CHALLENGES
In North Macedonia, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a major engine of growth and employment. Despite their potential, these businesses struggle to improve productivity, increase competitiveness, and harness talent. At the same time, women in North Macedonia are not economically empowered to take on managerial positions—they receive unequal pay and fewer jobs are available to them in highly paid industries.
Business support organizations provide services to help businesses grow and become more competitive. Though fragile, these organizations demonstrate potential to contribute to the country’s economic future, specifically through providing services tailored to women and to MSME needs.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
This activity provides assistance to a targeted number of business support organizations to improve existing services, establish new business services, help clients overcome the negative impact of the overall economic crisis and promote women’s economic empowerment and economic equity. Through this activity, USAID also conducts policy analysis and develops recommendations to support government efforts to strengthen MSME resilience in the face of economic crises.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Steady economic growth in micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- Improved business performance and productivity among MSMEs.
- Empowered BSOs that create a conducive business ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive and contribute to economic development.
- Increased uptake of business services related to gender balanced
practices and related best practices adopted by MSMEs.
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