Women's ambition for business is growing - Bajraktari: Positive signal, but market sustainability remains a challenge
The interest of women and girls in entrepreneurship in Albania is growing significantly. Data from Startup Albania Agency shows a strong increase in grant applications, from 211 in 2024, to 223 in 2025, and up to 500 in 2026. This trend is seen as a positive development for the economy, but experts emphasize that it should be analyzed beyond the numbers.
"On the one hand, it is a positive development. It shows that more and more girls and women are considering entrepreneurship as a real opportunity. But this growth must also be seen in our social and cultural context. We come from a culture where girls often grow up in a kind of safety zone, where they are encouraged to choose sustainable and risk-free paths. Meanwhile, entrepreneurship requires exactly the opposite, it requires courage to take risks. This means that even when there is interest, there is often a lack of courage to see an idea through to the end, or to build it in an ambitious way. This is where role models come into play. When girls see real women who have built businesses, who have taken risks and achieved success, then entrepreneurship becomes more tangible and possible. Role models are not only inspiration, they are a change in mentality."
However, the increase in applications is also accompanied by several challenges related to the sustainability of new businesses.
"But at the same time, this growth also has some risks that need to be addressed. If it is not accompanied by real support, we risk creating what is called "false entrepreneurship", many applications, but few businesses that survive. Grants can turn into short-term support, not sustainable businesses. And in some cases, a dependence on grants can also be created, instead of building a real market. So, the number increases, but the economic impact can remain low if not managed properly. Meanwhile, if this is done in the right way, the long-term impact is very powerful. First, the formalization of the economy increases, because women have a higher tendency to operate regularly. Second, economic participation increases. Every woman who opens a business adds a new actor to the economy. And third, the economy diversifies, because women often enter new sectors, especially in services, creative and digital. So the potential is very great, but it depends on how we build this process. And for this, just one is not enough grant. We need a complete ecosystem, real mentoring, market access and concrete support after funding. We need to focus on quality, not just on quantity. And very importantly, we need to continue to promote real models of women entrepreneurs, because the change is not only economic, it is also cultural. In the end, the increase in applications is a very good sign. But true success is not measured by how many women apply, but by how many of them manage to build sustainable and courageous businesses over time."
So, if support is structured properly, women's entrepreneurship can contribute to the formalization of the economy, increased participation, and diversification of sectors in the country.
Oil price hike "hits" transportation/ But fuel price hike does not translate into inflation "explosion" in March
The increase in fuel prices following the crisis in the Middle East, with the price of oil reaching 224 lek per liter, did not deliver a strong blow to total......
Oil prices are challenged, customs-cleared quantity increases - In March 2026, 56.9 thousand tons of fuel were imported
Albanian citizens are challenging the drastic increase in the price of oil and gasoline due to the conflict in the Middle East by consuming more, as fuel......
10 thousand euro grant for young farmers - Agricultural schemes come into effect, more money for livestock and beekeeping
The new agricultural support schemes through direct payments and investments have officially entered into force and the relevant instructions for determining......
How much does everyday products cost in Albania? From transportation to food, here's how much money we spend every day
The cost of everyday products and services in Albania remains one of the main factors affecting the family budget. Every day, citizens face a series of......
1 in 5 young Germans are considering leaving the country - Increasingly difficult living conditions and stress are the main reasons
A growing number of Germans aged 14-29 say they are actively planning to leave their homeland. According to a recent study called "Youth in Germany," around......
The rich are leaving Dubai - What is the new "hot" place for the global elite?
Until a few weeks ago, Dubai was considered the obvious destination for wealthy Britons looking for a new base. The opportunity to earn large tax-free income......
Legalizations, over 6,000 citizens complete the process in the first 3 months - ASHK: Ownership documents, a necessity after legalization
The State Cadastral Agency announces that during the first three months of this year, a significant number of citizens have completed the process of......
The US Dollar Weakens Again - How Much Are Major Currencies Exchanged Today?
The US dollar has lost points again this morning, just like the day before, recording a decrease in value this morning as it was bought today at 81.3 lek and......
