Microgrants

In the beginning of 2003, as a part of Economic revitalization component of CRDA Western Serbia program (CRDA-E), IRD has started with development of micro grant program activities. The purpose of the program was to provide training and assistance to vulnerable persons engaged in farm and small business activities.  Applications are evaluated based on: the number of jobs created; income generated; measurable increases in production volume; ability of the applicant to provide a minimum of 25% in-kind contribution to the project; and the impact the activity has on the CRDA community. 

In Western Serbia 80% of the grants have been approved for the agriculture sector; 20% of grants for businesses. Micro Grant program has been implemented in two phases, and in its second phase program was modified in order to improve access to the grant program by vulnerable persons, as well as to ensure transparency and objectivity in selection of beneficiaries’ procedures. More specific eligibility criteria were developed, and a training program for grantees was developed in cooperation with the unemployment bureau of Serbia.

In addition, the Micro Grant activity improved local Community cooperation in grant administration, introduced the matching contribution grant methodology, facilitated the job creation and increase in production, enhanced support for women, youth,  minorities and other vulnerable population groups, and improved grantees’ skills in marketing and business management. To date, 217 Micro Grants valued between $950 and $19,000 (average grant value $4,270) were approved. Micro Grant program achieved high rates of sustainability and employment, with a total of 282 new jobs created as of December 31, 2006.