We’re excited to announce the successful conclusion of this year’s Leader Project Pitching Competition! After weeks of intensive training and preparation, eight (8) innovative startup ideas were showcased.
From disruptive technologies to sustainable solutions, each company presented their vision for addressing real-world challenges and making a positive impact. The diversity of ideas and the passion behind each presentation truly showcased the depth of talent nurtured through the Leader Project.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed jury members, whose expertise, insights, and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the success of the competition:
Prof. d-r Nikica Mojsoska β Blazevski
Ivana Nikolic
Mitko Andonov
Aleksandar Celeski
Bijan Mirshahi
Their thoughtful evaluation and commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs played a pivotal role in selecting the top-performing company as the winner of the competition.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial drive. Each one of you has demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, inspiring us all with your passion for innovation:
Elena Nikolovska
Simona Miladinovska
Ana Jovanovska
Atanasij Josifovski
Sashe Angelovski
Elizabeta Zrlevska
Filip Damjanoski
Jelena Cvetkovikj Ikonomova
Jana Krstevska
Olga Nikolovska
Elena Stavrevska
Ivana Jevtic Nikolova
Filip Aleksovski
Danche Azmanova Mirchevska
Nikola Markoski
Vasko Kostov
Margarita Postolova
Anastasija Stankovska
Darko Mitrevski
As we celebrate the success of this year’s competition, we’re excited to continue supporting the journey of our participants. Whether through further mentorship, networking opportunities, or access to resources, we remain committed to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and helping them turn their dreams into reality.
During the first week of the LEADER Project participants engaged in an intensive exploration of key business fundamentals: marketing, finance, and strategy.
Kicking off the week with marketing, participants delved into core concepts such as understanding consumer behavior, segmenting markets effectively, and establishing a strong brand presence. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, they learned how to craft targeted marketing strategies to reach diverse audiences and maximize market impact.
Transitioning to finance, participants deepened their understanding of financial management essentials. They studied financial statements to glean insights into a company’s financial health, evaluated investment opportunities to make informed decisions, and explored strategies for mitigating financial risks. Armed with this knowledge, participants gained the confidence to navigate the complexities of financial decision-making with clarity and precision.
The week culminated in an exploration of strategic leadership, where participants examined the principles of effective decision-making and competitive analysis. They analyzed case studies to understand how successful organizations formulate and execute strategic plans, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation while ensuring long-term sustainability. By honing their strategic thinking skills, participants are better equipped to lead their teams and organizations towards success in an ever-evolving business landscape.
As Week One draws to a close, participants emerge with a solid foundation in essential business disciplines and a newfound sense of confidence in their abilities. With their toolkit enriched by insights from marketing, finance, and strategy, they are poised to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their leadership journey with the LEADER Project.
Our CEO, Nikica Mojsoska Blazevski, had an opening address welcoming all participants this year while highlighting the benefits of the LEADER Project. With pride, she noted the impact the program had for the over 403 participants we trained over the years. This legacy of empowerment continues to drive us forward as we embark on another edition of the LEADER Project.
Following the CEO’s address, participants had the honor of engaging with distinguished instructors from the renowned Ivey School of Business in Canada. These insightful discussions allowed them to share invaluable insights about their businesses, laying the groundwork for collaborative learning.
Over the next two weeks, all attendees will delve deep into various aspects of business operations, covering everything from strategic planning to financial management, marketing, sales, and sustainable growth strategies. Our aim is to equip them with the knowledge and skills essential for thriving in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Beyond classroom sessions, participants will also enjoy personalized mentoring and guidance from our esteemed instructors. These one-on-one sessions offer tailored support to address individual business challenges and goals.
Join us on this exciting journey as we empower aspiring entrepreneurs to reach new heights of success in Macedonia!
Do you need practical knowledge to improve your business?
Do you have a business idea, but you donβt know if you are on the right path? Learn all the steps for starting and running a successful business. Apply for the Business and Entrepreneurship Development Training β the LEADER Project.
Macedonia2025 announces an Open Call for the Business and Entrepreneurship Development Training: the LEADER Project, which will be held for the 16th time on April15-26, 2024 in Skopje. The LEADER Project is implemented in cooperation with the Ivey Business School β Western University, which has been successfully implementing the program since 1991. This program is a ten-day Management and Business Administration (MBA) training that encourages and supports Macedonian entrepreneurs, young managers and professionals to develop local, regional or international business solutions that will create new opportunities for social and economic development.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop their business analytical skills and fully develop their business sense. In addition, participants will be able to work closely with the LEADER Projectβ instructors to transform their ideas into actual businesses or to introduce innovation in the operations of their already existing businesses. No matter which group you belong to, the LEADER Project will help you get a step closer to achieving your goals!
Target Group
Participants up to 35 years of age
Entrepreneurs
Business leaders
Company owners
Young professionals who want to turn their business idea into reality or to progress in their career
Everyone interested in deepening their knowledge in the field of business and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility:
Excellent knowledge of the English language
Solid presentation and communication skills
Having an innovative business idea or a business with growth potential
Curiosity for knowledge and desire to advance oneβs business idea or existing business
Strong drive for professional growth
Possibility for attendance each working day for four hours during the two-week training.
Key Benefits:
You will learn the skills and tools needed to properly run a business through the interactive βcase studyβ learning method
You will gain valuable knowledge and skills for each stage of business development related to strategy, finance, marketing, promotion, sales and growth
You will be able to identify the biggest obstacles to running your business, in collaboration with the instructors
Candidates have access to individual mentoring sessions with one of the instructors or mentors provided by Macedonia2025.
The lectures are prepared and delivered by highly qualified instructors and mentors from the Ivey Business School β Western University in Canada.
Program Delivery Module
The Program is planned to be delivered in-person.
The Program will consist of ten (10) four-hour sessions. Each session includes one (1) case study, one (1) lecture, and one (1) hour of entrepreneurial coaching.
Date and Location:
This year the LEADER project will take place from April15-26, 2024 .
The LEADER project lectures will take place every working day (4 hours per day) in Skopje. The exact location will be announced in due time.
Selected participants will be additionally informed on the training venue.
Application:
In order to apply, you need will need to fill-in the Application Form, and attach the required documents within. At the end of the process, you should have submitted:
Completed application;
CV in English (Europass or similar format)
Descriptive short biography of up to 200 words in English
High resolution photo
Selection Process:
Administrative pre-selection of the applications is done by Macedonia2025
During the review process, candidates may be asked to submit additional documents or attend a short interview;
Selection of successful candidates by expert commission by April 3, 2024;
Notifying all selected candidates by April 3, 2024;
Sending the required materials for participation latest by April 10, 2024.
Participantβs fee:
The LEADER Project, a ten-day Management and Business Administration (MBA) training is worth 500 EUR per participant.
Participantsβ co-participation fee is foreseen in the net amount of 70 EUR (taxes apply), whereas Macedonia2025 covers the remaining part.
Important Notice: Certificates will be awarded only to the participants who attend a minimum of eight days of training.
Depending on the quality of the applications received, the number of scholarships may vary from the one in previous years.
As our beneficiaries, you are expected to be involved in some of Macedonia2025βs programs and activities in the future.
After a certain period of the program completion, beneficiaries are also required to complete a survey on the impact of the training on their business or in the development of their business idea.
