Ecosystem Builders | Boosting Support for MSMEs in Albania

The Ecosystem Builders program aims to strengthen the competitive potential of MSMEs in Albania through a collaborative model built on knowledge transfer.

Enhancing the capacities of Albanian MSMEs and business support associations


The Ecosystem Builders program aims to strengthen the competitive potential of MSMEs in Albania through a collaborative model built on knowledge transfer. It focuses on equipping Albanian MSMEs with actionable knowledge in areas such as digitalization, sustainability, and internationalization. The approach will be developed in collaboration with and implemented by chambers of commerce and business associations in Albania.

Through participating in the program, chambers of commerce and entrepreneurial support organizations will receive training, mentoring and access to tools, resources and experts to develop, implement, and test three new services for MSMEs. The program supports creating a stronger, more diversified entrepreneurship ecosystem in Albania and strengthening integration with the EU market. 

Key stats

  • Duration

    15.11.2023 to 15.11.2025

  • Supporting

    Chambers of Commerce & Business Support Organizations (BSOs)

  • 12 services developed

    and piloted to 137 MSMEs across Albania (As of June 2025)

Objectives

Developing new services for the chambers of commerce and business support associations to address the needs of Albanian MSMEs and strengthen their competitiveness on the EU market

  • Location

    Albania

  • Targeted SDGs

     

     

Get to know the participants and their work


Through training and dedicated mentoring by a total of 13 experts, along with financial and network development support, the project participants built 12 new support services for MSMEs across Albania. The services focus on the following topics: Digital Marketing, Digitalization & Cybersecurity, Export support, promotion and Standardization, Entrepreneurial capacity building, and Community-building.

Women’s Economic Chamber of Albania (WECA)

  • Monthly Business Skills Training

High-quality, expert-led workshops enhancing the business, leadership, and funding capacities of female entrepreneurs across Albania.

  • Mentoring Program “Woman to Woman”

Peer-to-peer mentoring connecting experienced women entrepreneurs with aspiring ones to boost growth, confidence, and community support.

National Chamber of Crafts (DHKZ)

  • Digital Marketing Training for Artisans

Hands-on online sessions guiding artisans on how to effectively promote and sell their products using digital tools and platforms.

  • Sustainable Crafting Workshop

In-person training on sustainable production practices and certifications tailored to artisans aiming for EU market access.

Albanian Manufacturers Union (AMU)

  • Info Session on Digitalization & Cybersecurity

Focused guidance on cybersecurity risks and solutions for manufacturers navigating digital transformation.

  • Digital Roadmap for Manufacturing

A strategic action plan helping manufacturers adopt digital tools and align with EU standards for competitive growth.

  • Info Session on Export & GDPR

In-depth workshop on export readiness and data protection, tailored to the EU integration context for Albanian businesses.

Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA)

  • Export Readiness Self-Assessment Tool

An interactive digital tool guiding SMEs through a structured evaluation of their export potential and readiness.

  • “Road to Being Certified” Guide

A step-by-step digital guide to help businesses understand and pursue the certifications required for international markets.

  • EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Guide

A compliance guide assisting exporters in navigating and meeting new EU environmental regulations.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Durrës (CCIDR)

  • Digital Marketing Expert Training

A five-module, practical program designed to build digital marketing skills tailored to the needs of Durrës-based businesses.

Albanian Diaspora Business Chamber (ADBC)

  • Internationalization & Export Readiness Audit

Personalized audits and action plans helping MSMEs assess and enhance their capacity for international market expansion.

Program timeline

January 2024

Awareness and selection of the participating organizations and MSMEs

February 2024

Capacity and needs analysis, identification of the services

March - April 2024

Intensive training bootcamp and business plan

May 2024 - July 2024

Services development Stage

August - October 2024

Training and adaptation of developed activities

November 2024

Service implementation and feedback

December 2024 - March 2025

Assessments and adaptation of feedback to improve implementation

April 2025

Intensive Bootcamp, focus on fundraising and marketing

May 2025

Extended roll-out of services for up to 150 SMEs

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ Albania, within the ProSEED 2.0 program, and enpact e.V.

Get involved


If you would like to find out more about the program or are interested as a partner organization, please use the contact form below or contact us at hs@enpact.org.

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