Empowering communities in Kosovo through social innovation

The Community-Driven Social Innovation Programme (CDSIP), implemented by the Jakova Innovation Centre and funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg through LuxDev, via the Support to the civil society in Kosovo project, continues to make significant strides in fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering underrepresented groups in Gjakova (western Kosovo). Recent milestones include the selection of six promising social entrepreneurial initiatives, which are now receiving tailored mentorship, business planning support and financial assistance as they move towards full implementation.

Over the first two quarters of implementation, the project has trained 109 participants in entrepreneurship, business development, financial planning, and social impact measurement, surpassing its initial targets. Among them, 68% were women and nearly 30% belonged to the Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, and other minority communities.

A landmark moment came in June 2025, when six promising social enterprise ideas were presented during a flagship workshop attended by local authorities, civil society representatives, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Pristina, H.E. Eric Dietz. Originally, three initiatives were to receive support, but due to the importance of the social entrepreneurial initiatives presented and their impact on communities and social cohesion, all six ventures will now benefit from tailored mentorship, business planning
assistance, and financial support.

The selected initiatives include:

• EMPOWER.ED – digital skills and mobility training for youth;
• Coffee Cycle Cosmetics – circular economy-based skincare products;
• BeyondLimits – inclusive creative production led by persons with disabilities;
• Medica Gjakova Shop – retail and e-commerce for agro-products and handicrafts;
• Community Green-Care – urban waste and cemetery services cooperative;
• Day Companion – elder care and youth employment service.

Currently, the specialised workshops with all six teams are in their concluding phase, designed to refine business models, strengthen operational planning, and prepare each initiative for full implementation in the next project stage.

In the coming months, CDSIP will focus on structured mentorship programmes and the development of business plans and prototypes. These efforts will pave the way for the official establishment of six social enterprises that aim to deliver sustainable solutions to community challenges while promoting social cohesion.

This article was originally published by the Jakova Innovation Centre, a partner of the Support to the civil society in Kosovo project.

The Support to the civil society in Kosovo project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, aims to strengthen democratic participation and develop a strong and dynamic civil society in the country.