Unemployment is high in Bosnia and Herzegovina and part of the population lives in poverty. Since 2019, Caritas Switzerland has been implementing an innovative project that promotes small businesses and cooperatives in rural regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project, which was supported by Liechtenstein from the beginning, also helps people who have difficulties to find employment.

So far, several hundred people have received assistance to earn a regular income. Loans for start-ups or existing companies have helped to create more jobs. In a series of events manufacturers and retailers as well as employers and employees brought together. 

The project helps to reduce poverty and discrimination on a local level, resulting in fewer reasons for people to leave the country. With support from Caritas Switzerland, the communities are increasingly implementing project activities independently. The number of participating communities is growing and the level of demand from the communities speaks in favour of the success and acceptance of the project in the country.