Skopje, North Macedonia – The Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs (RISE) Forum 2025 brought together young changemakers, institutional partners, and diplomats at Europe House Skopje to celebrate five years of fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship across the Western Balkans.
Opening the Forum, Mr. Vladimir Gjorgjevski, Head of RYCO Local Branch Office in North Macedonia, reflected on the impact of RISE:
“In the past five years, RISE has involved more than 850 young people and 136 teams, of which 72 teams received grants of 2,500 euros each, and 135 young entrepreneurs received regional mobility grants. Through trainings, boot camps, mentoring sessions, and local workshops, we have built a vibrant community of youth innovators supported by experts and local incubators.”
In his keynote remarks, Mr. Fatmir Sabriu, State Secretary from the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, highlighted the power of social entrepreneurship as a transformative force:
“Social entrepreneurship is a bridge between vision and reality — a path along which young people can create their own opportunities and leave a deep mark on the community. It is about creating value — not only economic, but also social.
Representing the European Union, Mr. Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to empowering the region’s youth:
“We strongly believe that the future of the Western Balkans depends on its young people. Social entrepreneurship is not just one path — it is a powerful and sustainable way for young people to become agents of change, innovation, and inclusion.”
H.E. Christophe Le Rigoleur, Ambassador of the French Republic to North Macedonia, emphasized France’s continued engagement in supporting youth-led development:
“RISE is the first project supported by the French Development Agency in the Western Balkans — a symbol of our joint vision for regional growth, where young entrepreneurs play a crucial role.”
Meanwhile, H.E. Petra Drexler, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to North Macedonia, spoke about collaboration and shared responsibility:
“As ambassadors, we are here to bring opportunities for cooperation to life and work towards common goals. Social entrepreneurship has shown that creativity and responsibility can coexist — proving that success and meaningful social contribution go hand in hand.”
The heart of the Forum was dedicated to the inspiring journeys of RISE alumni — Combo Team, Yes for Less, and Inclusive Voices — who presented their social business models and shared how they are driving community impact across the region.
The event’s highlight was the RISE Alumni Award, presented to Combo Team from North Macedonia, granting them €5,000 to further develop their business and expand their impact in the Western Balkans
Following the presentations, a dynamic discussion titled “Cooperation and Advocacy for Development” gathered experts including Ms. Dobrinka Stefanova (ProCredit Bank), Ms. Biljana Stojceska (Youth Alliance Krushevo), and Mr. Saso Stanoevski (INOVA Agency), focusing on strengthening social economy alliances in challenging times.
The Forum continued with a one-on-one talk “Light in the Dark: Impact Investing for Social Change” featuring Ms. Irina Janevska, President of ARNO, followed by a fireside chat “AI and Digitalization: How Can Social Entrepreneurship Benefit from It?” with Ms. Monika Rizovska Tanevska, Country Director of Women in Tech – North Macedonia, moderated by Mr. Dejan Rizinski, Program Officer at RYCO.
The Forum concluded with a networking cocktail, bringing together alumni, mentors, institutional partners, and diplomats — united in their mission to promote sustainable youth entrepreneurship in the region.
