The second meeting of the Advisory Board of the project “Socio-Economic Inclusion in Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina” (SEI) was held at the SEI Centre in Brčko on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The meeting presented activities implemented during the third quarter, the results of the final conference, plans for the final phase of the project, and opportunities to ensure the continuation of the SEI Centre’s work.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Development and Guarantee Fund of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina (DGFBD), the SEI Centre, the Department for Economic Development, Sports and Culture, the Department for Professional and Administrative Affairs, and the Department of Health and Other Services of the Government of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Mayor’s Office, the Employers’ Association of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the PRONI Centre for Youth Development. Representatives of the Czech Development Agency and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina participated online on behalf of the donor, while representatives of CARE International Balkans participated on behalf of one of the implementing partners.

Among other topics, the meeting addressed the announced extension of the project and its contractual arrangements until the end of 2026. The relevant agreement between DGFBD, CARE, and the social enterprise “Optimus” is expected to be agreed upon, subject to the completion of the necessary procedures and formalisation of the arrangement. A final evaluation is also planned for the closing phase of the project, while a public call has been launched for 26 vocational education and training (VET) courses.

Employment support was also discussed. The agreement with the non-governmental organisation “Plavi svijet” will be extended by an additional two months, allowing the internship to last a total of six months and providing the intern with additional time to gain practical knowledge and work experience.

Development of the Business incubator and new support for entrepreneurs

One of the topics discussed was the further development of the Business Incubator managed by RGFBD. At the same time, a new public call has been launched for start-up businesses to join the Business Incubator, and the possibility of making the premises previously used available to new beneficiaries is being considered.

A new project initiative supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was also presented. It предусматриes five new grants for start-up entrepreneurs. These activities create additional opportunities for entrepreneurship development and support for individuals wishing to start their own businesses.

Results of the SEI Project’s final conference presented

The Advisory Board members were also informed about the project’s final conference, held as part of the 20th International Brčko District Business Fair. Approximately 50 guests attended the event, including representatives of institutions and project partners. The conference presented the results achieved and highlighted the project’s importance for the local community.

The organisation of the conference, participants’ interest, and support from local institutions were positively assessed. As part of the presentation of good practices, guests from other local communities visited the SEI Centre to learn about its facilities and working methods.

Sustainability of the SEI Centre as a Priority for the Future

The meeting also emphasised the importance of adapting future project initiatives to changes in the donor environment and identifying new sources of funding. The need to strengthen cooperation with potential partners and build on existing results and experience as a foundation for new projects was highlighted.

The organisation of two roundtable discussions on the sustainability and future role of the SEI Centre was also announced. One roundtable will bring together institutional representatives, while the other will involve civil society organisations working with marginalised groups. The aim is to gather proposals and recommendations on opportunities to continue the Centre’s work and preserve the results achieved.