Business news

17 Nov 2020

Belarus implementing socially important regional initiatives

BREST, 17 November (BelTA) - Six socially significant and cluster initiatives are being implemented in Bereza and Kobrin districts under the project “Support to Economic Development at the Local Level in the Republic of Belarus” funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program in partnership with the Belarusian Economy Ministry, regional coordinator of the project Yelena Budnik told BelTA.

A total of 38 applications were submitted for the contest of business development initiatives from two pilot districts of Brest Oblast. Six innovative business ideas were named winners. Among the supported ideas is the initiative of the Local Fund for Sustainable Development “Partnership in Action” to set up a Bereza Industrial Cluster. The Brest development fund will promote women's social entrepreneurship in Bereza District.

The initiative of the National Association of Entertainment Industry Producers and Partners “SME for Equal Opportunities” will unite Bereza, Orsha, Borisov and Molodechno districts. A network of children's inclusive entertainment centers will be fitted with innovative equipment to promote social adaptation of children with special needs.

Plans are in place to set up an IT cluster in Kobrin and Malorita districts. Another cluster initiative will result in the association of mini-bakeries and regional trade Bread Recipes, which will unite producers of bakery and confectionery products in Kobrin District. Ibid. The Belarusian public association “Vacation in the Countryside” plans to promote local natural and craft products through a model of cluster partnership.

“The second contest of initiatives for entrepreneurship development is planned in the nearest future. It is open also for those who did not have enough points to win the first time. Potential beneficiaries will have time to improve the quality of applications. It is also planned to hold a contest to support start-up initiatives. We invite businesses registered in the pilot districts to participate,” added Yelena Budnik.

The Startup School, a special distance learning program developed by the project, will help participants to prepare for the contests and improve their business competencies. To do this, you should register at https://bit.ly/2Ut7bDH.