BOOST Key Pillars

Youth and Entrepreneurship

Rural Development and Environment

Cultural Heritage and Community Development

Pillar 1: Youth and Entrepreneurship

Project BOOST recognises the transformative power of youth in driving innovation and economic progress. BOOST empowers CSOs across the Balkans to support and encourage young entrepreneurs through targeted capacity-building programs and grants, ensuring equitable access for all, particularly focusing on disadvantaged and marginalized young people in rural areas, those in vulnerable situations, and individuals from minority groups.

Our Approach

Capacity building Comprehensive programs that equip young people with the tools and skills for developing innovative strategies and entrepreneurial ideas

Regional Networks Connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced leaders and experts for guidance and support

Women in Entrepreneurship Addressing the gender gap in business ownership, aiming to increase the percentage of women-owned businesses and women in leadership positions

Impact and Outcomes

Through this pillar, project BOOST is building a foundation for long-term economic growth in the Western Balkans. By investing in young people, we aim to reduce unemployment and stop the trend of talented youth leaving their countries for better opportunities elsewhere. BOOST is creating chances for young people to build successful futures in their own communities.

By encouraging innovation, sustainability, and leadership, it will be created a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive economic and social progress in the region. These young leaders will play a key role in solving local and regional problems and contributing to the global economy.

The goal of this pillar is to create an environment where young people can lead, build strong businesses, and contribute to the well-being of their societies. BOOST is not just supporting individual success but also contributing to the overall stability and growth of the region.

Pillar 2: Rural Development and Environment

Project BOOST is committed to promoting Rural Development and Environmental sustainability, recognizing these as crucial elements for the long-term growth and prosperity of the Western Balkans. The second pillar of BOOST focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in relation to environmental protection and sustainable development. Rural areas in the Western Balkans often struggle with issues like deforestation, river pollution, and inadequate waste management, which not only harm the environment but also limit economic opportunities for local populations.

Through this pillar, BOOST supports CSOs in implementing projects that promote sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. These efforts are designed not only to tackle pressing environmental issues but also to enhance the livelihoods of people living in rural areas by creating new economic opportunities and improving overall living conditions.

Our Approach

Environmental Awareness Focusing on educating communities on conservation and sustainable resource management

Financial support Offering grants for innovative rural development and environmental projects and supporting CSOs in implementing projects to combat deforestation, river pollution, climate change and inadequate waste management

Policy Advocacy Working closely with local and national governments to promote policies that support sustainable rural development

Capacity Building Comprehensive training to support civil initiatives for clean energy adoption in rural areas across the region

Rural Tourism Promoting the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage, to increase rural tourism and enhance economic development.

Impact and Outcomes

The goal of this Pillar is to create resilient and sustainable rural communities that can increase economically while preserving the rich natural heritage of the Western Balkans. By promoting sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-tourism, BOOST aims to generate new job opportunities, improve living standards, and contribute to the overall environmental health of the region. Through these efforts, the rural areas are not only protected but also are considered as energeticcentres of economic and environmental sustainability.

BOOST’s initiatives under this pillar intend to ensure that rural communities are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century while maintaining their cultural and natural heritage. By fostering a balance between development and conservation, we aim to create a sustainable model for rural development that can serve as an example for other regions facing similar challenges.

Pillar 3: Cultural Heritage and Community Development

The Cultural Heritage and Community Development pillar of Project BOOST recognizes the great significance of the Western Balkans' diverse cultural landscape. This region is home to a rich variety of traditions, languages, art forms, and historical sites that reflect its unique cultural heritage. Through this pillar, BOOST is committed to preserving these cultural treasures while promoting community-led initiatives that strengthen local identities and foster social cohesion across the diverse communities in the Western Balkans.

This pillar not only focuses on preserving cultural heritage but also aims to connect it as a promoter for economic growth, particularly through tourism and cultural industries. By empowering communities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to actively engage in the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage, BOOST seeks to promote active citizenship and strengthen cultural ties between communities across the region.

Our Approach

Capacity Building Heritage management training will buildlocal capacity for conservation and site management

Cultural Tourism Development Safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage across the Western Balkans, while utilising cultural heritage for sustainable tourism and local economic growth

Community Heritage Projects Supporting local initiatives that revitalize traditions and engage youth in cultural preservation, while engaging local communities in the management and promotion of their cultural assets

Cross-Border Cultural Exchange Fostering regional cooperation through shared cultural experiences and joint heritage projects and using shared cultural heritage to bridge divides and foster regional cooperation

Impact and Outcomes

The ultimate goal of this pillar is to transform cultural heritage from a passive asset into a dynamic force for community development and regional cooperation. By actively engaging communities in the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage, BOOST not only safeguards the region's rich history but also ensures that it serves as a foundation for future economic and social development.

Through this pillar, BOOST contributes to the social, economic, and cultural vitality of the Western Balkans. By promoting cultural heritage as a source of pride and economic opportunity, BOOST helps ensure that the region's diverse traditions continue to inspire and benefit future generations. This approach also strengthens regional cooperation, creating a sense of shared identity and common purpose among the countries of the Western Balkans.

In doing so, BOOST not only preserves the past but also builds a more energetic, cohesive, and prosperous future for the region.

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