Macedonia expands self‑employment grants and adds 10% bonus for returning young migrants

More than 5,000 Macedonian citizens have applied for the government’s self‑employment grant programme, with 316 applications recorded in the city of Prilep. The scheme, part of the Operational Plan of the Government, aims to cut youth unemployment, stimulate local business creation and keep young workers in the country.

Deputy Minister of Economy Marjan Ristovski explained that applicants with the strongest business plans and highest scores will advance to a grant selection process. Grants range up to €10,000 for applicants aged 29 or younger, up to €7,000 for older applicants, and up to €20,000 for two young people who start a joint venture. The programme excludes applicants involved in agriculture, weapons, financial services, gambling, casinos and private employment agencies.

A new feature for 2024 grants a 10% bonus to Macedonian diaspora members who return and start a business, encouraging the repatriation of skilled workers. Applicants receive a user name and password from the INOVA agency to build their business plan with assigned advisors. The government expects the measures to further lower the historically low unemployment rate and boost the domestic economy.