Kaltrina Luzha '11
My 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Week
On June 15th I started an internship with the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED) in Pristina, Kosovo. CEED is a non- profit organization, and is funded by USAID, SEAF, and FMO. CEED’s mission in Kosovo is to provide entrepreneurs and their executive teams with tools, “know-how”, and networks they need to accelerate the growth of their business. Also, CEED strives to promote entrepreneurial culture in the broader society. CEED believes that entrepreneurs and businesses they create are the means of a healthy and prosperous economy.
CEED’s main programs are Top Class Program (TPC) and Managerial Club. TPC Program includes monthly practical trainings, mentorship, and monthly CEED network events. Trainings are lead by experts, successful entrepreneurs, and mentors in the fields of entrepreneurial growth and development. Managerial Club includes advanced practical trainings on business growth and how to expand internationally. Since I started interning with CEED I have attended two practical training events with subjects of “How to expand through internationalization,” and “How to buy or sell a company.” I really enjoyed the trainings because I had the opportunity to meet with many entrepreneurs, hear about their businesses, how they operate and challenges they face. It is really nice to hear from the managers, founders, and cofounders of small and medium enterprise about the challenges that companies in developing markets such as those in Kosovo deal with.
Since practical trainings for Top Class Program have been completed on June 23rd 2010, CEED’s office is in process of completing the yearly reports, and evaluations for Top Class Program. There is a great deal of work on collecting and analyzing data about the implementation of the program , and how successful CEED was on helping the young entrepreneurs on overcoming challenges, expanding and growing their business. My main duties during these three weeks, have been to put together all the data available, perform a short analysis on the business growth of the member companies, complete a summary report on the Top Class program, and assist in improving the mentorship program. Although it might sound a lot stressful, let me say I have enjoyed every minute in the CEED office. CEED maintains a unique work culture. Personalities and experiences of employees make the culture of CEED very open sociable and the staff is always willing to help.