Successful story about the EU support to start new businesses in BiH: When a love for animals becomes a profession

For Srđan from Gradiška, love for animals was never just a hobby but a way of life.  He grew up surrounded by animals and took care of them together with his brother while learning of their needs. According to his own words, he felt back then that he wanted to “have a meaningful job”. 

Years later he turned that boy’s dream into a profession and successful business story. 

“It was always my wish to venture on my own. The main motive behind it was the freedom that entrepreneurship brings,” said Srđan Todorović. He started his own veterinary business with the support from Local Employment Partnership of Gradiška, Dubica and Kostajnica, under the LEP II project funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Labour Organization in BiH.

Srđan learned of the public call and opportunity to apply to entrepreneurship training via social media. The program included financial assistance from the European Union to procure necessary equipment and ILO’s training “Start and improve your business”.  He was taught how to prepare a business plan, assess the market, plan for costs and manage clients - all knowledges that “gave him the confidence to move forward and make it” he said. 

During his initial contacts with the owners of animals, Srđan realized how much this work meant to people, especially in the rural areas where households rely on each and every animal they have.   

Nowadays he employs one veterinary assistant and covers broad area of Gradiška and around and plans to expand the team and introduce new technologies to help him improve diagnostics and treatment. 

Srđan managed to quickly build a network of clients who kept recommending him to others, and it is exactly this type of recommendation that is the best recognition of a good work. 

His message to young people, especially colleagues from the same line of business, is clear and encouraging: 

“Starting your own business is challenging but interesting. If you are steadfast and curious - any obstacle can be turned into positive result.” 

Srđan’s story is an example how investing into knowledge, mentorship and local partnership can create sustainable job and be of benefit to the entire community. This is exactly the type of initiatives the European Union is striving to enhance throughout the country. 

More on local partnerships in BiH on http://www.partnerstvo.ba  and on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LEPSupport/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lepsupport/