PULSE Balkans, The Regional Youth Cooperation Office and Smart Kolektiv Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of RISE Project.
Belgrade, October 23th – A significant occasion was marked in the field of social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment as PULSE Balkans, in collaboration with RYCO and Smart Kolektiv, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the RISE (Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs) project. With support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union, RYCO, and the French-German Youth Office (FGYO), RISE has played a key role in providing a platform for young people in the Western Balkans to drive social change and promote reconciliation through innovative business solutions over the past five years.
Mr. Pierre Cochard, French Ambassador in Serbia
Mr. Arnaud Dauphin, Director of AFD Western Balkans
Mr. Goran Radlovački, Director at PULSE Balkans
Building a Future of Social Impact
The event brought together leaders from civil society organizations (CSOs), governmental representatives, and social entrepreneurs who have been part of RISE Journey. This gathering served as a unique platform to discuss the crucial role of social entrepreneurship in shaping a brighter future for the region. Key representatives, including French Ambassador to Serbia Mr. Pierre Cochard, AFD Western Balkans Director Mr. Arnaud Dauphin, Mr. Goran Radlovacki, Director of PULSE Balkans, Ms Ivana Stančić, RISE Project Manager at Smart Kolektiv, and Ms Marija Bulat, Director of RYCO Local Branch Office in Belgrade, delivered opening remarks, underlining RISE’s pivotal contribution to the region’s progress and unity.
“The RISE project is a testimony of the strength of the partnership between France and Serbia working together to promote innovation, democratic values, and social progress. Civil society organisations play a critical role in fostering democratic culture, and through initiatives like RISE, we are empowering young people to contribute to Serbia’s European convergence. This ensures a promising future relying on inclusion, sustainability, and shared prosperity.” said Mr. Cochard, French Ambassador in Serbia.
“At AFD, we believe in the transformative power of social entrepreneurship to drive positive change. The RISE project has proven its ability to connect, support, and empower young people across the Western Balkans, creating opportunities that go beyond economic success. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we are collectively building a future where social entrepreneurship becomes a cornerstone of lasting peace and development.” commented Mr. Dauphin, Director of AFD Western Balkans.
Ivana Stančić, Program manager at Smart Kolektiv
Marija Bulat, Head of RYCO LBO in Serbia
Living librairies session with Soko Kamp
Showcasing Successes and Expanding Impact
A notable moment of the event was a detailed presentation outlining RISE’s accomplishments in the past five years. Aimed at tackling social challenges through entrepreneurial solutions, RISE has made an impact on the regional social economy. The project has empowered over 530 young individuals, incubated 48 social businesses, and supported six local incubators in enhancing their capacity to mentor and guide young entrepreneurs in the area. With a recent call for applications, RISE is willing to support an additional 108 young changemakers as part of the upcoming RISE Journey 5, a tailor-made support programme.
The event was enriched by the testimonies of RISErs Alumni, who shared their inspiring journeys and achievements made possible thanks to the project’s support. Dario, a young entrepreneur from Soko Camp, presented his environmental project, which involves organising nature-based summer camps to teach young people about environmental responsibility. Katarina, founder of Women on the Way, told the story of her clothing brand, created to offer refugee women economic independence and stability. These stories showcased RISE’s tangible impact in empowering young people across the Western Balkans.
A forward-looking celebration
The fifth anniversary event was a resounding testament to RISE’s achievements in social entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans.
The celebration not only showcased the remarkable successes of RISE, but also highlighted the power of cross-border collaboration in creating sustainable social change. Guided by a shared vision and by the support of partners, RISE is a milestone for the next generation of changemakers to tackle challenges, build businesses and better societies in Western Balkans.