
Empowering Roma Entrepreneurs: Founding of the Roma Business Club
On April 8, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved within the Roma community in Serbia. This date, celebrated as International Roma Day, marked the establishment of the first Roma Business Club in Serbia and Europe, with the support of the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI). This club aims to represent and support Roma entrepreneurs, enabling networking, collaboration, and access to financing.
The Genesis of a Visionary Initiative
The inspiration for the club emerged from REDI's dedication to the economic empowerment of the Romani community. The primary objective of the Roma Business Club is to create favorable conditions for business growth, provide access to more affordable financial resources, and amplify the voices of Roma entrepreneurs at a national level.
Žarko Savić, one of the club's founders, expressed the significance of this achievement: "The registration of the Roma Business Club is a significant step forward for us as a community. Through this club, we aim to network Roma entrepreneurs, advocate for their interests, and create better conditions for the growth of our businesses."
Promoting Success and Innovation
Beyond serving as a platform for networking and support, the Roma Business Club is dedicated to promoting the successes of Roma entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation, and fostering the exchange of business ideas within the community. The establishment of the club is expected to inspire other countries in the region and across Europe to strengthen the economic roles and integration of Roma communities.
International Recognition and Networking
Over its four years of development, the Roma Business Club has gained international recognition, participating in major fairs in Europe, including the International Tourism and Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad. These events have provided opportunities to showcase ideas and products and organize days dedicated to Roma entrepreneurship.
A notable engagement was at the international REDI Summit, where club members met with high-ranking officials from European and local institutions to enhance support for Roma entrepreneurship. This event not only facilitated the exchange of ideas but also stimulated the development of strategies for the economic empowerment of the Roma community.
Expanding Horizons and Building Expertise
Currently, the Roma Business Club includes over 50 Roma entrepreneurs and experts from diverse fields such as ecology, economics, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and finance. This diverse group represents the strength and variety of Roma entrepreneurship in Serbia. According to REDI, there are over 2000 Roma entrepreneurs in Serbia, indicating significant potential for further growth.
In the near future, the Roma Business Club plans to establish committees focusing on specific areas such as ecology, agriculture, services, construction, trade, transport, and crafts. These committees will enable club members to work together to improve their business practices, exchange ideas, and implement innovative strategies.
A Model for Economic Inclusion
The founding of the Roma Business Club in Serbia represents a step toward strengthening the economic role of Roma in society. It serves as an example of how joint efforts and initiatives can achieve significant impact locally and globally. The continued development of the club is expected to inspire other communities to support entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic inclusion and development.
With a vision to foster a thriving and empowered community of Roma entrepreneurs, the Roma Business Club continues to expand its role as a vital actor in promoting entrepreneurship among Roma, improving economic conditions, and achieving social integration in Serbia. As the club grows and strengthens, it aims to become a beacon of economic prosperity and social impact for Roma communities across the region and beyond.
The Genesis of a Visionary Initiative
The inspiration for the club emerged from REDI's dedication to the economic empowerment of the Romani community. The primary objective of the Roma Business Club is to create favorable conditions for business growth, provide access to more affordable financial resources, and amplify the voices of Roma entrepreneurs at a national level.
Žarko Savić, one of the club's founders, expressed the significance of this achievement: "The registration of the Roma Business Club is a significant step forward for us as a community. Through this club, we aim to network Roma entrepreneurs, advocate for their interests, and create better conditions for the growth of our businesses."
Promoting Success and Innovation
Beyond serving as a platform for networking and support, the Roma Business Club is dedicated to promoting the successes of Roma entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation, and fostering the exchange of business ideas within the community. The establishment of the club is expected to inspire other countries in the region and across Europe to strengthen the economic roles and integration of Roma communities.
International Recognition and Networking
Over its four years of development, the Roma Business Club has gained international recognition, participating in major fairs in Europe, including the International Tourism and Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad. These events have provided opportunities to showcase ideas and products and organize days dedicated to Roma entrepreneurship.
A notable engagement was at the international REDI Summit, where club members met with high-ranking officials from European and local institutions to enhance support for Roma entrepreneurship. This event not only facilitated the exchange of ideas but also stimulated the development of strategies for the economic empowerment of the Roma community.
Expanding Horizons and Building Expertise
Currently, the Roma Business Club includes over 50 Roma entrepreneurs and experts from diverse fields such as ecology, economics, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and finance. This diverse group represents the strength and variety of Roma entrepreneurship in Serbia. According to REDI, there are over 2000 Roma entrepreneurs in Serbia, indicating significant potential for further growth.
In the near future, the Roma Business Club plans to establish committees focusing on specific areas such as ecology, agriculture, services, construction, trade, transport, and crafts. These committees will enable club members to work together to improve their business practices, exchange ideas, and implement innovative strategies.
A Model for Economic Inclusion
The founding of the Roma Business Club in Serbia represents a step toward strengthening the economic role of Roma in society. It serves as an example of how joint efforts and initiatives can achieve significant impact locally and globally. The continued development of the club is expected to inspire other communities to support entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic inclusion and development.
With a vision to foster a thriving and empowered community of Roma entrepreneurs, the Roma Business Club continues to expand its role as a vital actor in promoting entrepreneurship among Roma, improving economic conditions, and achieving social integration in Serbia. As the club grows and strengthens, it aims to become a beacon of economic prosperity and social impact for Roma communities across the region and beyond.