Grants have been awarded to female entrepreneurs from various parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have demonstrated through their ideas, courage, and clearly defined business plans a readiness to launch or advance their own businesses. This financial support represents a concrete incentive for the development of women's entrepreneurship, as well as for strengthening local communities through new business initiatives.
"This recognizable project reflects Bingo's long-term commitment to empowering women. We are aware that the path from idea to realization is difficult, but we also know that concrete support is what makes that path possible," said Amina Čeliković from the marketing sector of Bingo.
This year's call received nearly 500 applications from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicating the potential and need for this form of support.
"This makes us happy, but also obligates us to continue developing the platform, which, in addition to financial resources, offers practical knowledge. Investing in women's entrepreneurship is an investment that truly pays back to the entire society, and Bingo remains committed to it," added Čeliković.
In the context of Čeliković's statement, it is important to note that this year's edition of the project also marked the launch of the Bingo Entrepreneurship Academy, an educational program that provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through practical work and mentorship.
During the academy, participants learned from experts behind the development of one of the largest domestic business groups, focusing on key aspects of business operations. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, the entrepreneurs developed their business ideas, learned how to strategically position them in the market, properly set prices, and build sustainable business models.
Special emphasis was placed on applying knowledge in real business situations, further empowering participants for the next steps in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Among the participants was Jasna Vugdalić from Gračanica, a young entrepreneur and owner of a professional cleaning service, and a recipient of one of the grants.
The grant recipients for 2026 are: Bojana Subotić (Banja Luka), Jasna Vugdalić (Gračanica), Emilija Stojanović (Mostar), Fatima Džehverović (Zenica), Sumeja Nadžak (Zenica), Milica Kaurin (Banja Luka), Edina Memić-Spahić (Travnik), and Nadža Karić (Sarajevo).
"This grant has brought me support and an extra boost because everything I have achieved so far has been with my own ten fingers. At the beginning of the academy process, I did not know how it would affect my business, nor me as a woman and entrepreneur. My mentors truly made an effort to transfer all their knowledge to me and ease my entrepreneurial journey. I urge all women to apply for this type of academy because, regardless of the grant, they will gain new experiences, expand their knowledge, make connections, and have opportunities for personal and entrepreneurial growth," stated Vugdalić.
Support for women entrepreneurs was also provided by Bingo's customers, as their purchase of certain products in the past period contributed to the realization of the project.
"In a time when courage, initiative, and determination are crucial for starting any business idea, the 'Bold and Brave' project shows how important it is to give women courage, support, space, and trust to turn their ideas into business opportunities. For us, it is important to be part of an initiative that moves every society forward," said Senida Subašić, brand manager at the company Oaza, which supported the mentioned project.
The "Bold and Brave" project has once again shown that a combination of financial support and quality education can have a strong impact on the development of women's entrepreneurship in Bosnia and Herzegovina, opening space for new successful business stories.