modern design. But behind their recent growth lies a […]

Turning cooking oil into clean energy – The Eco Kos story 

In a world where sustainability is no longer a choice but a responsibility, Eco Kos stands as a pioneer in Kosovo’s green transition. Founded in 2019, the company became the first licensed enterprise in Kosovo for the management of used cooking oil, introducing a system that collects, transports, stores, and processes waste oils to give them a new life as […]

COUNTAX: Digitizing finance  

In the world of finance and accounting, precision and trust are everything. For Gentiana Gashi, founder of COUNTAX, those values are not just part of her business, they are part of who she is. A determined and patient young entrepreneur, Gentiana has built her company with resilience, turning early challenges into steppingstones for growth and innovation.  […]

Credibility, Confidence, Career: The Impact of CDTE© on Vera Qerimi 

For Vera Qerimi, technology has been part of life from an early age. Growing up in a family deeply engaged in the ICT sector, her career path into tech came naturally. By the age of 19, she was already active in the industry, studying and later gaining experience across some of Kosovo’s top IT companies. Over […]

Re-Announcement: Expression of Interest: Development Program for Management Consultancy

The EnInGeP project invites interested and qualified companies to express their interest in designing a Development Program for Management Consultancy. This initiative aims to support the Business Consulting Council in implementing the Roadmap for Regulating the Consulting Profession in Kosovo, through the creation of a dedicated program for young and mid-level consultants. The program will […]

Expression of Interest: Development Program for Management Consultancy

The EnInGeP project invites interested and qualified companies to express their interest in designing a Development Program for Management Consultancy. This initiative aims to support the Business Consulting Council in implementing the Roadmap for Regulating the Consulting Profession in Kosovo, through the creation of a dedicated program for young and mid-level consultants. The program will […]

From manual cuts to smart precision: Orendi’s digital leap 

A short drive outside Prishtina, tucked away from the city’s noise, there’s a workshop where creativity meets craftsmanship and where every piece of furniture tells a story. This is Orendi, a company that has been shaping interiors with custom-made furniture since 2014.  Leading it all is Yllka Mustafa Vejsa, a woman whose determination sets her […]

Women of Botanic: From Kosovo’s soil to global shelves  

In the heart of Polac, Skenderaj, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Kosovo’s mountains, two sisters are turning wild herbs into wellness and tradition into opportunity. Meet Blerinda and Arnita Veliu, the women behind Botanic, a small but growing company that is redefining what it means to build a sustainable business rooted in local resources […]

Crafting spaces and building dreams with Nika Enterier    

In Drenas, inside a modest workshop a family-run furniture company is quietly shaping homes across Kosovo and beyond. Nika Enterier, founded in 2000 by Bashkim Nika, began with a passion for crafting functional, elegant, and high-quality furniture. What started as a small local business has grown into a trusted brand, known for its commitment to […]

Kosovo’s SME Finance Leadership: The Lasting Impact of the KOSME Project 

Kosovo has just taken the lead in the Western Balkans for access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), according to the 2025 OECD Convergence Report. This remarkable achievement – with 61.8% of business loans going to MSMEs, surpassing the EU average of 49.5% – is not a coincidence. It is the result […]

Not your average dough: The woman powering POGAQA 

On a quiet street in Prizren, nestled between the scent of fresh dough and warm tradition, a young woman is quietly rewriting what it means to run a bakery in today’s world. Meet Arrita Cela, a food technologist in her final year of studies, and the unstoppable force behind POGAQA, a family bakery first established […]

T’art: Where wood, family, and innovation create lasting impressions 

In a quiet corner of Gjakova, where the scent of fresh wood shavings meets the hum of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, a small family business is turning ordinary wood into extraordinary art. T’art, founded eight years ago, is a place where tradition and technology merge, where passion is passed down through generations, and where […]

Behind every great campaign, there’s a smart woman and a smarter CRM 

In a digital world dominated by noise, one all-women agency in Kosovo is making brands impossible to ignore. Terra isn’t just another marketing agency — it’s a trailblazing force of strategy, creativity, and bold leadership. Founded five years ago by Fjoralba Krapi, this women-led team has become the trusted partner for businesses in gastronomy, retail, […]

Time for Energy: Would You Like Some Coal, Sir?

Kujtim Dobruna     “Would you like some coal, sir?” Who doesn’t remember this story by Migjeni, portraying the honest yet naive simplicity of a mountain woman facing the cynical city dwellers. Every time I think about Kosovo’s coal and our energy projects, I cannot help but recall this kind, harmless woman trying to sell […]

Empowered by expertise: Emre Jılta’s digital transformation journey 

Meet Emre Jılta, one of the newly Certified Digital Transformation Experts (CDTE) through the Enabling Income Generation for the Poor (EnInGeP) project — financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by ECIKS and CARE International Balkans. As a Business Solutions Specialist, Emre has over four years of experience in the banking industry and […]

How Lazdrohu  is transforming childhood experiences in Kosovo with VIP Goats and Online Bookings 

Just a short drive from the city, there’s a place where goats are named Ronaldo, sheep strut around like Shakira, and Messi isn’t scoring goals, but he might follow you along a hiking trail. Lazdrohu isn’t just a farm, it’s a Hall of Fame in the middle of nature, where animals with VIP names bring […]

Meet the Kosovo Delegation at ViennaUP 2025

Enabling Income Generation for the Poor (EnInGeP) project, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by CARE International and ECIKS, is proud to support 10 women-led ICT representatives from Kosovo at ViennaUP 2025. EnInGeP aims to increase women’s participation in ICT by supporting the DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo (DECK), part of the Kosovo Association […]

Time for Brezovica

Kujtim Dobruna, April 2025   More than two decades ago, Swiss media described Brezovica as the second-largest ski resort in the former Yugoslavia. With slopes reaching an altitude of 2,500 metres, a vertical drop of 1,600 metres, and breathtaking views stretching across Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, Brezovica offers everything one would expect from a […]

Medident’s digital evolution: Enhancing patient care and efficiency 

For over two decades, Medident has been a pillar of excellence in dental care in Kosovo. Established in 1999 by Lindita Nallbani, the clinic is a woman-owned business that has grown into a trusted name, offering top-tier dental services with a diverse and inclusive team. With 15 employees, mostly women, and staff from the Bosniak […]

Ozon Space: Shaping Kosovo’s environmental future with women in charge 

In Kosovo, Ozon Space is redefining environmental consulting while breaking gender barriers. Founded and mainly led by women with backgrounds in ecology, chemistry, finance, and biology, the company specializes in environmental protection, energy consulting, and workplace safety.  Recognizing that real change happens from the outside, founder Hana Zeka transitioned from the public to the private […]

Chocolate Corner: Bringing Sweet Dreams Online

For over a decade, Chocolate Corner has delighted taste buds with its premium cocoa and chocolate creations, setting a high standard for confectionery in Kosovo. Founded in 2007, the business introduced the country to artisanal Belgian chocolate, quickly becoming a household name for quality and innovation. With the support of a Digital Empowerment Initiative (DEI) […]

House of Books: Revolutionizing Preloved Books Retail in Kosovo through E-commerce

In a world where books hold the power to inspire, educate, and connect, House of Books has taken a bold step to make reading more accessible across Kosovo and beyond. What began in 2018 as a small translation service has now grown into a pioneering book retail business, driven by passion and a vision for […]

Catalyzing economic growth: How strategic partnerships and ECIKS’ expertise helped create over 1,100 jobs in Kosovo

In the dynamic landscape of Business Process Outsourcing, globalization, and nearshoring, the story of Evroenergie in Kosovo stands as a prime example of how strategic partnerships can fuel economic growth and job creation in emerging markets. This achievement, made possible by the collaboration between local and foreign investors, illustrates the profound impact that effective consultancy […]

The Symbiotic Relationship between Public Relations and Market System Development

In the dynamic landscape of business and economic development, Market System Development (MSD) projects play a crucial role in encouraging sustainable growth and prosperity. However, the success of these projects is often depended upon effective communication and strategic engagement with stakeholders. Public Relations (PR) becomes a foundation in this equation, weaving a narrative that not […]

Why Financial Literacy is a Power Tool Every Entrepreneur Needs 

  What if 82% of business failures could be avoided by mastering one critical skill? According to Jessie Hagen (2019), that’s the percentage of businesses that fail due to poor cash flow management—a problem deeply rooted in financial illiteracy. Entrepreneurs often find themselves making misguided financial decisions, leading to debt accumulation and, ultimately, business failure. […]

Call for Applications – Project Officer: Finance Procurement and Administrative Tasks

We are excited to announce an opportunity for the position of Project Officer – Finance, Procurement, and Administrative Tasks within the “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor – EnInGeP” project. This role is pivotal in managing the project’s financial operations and procurement processes, while also providing administrative support, all under the general supervision of the […]

Call for Applications: Intervention Manager (Temporary)

We are thrilled to announce a temporary job opening for Intervention Manager at “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor – EnInGeP” project. The main purpose of this role is to help attain project objectives by guiding the implementation of project interventions. The project “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor” aims to contribute to a sustainable, […]

Unveiling the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024: A Glimpse into the Future 

As we step further into the digital age, technology continues to reshape our world at an unprecedented pace. The World Economic Forum’s “Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024” report highlights the most promising innovations poised to revolutionize industries, address global challenges, and improve our daily lives. Let’s delve into these groundbreaking technologies that are set […]

AI and Decision Making: How Businesses Can Leverage AI for Strategic Decisions

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, integrating diverse perspectives in decision-making processes is crucial. Effective decision-making is the cornerstone of successful businesses. It involves evaluating various options, forecasting potential outcomes, and selecting the most strategic path forward. This process impacts all aspects of a business, from daily operations to long-term strategy and growth. Good decision-making […]

Call for Offers – Market Research

The “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor” project, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by CARE International and ECIKS, invites research companies to apply for a comprehensive market research study. The aim is to identify and develop a unique selling proposition (USP) for KIESA that effectively meets the diverse needs of Kosovo […]

Call for Applications – Animated Video Transcript and Supporting Brochure for the Cash Flow Master Class Tool (republication)

The project “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor” funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by CARE International and ECIKS, invites all Finance Experts to apply for provision of services that aim to upscale digital support services and resources on the Biznesi Im platform for company founders, startups, and established businesses. Within the […]

Call for Applications: Web development, Maintenance, and Search Engine Optimization

The project “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor,” funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by CARE International and ECIKS, invites IT and Web Development service providers to apply for the development, maintenance, and search engine optimization of the website for our beneficiary, the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA). Objectives of […]

Call for Applications – Animated Video Transcript and Supporting Brochure for the Cash Flow Master Class Tool

The project “Enabling Income Generation for the Poor” funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and jointly implemented by CARE International and ECIKS, invites all Finance Experts to apply for provision of services that aim to upscale digital support services and resources on the Biznesi Im platform for company founders, startups, and established businesses. Within the […]