April 2011

Vranje, April 5, 2011

In the fifth project in a row implemented in Vranje by the German organization HELP, fifty new Grant contracts of the individual value up to 2000 eur has been signed in Vranje. The contracts were signed by the supported entrepreneurs in the presence of the Mayor of Vranje Mr. Miroljub Stojcic and HELP Regional Representative Mr. Timo Stegelmann, both expressing their support and wishing success the clients in the development of their businesses.

The support will be provided in the form of in-kind grant i.e. equipment needed for their businesses consisting of 23 agriculture, 18 service and 9 craft activities, with the female gender share of 32%.
By signing the contracts clients are entering into the obligations to be fulfilled until the moment of the equipment delivery. At the beginning they need to register their business, perform 15hours of community service, and attend business and vocational trainings organized by HELP. Repayment of 20% of the grant value to the project account is to be committed in agreement with the HELP just before the equipment delivery. 
As stated by the people leading the City of Vranje, the support to the employment presents the priority activity for the city administration.
Implementing the self for self-help principle, contained in the very title of the organization “Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe”, the population dependence on the external assistance is reduced, and the people are given a chance tomake regular income with its own work and even further develop business.