The Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska issued a Call for Expression of Interest to participate in the Women Entrepreneurship Support Program for 2025 on February 18th.
The Women Entrepreneurship Support Program for 2025 includes two key elements:
- Provision of technical/consulting support.
- Support in implementing the identified needs of businesses.
Eligible to participate in the program are companies that are owned or co-owned by women and companies managed by women.
The support amount per company is 30,000 BAM.
The support will be provided in the areas of intellectual property rights protection, circular economy, implementation and certification of standards, and digital transformation. The goal of this support is to achieve the following key changes:
- Improved product and service quality of companies.
- Strengthened capacities of companies owned or managed by women.
- Easier access to new markets.
Through this program, companies can receive the following services, which fall into one of the categories listed below:
Legal Services and Intellectual Property
Legal services and intellectual property protection play a key role in protecting innovations and valorizing the intellectual capital of organizations. These services provide expert support in the registration, protection, and licensing of intellectual property, the preparation and review of contracts related to intellectual property, management of technology transfer activities, and educating clients about the importance of intellectual property and the rules governing it.
This category includes advice on research and development, as well as legal services and counseling during the commercialization of intellectual property. All these services help individuals and companies protect their innovations and creative work, which is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and economic growth.
Digital Transformation Services
Digital transformation involves organizational changes that enable the exploitation of the benefits of digital technologies. The goals of transformation are increased efficiency, productivity, competitive advantage, and new business opportunities. By automating tasks and processes, companies can reduce costs and increase productivity.
In addition, data digitalization allows for easier management and analysis, leading to better business decisions. Another significant advantage is improved customer experience. In the digital era, users expect fast, simple, and personalized access to products and services.
Companies that understand and apply this can build stronger and longer-term relationships with their customers. Digital transformation allows companies to quickly test and implement new ideas, opening the space for continuous development and progress.
Green Transition Services
Green transition is inevitable in line with global trends related to decarbonization, as well as with the European Green Deal. Companies are faced with the requirement to adjust their production to meet these demands on export markets.
The global market demands the introduction of green standards and the application of digital solutions that improve the energy efficiency of SMEs. It is necessary for companies to introduce more environmentally friendly production processes, manage their resource and energy efficiency, and shift from linear to circular production models.
The biggest challenge for companies is situation analysis, business optimization, finding financial resources for sustainability, and implementing green initiatives. The relationship between energy efficiency and the economy is complex but key for sustainable development.
Green transition in companies will lead to more efficient energy use, improved productivity through equipment modernization, and optimized procedures, resulting in faster production and less waste, all of which increase the overall efficiency of business operations.
Certification Services
When a company is certified according to one of the ISO standards, it means that a third-party certification audit has been performed, and it has been confirmed that the company complies with the requirements of the standard it is certified under.
Companies are increasingly required to apply a certified management system or, more simply, ISO standards. More and more clients require their suppliers to operate in accordance with ISO standards and to hold at least one of the following three standards: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental protection), or ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety).
On the other hand, there is a growing number of companies that voluntarily decide to undergo certification and implement standards in their operations. These companies aim to become more professional and make the quality of their products and services clear, measurable, and controlled, so that they can stand out from others in their industry.
Who Can Apply for This Public Call?
The business entity that is:
- Registered as a Ltd. (d.o.o.) or Joint Stock Company (a.d.)
- Owned and/or managed by women.
- Registered in the Republic of Srpska for at least three years prior to the publication of the Public Call.
- Has at least 10 employees.
Procedure for Submitting Applications and Required Documentation
The Public Call has been published on the website of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska: www.komorars.ba.
Application Form for the Support Program
Call for the Women Entrepreneurship Support Program
Applications for participation in the Women Entrepreneurship Support Program for 2025 must be sent by email to: jelenat@komorars.ba
The application should include:
- The application form with a description of the specific project/activity for which support is being requested, including the justification of expected improvements and the financial breakdown.
- A statement of positive business performance (in the application form).
- The professional services of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Srpska reserve the right to verify the financial data of the business entity.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, February 28, 2025.
All applicants will receive confirmation of the receipt of their application.
The status of the application will be communicated to the business entities within 7 days of the application deadline.
The projects supported under the Women Entrepreneurship Support Program for 2025 must be implemented within the current year.
