There are many opportunities hidden in the entrepreneurial world, and the idea of ​​starting your own business attracts many. However, only a few of the bravest ones decide to go that way.

Kenan Hasagić, a young entrepreneur from Visoko, is an outstanding example of how a childhood dream can grow into a serious business. The passion for cars, especially older models, which many write off, is passed down from generation to generation in Kenan's family. Along with his father, who devoted his life to cars, Kenan spent years developing skills and knowledge about the automotive industry.

- I named the car service "Jack" as a tribute to my father, who devoted his whole life to cars. Jack is one of my father's nicknames and symbolizes his dedication to cars and his extraordinary knowledge in the field. I decided on that name because I want to continue to follow the same standards of excellence and dedication that my father cultivated in his work, says Kenan.

Kenan has been collecting knowledge and competences in the field in which he ventures for years, while on the other hand he lacked a lot of information and skills in running and managing a business. Kenan came to them by participating in the Entrepreneurship Support Program, financed by the European Union, and implemented by the International Labour Organization within the EU4BusinessRecovery project.

- During the training, I gained valuable knowledge and experience. Through the both mentorship of the Local Employment Partnership Visoko and cooperation with other participants, I learned how to effectively communicate with clients and suppliers, adapt to changes and solve problems that I could potentially encounter in the course of business. The training really teaches and prepares the individual for business challenges, and the most important thing is that you always have an address to which you can contact if you have any additional questions, Kenan points out.

In addition to classic car service and repairs, Kenan restores old cars and vans. He looks to the future with optimism and hopes to further develop this side of his business because there is interest from clients. Despite his youth, Kenan is aware that every job carries its own challenges and demands, and he is happy to say that he was given the opportunity to do what he loves, adding:

- Entrepreneurship has opened new perspectives on the business world for me, it allows me to be creative in my work, and a smart time schedule allows me a flexible working day and the possibility for additional training. The very fact that I am doing a job that I love, and the clients' satisfaction with the quality of the services provided, gives me the impetus to try even harder and to strive for the development of the business venture that I started.

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Support for starting this business was provided through the project "Visoko - Brand of Entrepreneurship" implemented by the Local Employment Partnership Visoko. The project "Visoko - Entrepreneurship Brand" is implemented through the project "COVID-19 Investment Response" - EU4Business Recovery that is financed by the European Union and the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, and implemented by GIZ, ILO and UNDP.

The EU4BusinessRecovery project helps MSMEs, agri-food and tourism workers to continue their business and save jobs; supports entrepreneurs, young people, and other vulnerable groups to establish their own business. As a result of this project, more than 1,000 jobs threatened by the pandemic will be saved and at least 100 new jobs will be created.

For more information, visit www.eu4business.ba