Skopje, 25 November 2025 (MIA) – We, the government, strongly believe that the economy grows when citizens have the support to create, innovate and become entrepreneurs, because the self-employment measure, being part of the Operational Plan, is one of the most attractive and most successful programs in the country. This year marked the highest interest shown so far – a little over 6,000 applications were sent, which suggests that the citizens want to, have the knowledge and self-confidence to build their own businesses and the state supports them with record-high financial assistance, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Tuesday in a news conference after handing out self-employment certificates as part of the Employment Operational Plan.

Up to this point, he said, 2,916 business plan vouchers were issued and some 2,681 were assessed, including 1,140 for young people under 29, 912 for people over 29 and 629 for legal entities registered as limited liability companies (LLCs). Currently, 2,545 people are in the process of signing grant contracts followed by a two-day training to give them confidence to embark on the entrepreneurial journey.

“Out of a total of 6,045 applications, 3,296 were sent by young people under 29. Financial support has been significantly increased: 7,000 euros for people over 29 or 14,000 euros if they join in a LLC, and 10,000 euros for young people under 29 or 20,000 euros if they join in a LLC.”

“These are not just numbers – these are new businesses that will open new craft workshops, IT start-ups, services, small manufacturing companies, new opportunities for development and strengthening the entire economy. The self-employment measure is part of the Operational Plan for 2025, which is over 2.5 billion denars or 40 million euros - 7.5 million more than last year and it’s considered record-breaking. 16,507 people will be included in 2025 – the largest coverage so far, which is clear proof that the state is investing in the greatest strength it has, which are the citizens,” Mickoski stressed.

Due to the huge interest, the Ministry of Economy together with the Employment Agency has proposed revision of the plan to help redistribute additional 300 million denars. Another 161 million denars were secured through the budget’s revision with the purpose not to leave behind potential entrepreneurs.

“This measure is also a strong instrument in our strategic fight against unemployment. Instead of passive measures and waiting for favourable circumstances, we are changing our philosophy – from a state that only provides social support, we are turning into a state that creates opportunities, encourages personal progress, encourages courage and gives people the tools to become independent. Self-employment creates jobs where there are no large factories, opens up prospects in rural areas, activates young people, empowers women entrepreneurs and allows anyone with a good idea to turn it into a successful economic story.”

“Today we are not just signing contracts – today we are signing new energy in the economy, new jobs, new success stories. Entrepreneurs are the drivers of economic development, and our task as a government is to open the doors, provide support and create a fair, stable and motivating economic environment. I congratulate you on your courage and wish you success and I assure you – the state stands behind every single step that entrepreneurs take,” concluded PM Mickoski.