Call for entry within the project ‘The Idea for a Better Tomorrow’ for grants in the overall amount of EUR 56,000 opened
On today’s event Foundation Ana and Vlade Divac, UniCredit Foundation and UniCredit Bank presented the project ‘The Idea for a Better Tomorrow’ and invited vulnerable groups, both individuals and legal entities, to participate in this Call for entry and in that way apply for grants in the overall amount of EUR 56,000. In the period from November 7th until December 26th social companies, small cooperatives, companies employing marginalized and vulnerable groups and individuals, as well as families and individuals wishing to start or expand their business, can nominate their ideas which are promoting Serbia and in that way enter into the closest competition for grants. The project ‘Idea for a Better Tomorrow’ is supported by Serbia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SIEPA) and Tourism Organization of Serbia (TOS).
The duration of the project ‘The Idea for a Better Tomorrow’ is 10 months, and Call for entry is organized in several phases. In the first one, from November 7th until December 14th, mentioned categories can nominate their ideas for products or services which they consider that represent Serbia in the best way and thus contribute the improvement of country’s image in the region and abroad, and at the same time influence the improvement of Serbia’s export potential. After the submission deadline expiry, the jury will select 20 best ideas in the category of legal entities, and 20 ideas submitted by individuals and families. In the second phase, experts will work with the 40 selected nominees on the business plan development. After the business plans are developed, the Jury will choose the best ones in basis of the innovative aspect of the proposed ideas and sustainability of the project.
Within the project ‘The Idea for a Better Tomorrow’ the legal entities will receive two awards in the amount of EUR 15,000 each, while families and individuals will receive four grants in the amount of EUR 5,000 each. UniCredit Bank employees will also be included into the selection process. In basis of their votes for the best business plans, the allocation of additional EUR 6,000 will be conducted. Applicants may submit only one application for grant and for only one business activity.
Maurizio Carrara, the Chairman of UniCredit Foundation, stated: "For some years, our Foundation is supporting projects focused on vulnerable groups in Serbia. From the very beginning we were led by the idea that it is important to provide financial resources, but more importantly is to ensure and support activities that will enable these categories of the population to become economically sustainable. Therefore, we are really proud that this project has a wider dimension, since, in addition to ensuring economic sustainability, it is putting the focus on products and services that can contribute to the promotion of Serbia abroad and to the improvement of competitiveness of its export. "
Snežana Divac, President of the Board of Directors of the Foundation Ana and Vlade Divac said: "The Idea for a Better Tomorrow in a certain way presents an extension of the RAISE project which we are implementing together with UniCredit Foundation and UniCredit Bank since 2008. I am very pleased that it is also comprehensively helping socially vulnerable groups to integrate into the society and achieve economic sustainability, with the help of their own work and thus ensure a better future for their families and their business. Therefore, I would use this opportunity to invite as many individuals and enterprises to apply for this program, thus giving a chance to their idea. "
Claudio Cesario, CEO of UniCredit Bank Serbia in relation to this project has stated: "We are very proud that with the support of our Foundation from Milan and together with partners such as the Foundation Ana and Vlade Divac we are managing to influence, for the fourth year in a row, the improvement of living conditions for socially vulnerable groups, as well as their integration into the society. Our new project is additional proof of our responsibility towards the country in which we conduct business, and the donations of UniCredit Foundation for Serbia, which exceed EUR 1.6 mio, are real life indicator of UniCredit ‘s strategic and long-term commitment to this country and its people.”