Program: Support and Empowerment of Furniture Sector Businesses Through Digitalization
Location: Prizren, Kosovo
Partners: Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren, FEGO Project Kosovo, Municipality of Prizren
Implementation Period: November 2023 – May 2024

Project description:

Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren proudly launched an ambitious initiative designed to digitally empower startups and small businesses in the woodworking and furniture sector. With strong backing from the FEGO Project – Swiss Contact and the Municipality of Prizren, this program aimed to equip local businesses with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship they need to thrive in a fast-evolving digital economy.

This 6-month initiative was designed to support small and early-stage businesses in Kosovo’s growing furniture and woodworking sector. Through a tailored mentorship and digital upskilling program, the project provided 15 local businesses with the tools and knowledge to modernize operations, reach new markets, and build more sustainable and competitive enterprises.

Woodworking and artisanal furniture production are vibrant yet under-digitalized industries in Kosovo. Many small and micro businesses in this sector, often family-run, struggle with limited resources, outdated technology, and lack of access to professional training or export markets.

Our contribution: 

This project directly addressed these gaps by providing:

• Mentorship on business growth, branding, market strategy, and export readiness
• On-site digital transformation assessments and tailored service support
• Hands-on CNC training and access to shared workspaces
• Business services like website development, social media management, and accounting support

To meet the diverse needs of the wood-processing and artisanal sector, we designed a comprehensive set of mandatory and optional services tailored to support the growth of startups and SMEs.

General services offered:

• Business Training: Mentoring sessions on topics such as business planning, marketing, and business growth.
• Empowerment through Mentorship: Participants were paired with experienced mentors who provided guidance and support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
• Digital Transformation Support: This included needs assessments for digital transformation, assistance in developing and implementing digital strategies, and training on the use of digital technologies.

Optional business-oriented services:

• CNC Machine Training: Optional technical training aimed at improving skills in CNC processing.
• Coworking Space Memberships: Access to shared or private coworking spaces to provide flexible working environments.
• Brand Development: Support in creating a unique brand identity.
• Website Development: Assistance in establishing an online presence.
• Social Media Management: Guidance on effectively using social media for marketing purposes.
• Accounting Support: Help with financial management and accounting for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Inspiring exposure visits:

To spark ambition and broaden horizons, MICP organized study visits to:

• InstaBuilt Innovation Center, a pioneering modular home exporter based in Prishtina
• Baliu Furniture and EuroSwiss in Ferizaj, two leading firms in Kosovo’s furniture export market
• University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, showcasing cutting-edge manufacturing labs

By offering a combination of tailored mentorship, digital transformation support, and practical business services, this project empowered local furniture and woodworking businesses to grow sustainably, innovate confidently, and compete in modern markets. It’s a strong example of how targeted support can unlock the potential of small enterprises and contribute to long-term economic development.

Partners