For six years BIP has been implementing the project “Student Enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, where high school students are encouraged to start up their own businesses, taking part in entrepreneuership and business practice. At the Student Enterprise Fair held in February, at the Hotel Hollywood Ilidza in Sarajevo, the students were given a chance to present their ideas and products, which they had been working on during the school year.
- So many young people are enthusiastic and engaged. And that’s our goal with the Business Innovation Programs, said Jon Østgård, the general manager of BIP.
Best business
Over 55 Student enterprises participated at the regional fair from several cities in Herzegovina and the Sarajevo region. Students representing Trebinje, Kupres, Sarajevo, Foca, Pale, Gorazde and Fojnica were competing in the categories of the best business plan, the best presentation of the stand at the fair and the best product or service. The winners received awards and certificates and the main prize is an attendance at the International Summer Camp in Sutomore, Montenegro.
From perfumes to cheese
Creative products and services were on display at the fair in Sarajevo, ranging from oil based perfumes to the production of several types of cheeses and cheramics from Trebinje.
- This year again, I am impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity from several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The products on display showed that there had been put a lot of thought into the projects. I am strengthened in my belief after seeing this, that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a great future, said the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Jan Braathu, who opened the Student Enterprise Fair.