Training sessions are currently being conducted in the Municipality of Veles under the "Support for Self-Employment – Entrepreneurship" measure of the 2026 Operational Employment Plan; this initiative is being implemented by the Agency for Innovation, Scientific-Technological Development, and Entrepreneurship (INOVA) in cooperation with the Employment Agency.
Deputy Minister of Economy and Labour Marjan Risteski, Director of the Agency for Innovation, Scientific-Technological Development and Entrepreneurship (INOVA) Daniela Dimovska, Deputy Director of the Employment Agency Vesna Peshova, and the Mayor of Veles Municipality Marko Kolev addressed the training participants today.
"This year, there was exceptionally high interest in the self-employment measure, with around 5.500 individuals applying for grants ranging from €7.000 to €10.000 per person—or, in cases where two individuals join forces to form a limited liability company (LLC), between €14.000 and €20.000. These four-day training sessions are mandatory for everyone who passed the initial selection stage; through them, participants will gain comprehensive preparation and practical knowledge for starting and developing their own businesses," said Deputy Minister Risteski.
Deputy Minister Risteski wished the training participants great success, emphasizing that the Government and the Ministry of Economy and Labour are their partners in this process and that they will continue to receive support for the growth and development of their businesses, which are expected to contribute to job creation and the development of the domestic economy.
INOVA Director Dimovska informed the attendees that the support does not end with the establishment of the company, but will continue in the period ahead.
"Our support for you continues through mentorship from experienced INOVA mentors, aimed at ensuring new businesses are sustained, developed, and enabled to grow. Therefore, our message to you is to make the most of this process—be active, ask questions, develop your ideas, and carefully translate them into realistic and sustainable business plans. Entrepreneurship is not merely an opportunity for self-employment; it is an opportunity for economic independence, personal growth, job creation, and contributing to the development of the local economy," said Director Dimovska.
The training sessions being conducted in several municipalities this year will involve over 3.000 individuals, with a target of developing 2.628 business plans. A new feature this year, compared to previous years, is the extension of the training duration from two to four days allowing participants more time to acquire practical skills, develop their ideas, and prepares high-quality business plans.
