10 selected finalists presented their business projects in front of the jury on July 23rd, in the framework of the Business Ideas Competition, organized by the B4Students program. The jury of the competition selected two business ideas that will be financed by BALFIN Group and are expected to be implemented by the students.
Erasmia Varfi, a Canadian Institute of Technology student, introduced and won financial support with her “Eden Camping” project. Through this project, she aims to create a special camping space in the city of Himara, near the city port. During the summer, she aims to attract young people, and not only, to relax in her camping site but also to boost student employment. She aspires to hire other students who will help her in the progress of this venture that aims to attract local and foreign tourists who love the nature of her city.
Kejli Doda, a student of the Tirana Business University College, and Ilda Haxhiu, a student of the Medical University, were also praised for their business idea. Their “Obento” project aims to offer those who love a healthy life as much as nature, products for preserving the food made from environmentally friendly materials. Bags, glasses, thermoses, etc. will constitute a complete set for transporting food in optimal conditions, preserving the environment at the same time. All these products are made of recycled or recyclable materials that do not negatively impact nature. The young women also seek to raise awareness of greater care for quality food, and especially for the environment.
The two winning projects received grants of 5,000 Euros and 3,000 Euros respectively as a fund to start their businesses. In the future, these students will be offered the opportunity to be advised by BALFIN Group experts during the implementation of their business plan.
All students participating in this competition were greeted by the CEO of BALFIN Group, Edlira Muka, who also handed them over certificates of participation.
The jury that evaluated the projects was composed of Matilda Shehu, Director of Business Operations at BALFIN Group, Agim Fjolla, Director of Communications at BALFIN Group, and Elvira Kapoli, Chief Financial Officer at Tirana Bank.
This is the first edition of the Business Ideas Competition for students in Albania, organized by B4Students. Next year, this competition will be organized in Kosovo as well, meeting the objectives of regional reach and aiming to increase opportunities, address career challenges and improve the socio-economic conditions of students in the region.
With the Business Ideas Competition, the B4Students program aims to contribute to students’ initiation of new businesses, providing financial and technical support.
The B4Students program, powered by BALFIN Group, was presented to the public in May this year. The program has 4 main components: Entrepreneurship with Business Ideas Competition and Business Challenge Competition; Social Clubs, Professional Internships and Employment, and Infrastructure Investments in Public Higher Education Institutions in Albania.
