Diaspora a Key Ingredient to Bosnia and Herzegovina Cheesemaker's Success
USAID is working with local communities to tap into the potential of the diaspora to drive growth and social entrepreneurship.
Each day, Miljana Kuljic rises at the break of dawn, commencing her tasks with a deep sense of purpose. At a small dairy in the village of Donja Trusina, just eight kilometers from Berkovici, she spends three to four hours every morning processing milk into exquisite cheeses.
From tending to the cows to managing dairy operations, her responsibilities are as challenging as they are rewarding. Miljana’s dedication to the work of cheesemaking has transformed the dairy into a thriving enterprise, captivating hearts and taste buds alike.
With a rapidly growing customer base, Miljana faces increasing demands. Yet, undeterred, she strives tirelessly to fulfill orders, allowing her family and fellow villagers to thrive. While her work may seem arduous to some, Miljana finds immense fulfillment in it.
Our efforts not only sustain our family but also invigorate our community," she shares with pride.
The income generated from cheese sales has not only improved her family's life but has also become a catalyst for the vitality of the entire village.
Working with the Municipality of Berkovici, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) proudly supported Miljana to start her business through our Women’s Entrepreneur Fund.
In her quest for growth, Miljana and her family have also received invaluable support from their relatives in the diaspora, Branko and Brano Kuljic. This family support enabled the dairy factory to expand and shift its focus towards eco-production, utilizing the milk of local indigenous cows.
The dairy’s success story is also serving as inspiration for the entire community to tap into the potential of the diaspora to drive growth and social entrepreneurship.
Miljana’s Municipality of Berkovici is one of 24 local communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina to partner with the U.S. government, through USAID, with the aim of attracting a wave of diaspora investors.
Through these partnerships, USAID will work with local communities to connect diaspora members with local businesses, promote investment opportunities, and, importantly, share success stories like Miljana’s to demonstrate the power and potential of diaspora investment.
Bojan Samardzic, a fervent advocate for diaspora engagement, passionately emphasizes the crucial role of disseminating these positive narratives, stating, "Berkovici brims with tremendous potential; all it needs is a gentle nudge in the right direction."
To learn more about the USAID Diaspora Invest project, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/bosnia-and-herzegovina/fact-sheets/diaspora-invest