We had the opportunity to talk with Bogdan Damjanovic, CESO SACO Volunteer Advisor and speak about his experience at Rudnici Banjani AD Skopje, as part of the Bitove Family Entrepreneurship Program 

What is your overall impression from the Bitove Family Entrepreneurship Program? 

My overall impression is that the program run very well and is well-integrated with related activities in Macedonia.  Macedonia2025 also made joint presentations with CESO SACO and Rudnici Banjani AD Skopje at the High School Students Competition ‘Best Business Concept’ in affiliation with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje. Communication with the organisation prior to the project start, the follow up, and the meetings during the project period were helpful as well. I was also impressed by the experience and professionalism of Macedonia2025 staff and Rudnici Banjani’s management throughout our exchanges.

What are the main benefits from the Bitove Family Entrepreneurship Program?

The main benefits for Rudnici Banjani from the program include the preparing of their business growth/expansion marketing strategy and introducing concepts to foster a culture of innovation. As part of the assignment, a Company Brand Description was prepared which would form a framework for all future product development reviews. A review of current and future product opportunities was discussed and categorized. During the assignment, discussions and presentations were made to Rudnici Banjani to introduce corporate concepts which foster a culture of innovation.  These were supplemented with ways to motivate staff and encourage new behaviors, thus improve staff performance.  These new tools included templates for employee reviews, and testing/analysis/presentation on personal communication styles. Rudnici Banjani has confirmed that new practices discussed during the assignment have been initiated, and they have shared favorable outcomes already being observed.  

Why should other Macedonian companies apply to the Bitove Family Entrepreneurship Program? 

Through programs like this Macedonia will become more attractive to foreign investments, strengthen the linkages with international professionals, and accelerate leadership development. This program matches the abilities of CESO Canadian senior experts to assist Macedonian companies with their specific corporate development needs.  Since 1967, CESO has been deploying Canadian experts as volunteer advisers to devote their time and energy toward economic and social change in more than 500 assignments each year.  These assignments can assist the development of managerial and entrepreneurial capacities for the Macedonian leaders of tomorrow.

Macedonian SMEs are encouraged to apply to the Bitove Family Entrepreneurship Program in partnership with CESO SACO.

The Open Call is available on the following link HERE.