Agjencia Për Mbështetjen e Vetqeverisjes Vendore

Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Ervin Demo, participated in the presentation of the “Double Your Business” program, alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Economy and Innovation Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of Finance Mr. Petrit Malaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Andis Salla, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Mr. Blendi Gonxhja, as well as representatives of the banking sector and the business community. The “Double Your Business” program introduces a new financial instrument aimed at expanding access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). With an initial fund of €250 million, a sovereign guarantee of up to 70%, and interest rates of 2–3%, the program creates new opportunities for investment and economic growth. During the panel discussion on entrepreneurship financing and public-private partnerships, Minister Demo highlighted the importance of a more active role for municipalities in supporting local businesses, not only by providing information and guidance to entrepreneurs but also by becoming an integral part of ecosystems that foster investment and local economic development. This vision is an integral part of the National Program “Rilindja 2.0” (Renaissance 2.0), which promotes the concept of entrepreneurial municipalities, aiming to bring local government closer to businesses, increase the number of bankable projects, and create more development opportunities for local communities. The program also provides concrete opportunities for investors with existing businesses, including beneficiaries of the Mountain Package, enabling them to use this financial instrument to expand their operations, increase production capacities, and invest further in high-potential sectors such as tourism, agritourism, and agro-processing. .