FEGO Export fund: How Kosovo’s Businesses Can Access FEGO’s Export Funds

Through an increase in funding for the Fostering Employment and Growth Opportunities (FEGO) Project, additional funding is launched to enhance its support for Kosovo’s furniture, apparel, and rural tourism sectors. This new injection of funds will strengthen businesses’ ability to export, build capacities, and expand into international markets—particularly Sweden.

Why This Matters?

FEGO’s Top-Up funds provide a game-changing opportunity for Kosovo’s businesses to expand their market reach, attract international buyers, and solidify their positions in global supply chains. With strategic support for export fairs, capacity building, and financial assistance, this initiative ensures long-term growth and economic sustainability for Kosovo’s MSMEs.

If you’re a business in the furniture, apparel, or rural tourism sectors and want to tap into these funds, stay tuned for FEGO’s upcoming public call and start preparing to showcase your potential to the world!

But how can businesses access these funds, and what do they need to qualify? Let’s break it down.

Who Can Benefit?

The Top-Up funds will directly support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in three key sectors:

• Furniture: Businesses looking to exhibit at major international fairs, connect with buyers, and strengthen exports.
• Apparel: Fashion designers and apparel manufacturers seeking greater market visibility and export opportunities.
• Rural Tourism: Tourism operators aiming to promote Kosovo as a destination through fairs and familiarization trips.

Additionally, the project prioritizes women-owned enterprises, particularly in the apparel sector, where over 70% of businesses are led by women.

What Does the Funding Support?

FEGO’s Top-Up funds are structured around three major interventions:

1. Export Promotion

FEGO will facilitate participation in international fairs, buyer missions, and familiarization trips. These activities include:

• Furniture Sector: Participation in key international trade events and buyer missions.
• Apparel Sector: Engagement in fashion showcases, pop-up shops, and sales missions.
• Rural Tourism: Representation at tourism trade events and hosting familiarization trips for international stakeholders.

Through these initiatives, businesses can gain exposure, establish contracts, and increase exports.

2. The Export Fund

A new Export Fund has been established to help Kosovo businesses invest in manufacturing expansion, quality control, certification, and sustainable production practices.

• Maximum grant per enterprise: €60,000
• Co-financing required: Minimum 50% of total investment
• Who can apply? Furniture and apparel businesses with proven export potential.

3. Capacity Building

MSMEs in Kosovo often struggle with international expansion due to a lack of knowledge of export procedures, market access, and business development. FEGO will offer training and coaching programs focused on:

• Export market research and trade fair preparation
• Industry trends and compliance with international standards
• Customer relationship management and after-sales services
• Use of digital selling platforms

How to Apply?

1. Public Call: FEGO will issue open calls for enterprises in the furniture and apparel sectors.
2. Expression of Interest: Businesses need to submit an initial application. EoI application can be found on the FEGO website.
3. Evaluation Process: A committee will review applications based on criteria such as export potential, employment generation, financial contribution, and sustainability practices.
4. Approval & Partnership Agreement: Selected enterprises will enter a co-financing agreement.

Key Criteria for Selection: ✔ Export potential and market access ✔ Financial contribution and investment capacity ✔ Impact on employment and income generation ✔ Commitment to sustainability and gender inclusion ✔ Compliance with transparency, governance, and ethical business practices