PULSE Balkans, The Regional Youth Cooperation Office and Balkan Green Foundation Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of RISE Project
Pristina, October 24th – PULSE Balkans, in partnership with RYCO and Balkan Green Foundation, recently marked the fifth anniversary of the RISE (Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs), a project supported by partners including the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union, the RYCO and the French-German Youth Office (FGYO). The project aims to open new spaces of reconciliation for the youth of the Western Balkans through social entrepreneurship.
To celebrate the RISE Project’s fifth anniversary, PULSE Balkans organized events in each capital of the Western Balkans. The third event took place in Pristina, in partnership with the Balkan Green Foundation and RYCO. Moderated by Chloé Lepage, PULSE Balkans’ Communication Manager, the event opened with remarks from key actors in the field of social entrepreneurship. Mr. François Deshayes, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy in Kosovo, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the region and encouraging business development. Ms Krenara Gashi Krasniqi, head of RYCO LBO in Kosovo*, emphasized the role of the project in opening new spaces of reconciliation for youth in the region, then Ms Rinora Gojani, operations manager at Balkan Green Foundation shared her vision of a future where young social entrepreneurs are the drivers of sustainable change in communities.
A presentation followed, highlighting RISE’s achievements over the past five years and its essential role in building a resilient social entrepreneurship ecosystem. By collaborating with six local support organizations, RISE has mobilized resources to drive social innovation. The program equips young social entrepreneurs with the mentorship and tools needed to address pressing social challenges in their communities.
The event concluded with a panel, moderated by Ms Ardita Bonatti, RYCO project manager, featuring alumni from the RISE programme “RISE Journey” who shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys:
- Fatbardh Kabashi, founder of 35 Shkallë, introduced his health-focused business, which produces toilet stools to aid in natural posture and help prevent digestive diseases.
- Ardit Hoti from Hay Atelier showcased his eco-friendly business creating lamps from recycled materials and paper.
- Veton Kastrati, representing Urban Hub in Malishevë, discussed his initiatives to promote local culture and community engagement in his hometown.
- Kimete Arifaj of Kimi’s Art’elier shared her passion for creating personalized candles and paintings.
- Artina Kabashi presented Panacea, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women through aloe vera sustainable agricultural practices.
The alumni spoke about their contributions to their communities, with a shared vision to advance social entrepreneurship across the Western Balkans.
The event showed how much the RISE project has helped young social entrepreneurs create positive change in the Western Balkans. It also reinforced the dedication of Balkan Green Foundation, PULSE Balkans, and their partners to keep supporting social entrepreneurship in the region, building a stronger community and brighter future together.