For years, Arbnora Riza’s skincare company, HUUMë Natural, struggled to reach new markets. The line of handmade products Riza first developed in her kitchen using sustainable, organic ingredients available in Kosovo demonstrated real commercial appeal. Despite this, like so many other women and minority entrepreneurs, she found that she just didn’t have the contacts and resources needed to expand and reach her full potential.
In 2024, Riza’s fortunes began to change while taking part in a USAID program that supports minority and women entrepreneurs through small grants, training, and connections to other businesses and prospective clients. HUUMë became one of 20 businesses selected to participate in business-to-business meetings that have been shown to promote opportunities for long-term expansion, collaboration, and growth within specific industries.
In the end, participants in these meetings signed 25 business partnership agreements with Kosovan pharmacies in spring 2024. HUUMë secured five of these agreements, significantly boosting Riza’s sales and raising her profile for future expansion. She says she is grateful for USAID’s support in getting her products onto pharmacy shelves.
For USAID, Riza and her business are examples of the immense talent available in Kosovo that is just waiting for the right conditions to thrive. Unlocking this talent benefits individual entrepreneurs as well as their families and communities. It is also a big part of how we create a future with more opportunities for all Kosovans.
CDF for USAIDKosovo