Impact Foundation participated in the inception phase of the project, working alongside the Project Unit team to establish a solid analytical and strategic base for future programming. This phase laid the groundwork for interventions that promote sustainable private sector development, green transition, and improved market competitiveness.
Donor: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Project Objective
The project aimed to strengthen the foundations for inclusive, environmentally responsible, and competitive private sector growth in North Macedonia. The core focus was assessing the capacities of key stakeholders and identifying market systems with the highest potential to generate sustainable, green, and decent employment opportunities.
Throughout the inception phase, the priority was to gather evidence, understand market dynamics, and define strategic intervention areas that would foster long-term, climate-conscious growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Project Implementation
December 2023 – September 2024
Activities
Throughout the inception phase, Impact Foundation contributed specialized technical and strategic support, including:
1. Stakeholder and Market System Analysis
- Conducted in-depth assessments of relevant actors, institutional roles, and market dynamics.
- Identified market systems with strong potential for green, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
2. Design of Pilot Interventions
- Supported the selection and shaping of early-stage interventions with high potential for systemic change.
- Ensured alignment with Market Systems Development (MSD) principles to maximize long-term impact.
3. Backstopping Support to the Project Unit
- Provided advisory support drawing on previous experience from the Increasing Market Employability (IME) Programme.
- Offered guidance on integrating Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM) practices to support adaptive, evidence-based decision-making.
4. Technical Expertise for Sustainable Private Sector Development
Impact Foundation contributed expert insights in several fields critical to sustainable growth, including:
- Green economy and environment-friendly technologies
- Management consulting and business diagnostics
- Access to finance for SMEs
- Sustainability-oriented market opportunities
These contributions helped shape a strategic direction for the project that supports both economic competitiveness and environmental stewardship.
Our Role
Impact Foundation’s engagement was concentrated exclusively during the inception phase, ensuring that the project’s long-term interventions are grounded in solid research, systemic market insights, and sustainability principles.
