The USAID Economic Growth Project is a three-year initiative funded by the American people and implemented by CHF International. The objective is to support private tourism and agriculture businesses in northern Montenegro to capitalize on the region’s economic potential. With the tourism market growing, food markets developing and the EU Integration process getting underway, there is an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, develop business and raise incomes of northern residents.

The Economic Growth Project aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the agriculture and tourism sectors by developing critical business skills, strengthening enterprise viability and establishing sustainable commercial ties between northern businesses and those in Podgorica and the coast. Recognizing the prominent role of government in economic development, the project will engage the public sector at the local and national level, aiming to improve business support services, solicit investment relevant to sector strategies, and to enhance public-private dialogue toward improving the business enabling environment.

The project seeks participation from motivated municipal leaders, businesses, entrepreneurs and non-governmental organizations. The assistance comes in many forms, but it emphasizes building knowledge and establishing the business relationships necessary for improved business profitability. In return, the project requires that participants meet strict project qualifications, show willingness to invest in their own businesses, and provide evidence that knowledge gained from assistance will be put into practice.

The Economic Growth Project is partnering with four Montenegrin organizations to help develop and implement projects from field offices located in the following municipalities: FORS Montenegro (Niksic), the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije (Berane), Natura (Kolasin), and Capital Logistic (Pljevlja). These Key Implementing Partners will work in a hands-on fashion with project participants to develop and implement project concepts and assist northern stakeholders to attract investment from the private sector, national government and outside donors.