Activities of the Centre for Small Business in 2009

Throughout 2007, the City Development Agency has implemented a project titled “Establishing a Small Business Centre of Banja Luka” as part of its development sector for the support to small business.

There were 5 thematic workshops held to date covering the following topics:
- Handiwork (embroidery, crocheting, knitting)
- Glass drawing
- Woodwork
- Making jewellery
- Design

Activities to date:

With the assistance of the City Development Agency, sub-contractors have had the opportunity to exhibit at the following 8 fairs and events:

The Agency organised the first exhibition as part of the Days of Diaspora of Banja Luka in Vrbanja,
The Agency organised the second exhibition on the occasion of opening of the Centre for Small Business on their premises,
LORIMES Fairs in 2007 and 2008,
Kočić’s gathering,
Doboj EXPO 2008,
Promedia 2008,
International fair of agriculture and food processing industry “AGROS” 2008
Street market for New Year’s Eve and the Women’s Day,
Exhibition INOST MLADIH 2009 – RS Innovators Union,
International Display of Tourism MST 2009

Activities planned for 2009

TRAINING

Basic Training in Entrepreneurship – registration of activities;
Training in drafting business plans;
Market research and marketing plan;
Product design;
Developing entrepreneur’s spirit – how to find an idea for business;
Production technology, labelling and certification of food products and beverages;
Preparation of SME sector, entrepreneurs and sub-contractors for exhibitions at fairs.

THEMATIC WORKSHOPS

Workshop /handiwork/ - knitting, embroidery (5 workshops).
- Knitting (production technology, practical training and product design);
- Traditional embroidery (production technology, practical training and design).

Workshop /making souvenirs of glass and fimo clay/ – production technology, practical training and design.

Following the workshops, products will be selected and classified.

SPECIFIC TRAINING:

TRAINING (YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP)
TRAINING FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TRAINING FOR INNOVATORS

FAIRS:

Doboj EXPO 14-17 October
AGROS 09-13 September
LORIMES 05-08 November

EVENTS:

Street Market for 8 March (Women’s Day);
Participation at the WRC (World Championship in Rafting)
Kočić’s Gathering – August;
Kozara Ethno – June, July;
New Year’s Street Market 25-31 December;
Assembly of traditional crafts and entrepreneurship.

Organising permanent exhibitions
- Provide stands for permanent exhibitions;
- Organise street market with souvenirs and handiwork products for four days in a week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on a monthly basis.

Provide points of sale
- Ensure with the City Administrative Service premises in the centre of the City where the products would be displayed (a potential site would be the premises of the City Tourist Organisation);
- Making standard stand for events at fairs.

Assembly of traditional crafts and entrepreneurship
- Organise own handiwork fair;
- Fair with display area and points of sale in the centre of the city;
- Cultural and entertainment programme (fashion-shows, cultural clubs);
- Round tables and presentations;
- Awards for participants.