Nis – The first association of Roma entrepreneurs in Serbia was formed with the aim of providing assistance to Roma entrepreneurs.

Those interested in membership in this association can apply by dialing phone number 061 / 6580-983 or by sending an e-mail to rediserbia@redi-ngo.eu  stating their name and surname, telephone number and the type of activity they perform or by filling in the application form, which is available on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HRe6fJn46xANoHJYhjpSh19vpvio6hKkZo3EwM_1fK0/viewform?edit_requested=true.

The initiator of the formation of the association is REDI (Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative) https://www.redi-ngo.eu/ , which intends to provide Roma entrepreneurs with the opportunity to come forward and advocate for their business interests. In this way, entrepreneurs will increase their competitiveness and achieve their economic goals, they say in the association.

The Association can be joined by registered and unregistered Roma entrepreneurs, any citizen of Serbia who wants to cooperate with Roma entrepreneurs, Roma collectors of secondary raw materials and seasonal workers in agriculture and fruit growing, as well as owners of Roma waste companies and construction workers, cleaners and housewives, while Roma women entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to join the Association.

As it was said in the statement, the newly formed association will try to provide support to the existing Roma entrepreneurs with their businesses, as well as with the process of legalization of their businesses.

Membership in the association provides access to all information in the field of economics and opportunities for entrepreneurs (programs, active employment measures, grants, state incentives to support entrepreneurship) and free technical support, which is necessary for applying for these measures.

In order to strengthen entrepreneurship and provide support to Roma with their business ideas, the association will work on establishing partnerships with organizations and business associations from Serbia, it was said in the statement.  

By joining the association, each individual will benefit from technical support and from competitiveness on the market.

In addition, the association will work on establishing cooperation with international donor organizations, state and municipal institutions, it was said in the statement, as well as that members will have the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge by participating in educational trainings.

Source: Media & Reform Center Nis and Coordination Body