Open Call - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Program supported by the Bitov Foundation and Catalyst+ Canada

About the Program

The program enables Macedonian companies to receive advice and support from experienced Canadian consultants with rich expertise and top achievements. The consultants will work on specific challenges faced by Macedonian companies, contributing to faster growth, higher competitiveness, and the internationalization of the businesses.

Each company will be matched with a consultant whose expertise and experience align with the company's needs. The consultants will transfer the best business tools, processes, and systems to improve the organizational, production, analytical, and marketing processes of the companies through training and mentorship over a duration of 2 weeks. The main sectors covered by the consultants include: finance, tourism and hospitality, agro-business, ICT, natural resource management, renewable energy, the food industry, etc., although the program does not exclude any sector.

The program was established in cooperation with Catalyste+  (formerly CESO SACO), a Canadian organization with 50 years of experience in the field of international economic development. The organization works on private sector development and strengthening the structures that drive economic and social change at local, national, and international levels.

What does Macedonia2025 provide?

As part of the program, Macedonia2025 covers all consulting costs. Additionally, the organization conducts the evaluation of applications, manages the entire selection process, and schedules interviews with an international commission and representatives from Catalyste+.

What should the company provide?

Representatives of the organization continuously monitor the cooperation between the consultants and the companies. Companies should provide:

     • A person from the company who will be constantly available to the consultant, work closely with them during the visit, and have a good command of the English language

     • Accommodation and meal costs throughout the consultant's entire stay

     • Local travel expenses for the consultant (if necessary)

Who can apply?

The program is intended for micro, small, and medium-sized companies* that meet the following conditions:

     • Minimum of one year of existence;

     • The owner and manager of the company is a Macedonian citizen and resident;

     • A person from the company who will be constantly available to the consultant, work closely with them during the visit, and have a good command of the English language;

     • A high level of commitment from the company's management;

     • In good financial standing (has the ability to implement changes and recommendations from the consultant);

     • Meets the criteria for micro, small, and medium-sized companies.

*Priority will be given to companies that are export-oriented and offer innovative solutions.

Companies that have participated in the program so far

How to apply?

You need to send:

     • A completed application in English, which you can download here;

     • A brief description of your company, as well as why you need a consultant (in English);

     • Additional documents, brochures, or catalogs about the company are welcome.

All interested companies should submit their documents to the Program Coordinator, Bojana Kiseloski, at the following address – bojana@macedonia2025.com

The deadline for submitting applications is July 31, 2024.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at bojana@macedonia2025.com.