As part of the project activities of the business idea incubator and financial support for start-ups, 18 young people participated in a boot camp in July 2020, where they learned how to turn their business idea into a business plan. Ten young people applied for financial support for their respective business plan, while an expert commission approved an incentive for four young entrepreneurs.

At the contract signing ceremony, held in Sarajevo, on December 21, 2020, the young entrepreneurs presented their ideas and plans, based on which they were allowed to turn the idea into reality.

Jelena Jočić, from Banja Luka, presented the business idea "Accounting and Consulting Agency". She is a certified public accountant and a graduate economist with six years of experience and is now ready to start her own business. In addition to the project, she received financial and advisory assistance that will enable her to better position herself in the market.

Ivan Kanjski, a returnee to Prnjavor presented his own business "Making eco-toilet baskets" whose prototype he developed and the grant will enable him to mass-produce an ecological product.

Ante Lasić, Široki Brijeg - presented his business "Carpentry workshop, production of carpentry and custom furniture". He has been in the carpentry business for seven years and would now expand the existing workshop.

Ivan Musa, from Mostar, presented the business "Plumbing and Central Heating Company", a craft he practiced in previous years, working for other employers. From the grant, they will purchase new machines and employ one person, who will be allowed to be employed and promoted, and thus increase their competitiveness on the labor market.

As part of the YourJob program, two more boot camps will be organized, for other young people will have the opportunity to apply for granting their business ideas. The YourJob program plans to distribute 22 grants in the total amount of more than 110.000 EUR.

The three-year regional program YourJob is implemented by the Caritas network in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia in 14 cities/municipalities, and aims to empower young people by providing opportunities to increase their competitiveness in the labor market. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the program is implemented by Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with Caritas Diocese Mostar-Duvno and Trebinje-Mrkan and Caritas Diocese Banja Luka, with financial support from Caritas Austria, Austrian Development Agency, Medicor Foundation and Renovabis.

On this occasion, the participants were addressed by Mrs. Nicole Hardwick, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to BiH, who congratulated the winners of the competition and emphasized the commitment of the Republic of Austria to further support the empowerment of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Miroslav Valenta, YourJob program manager at Caritas BiH, presented the program successes so far: "YourJob program in BiH has supported more than 900 young people through project activities, such as an internship program for 92 young people, 457 young people completed training to acquire skills or professional knowledge. 22 young people have started the process of self-employment, 25 people have found permanent employment, 189 potential employers are ready to employ young people, and 94.5% of young people said they are more motivated and better prepared for work. Three counseling centers for youth employment have been opened in BiH - Banja Luka, Čapljina and Mostar, where 6 guidance counselors work. Counselors work together with young people to strengthen competencies, find the necessary training and/or employers, and monitor the strengthening of young people's competencies. This program is planned to provide 22 grants for young entrepreneurs, which encourages employment and only the employment of young people. "

Young people aged 15 to 30 from the region of Banja Luka, Čapljina, and Mostar can be informed how to get involved in the activities of your YourJob program through social networks Facebook and Instagram YourJobBiH, via email yourjob.bih@caritas.ba and in youth employment counseling. (caritas.ba)