CDSIP Social Enterprises Move from Ideas to Formalization and Implementation

Gjakova, 11 August 2026 – Jakova Innovation Center (JIC) marked an important milestone in the implementation of the Community-Driven Social Innovation Programme (CDSIP), bringing together social enterprise teams, institutional representatives, partners, and stakeholders to recognize the progress achieved and the transition of supported initiatives toward formal operation.

The event, held at JIC in Gjakova, reflected the evolution of CDSIP from capacity building and business development to the formalization, financing, and operationalization of social enterprises addressing concrete community needs.

Opening the event, Afrim Kamishi, CDSIP Project Manager, presented the progress of the programme and highlighted the intensive process undertaken with beneficiary teams—from entrepreneurship training and specialized workshops to mentoring, business planning, registration, licensing, and preparation for market entry.

A representative of Luxembourg reflected on the importance of supporting social innovation and community-driven entrepreneurship as instruments for greater inclusion, employment, and social cohesion in Kosovo.

A central moment of the event was the formal recognition of the financial-support agreements provided to the eligible social enterprises, enabling them to move forward with essential start-up investments and begin implementing their business plans.

The supported enterprises operate across diverse areas of social and economic importance, including agro-products and handicrafts, natural cosmetics, environmental and recycling services, inclusive creative production, and elderly care and support services. Their business models combine economic activity with clearly defined social missions, creating opportunities particularly for women, young people, minority communities, and persons with disabilities.

The event also highlighted JIC’s continued efforts to connect the emerging enterprises with institutions, businesses, associations, and other stakeholders capable of supporting their sustainability beyond the initial project period. Cooperation arrangements and Memoranda of Understanding with stakeholder supporters were presented as part of this broader effort to strengthen market linkages, institutional cooperation, and long-term local ownership.

The formal programme concluded with an open exchange among participants, followed by networking, providing an opportunity for social entrepreneurs and stakeholders to discuss future cooperation and the next steps in the development of the enterprises.

The August event represents another important step in the CDSIP journey: from community needs, to ideas; from ideas, to viable business models; and now from business models to formally established social enterprises with the potential to generate lasting community impact.

JIC extends its appreciation to all beneficiary teams, mentors, experts, institutional representatives, businesses, and community partners who have contributed to this process.

Special appreciation goes to LuxDev for its continued partnership and to LuxAid – Luxembourg Aid & Development for supporting inclusive and community-driven development in Kosovo. JIC also expresses its sincere gratitude to Ms. Anila Kadiu for her unwavering support, thoughtful guidance, and highly valued engagement throughout the implementation of CDSIP.

The Community-Driven Social Innovation Programme (CDSIP) is implemented by Jakova Innovation Center with the support of the project “Support to Civil Society in Kosovo”, financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev – Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.