Second Free Educational Workshop of the WOMEN’S ETHNO HUB Held in Loznica: Establishment of a Social Enterprise

Second Free Educational Workshop of the WOMEN’S ETHNO HUB Held in Loznica: Establishment of a Social Enterprise

01.10.2025

Within the European project WIN – Improving the position of Women in the labour markets of peripheral INdustrial regions, the Association of Business Women in Serbia (ABW Serbia) organized the second free educational workshop in Loznica, dedicated to the establishment of social enterprises. The workshop was held on 30 September 2025 at the Smart City Loznica Innovation Startup Centre, with the support of the City of Loznica and the Tourist Organization Loznica.

The aim of this workshop was to provide women, especially those interested in starting social enterprises, with basic knowledge on how to develop a business idea that not only contributes to the market but also has a positive social impact. Through an interactive session and practical application, participants became familiar with the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship, as well as the key steps in establishing such enterprises.

The workshop was led by Marija Ignjatović, Director and Co-owner of Novitas Consult d.o.o. from Šabac, a company specialized in professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Marija is an entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in social entrepreneurship, and her company currently employs over 30 persons with disabilities, combining production and service activities.

Marija introduced the participants to the concept of social entrepreneurship, the differences between conventional and social enterprises, the advantages of social entrepreneurship, and the steps involved in the establishment process. Through group work, participants developed their business ideas using the CANVAS model, defined the social mission of their enterprises and identified target groups they aim to support. They examined the basic elements of the business model in order to create sustainable business plans with clearly defined social impact.

At the end of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by social entrepreneurship.

Additional support was provided to all interested participants in the form of:

  • individual consultations,
  • assistance in drafting the founding act, statute and other documentation,
  • counselling on business model development and the social enterprise registration process.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be awarded certificates.

Marija Ignjatović, recognised as a leader in the field of social entrepreneurship, also spoke about her experiences with social procurement and the inclusion of marginalized groups in the labour market. Her work has been recognized at both national and international levels, and she is the recipient of several awards, including participation in the EIT Food Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme.

The Association of Business Women in Serbia continues to organize free educational workshops aimed at empowering women in the labour market and promoting social entrepreneurship as a sustainable business model. With strategic support from the City of Loznica and the Tourist Organization Loznica, the project aims to encourage the development of local women entrepreneurs and strengthen their competitiveness in the market. The workshop concluded with lunch, informal networking and the exchange of experiences among participants.