Starting today, female entrepreneurs and women-led small businesses in Serbia can apply for grants of £10,000 each through the “Strong and Important” program, implemented by NALED with support from the British Embassy in Belgrade. The application period is open until midnight on September 14, with a total fund of £50,000 available.
“The funds we are awarding send a clear message to entrepreneurs that we support them. This program empowers women to expand and digitalize their businesses, and we believe these women will continue to positively impact their communities,” said NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanović.
Eligible applicants include companies founded between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, where at least 51% of ownership and legal representation is held by women. To qualify, businesses must have positive operations in 2023 and 2024, be regular taxpayers, have no blocked accounts, and their founders or representatives must not be involved in legal or criminal proceedings.
Grants can be used for a range of activities, including equipment purchases, development of new products or services, digitalization, certification, and marketing efforts to improve market reach. Each applicant must contribute at least 10% of the project’s total value, encouraging sustainability and commitment to their business ideas.
The selection process includes several stages. Initially, applications are screened for basic eligibility, followed by evaluation of project proposals by an expert committee. The top 20 applicants are shortlisted to present their projects to the Grants Committee, after which funding is awarded to the five strongest proposals.
In addition to financial support, participants gain access to workshops, educational programs, and mentoring, making the “Strong and Important” program a comprehensive platform for empowering women entrepreneurs. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the website snazneivazne.naled.rs by midnight on September 14, 2025, where full details and application forms are available.
