GEM research over the years has highlighted the important role of entrepreneurial training centers in strengthening ecosystems for start-up activity. The story of Hasan Gvozden, an entrepreneur from the village of Pridvorci in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, brings this to life.
Born in 1991, Hasan grew up during the difficult post-war period in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hasan’s older brother went abroad in search of a better life and learned the ceramic trade. During a visit, Hasan had the opportunity to learn how to be a ceramicist. He excelled in this area of work in the years ahead and eventually considered joining his brother and leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina. But thanks to the support of a local entrepreneurial initiative, he chose a different path.
While waiting for his emigration documentation, Hasan applied for the "Start Your Business" training programme, organised by the LINK Entrepreneurial Center. LINK is a membership organisation dedicated to developing entrepreneurship in the country and serves as the lead institution of the GEM Bosnia and Herzegovina team. Hasan’s experience in the programme was pivotal. It provided not only valuable training but also the practical support he needed to start his own business at home. He decided to stay put in Bosnia and Herzegovina and launch his business.
"I don't regret staying," Hasan said. "I really have a lot of work, not just in Gornji Vakuf and the surrounding area, but also in other parts of the country. When I arrange work, I do it for an entire team of craftsmen – from ceramicists to plumbers to electricians. So far, there haven't been any complaints about my work, only praise and satisfaction."
Unlike many in his profession, Hasan carries out his physically demanding work with an added challenge – he was born without a left hand. He never mentions this as an obstacle.
"Fear was present at the beginning because I was afraid of how people wanting to hire a ceramicist would react when they see that I'm a person with a disability," he shared. "But I was wrong; as soon as we start discussing the job and the client becomes convinced of my expertise, everything changes. Job completed, all parties satisfied."
Today, Hasan is not only sustaining his own business but is planning to expand. He intends to open a ceramics showroom in his hometown, providing sales, delivery, and installation services. His goal is to employ at least 10 local workers.
"Although it's difficult to find qualified workers in the labor market, I believe that with the offer of good salaries and fair treatment, I will succeed," Hasan said. "I believe that my effort and work will pay off."
Hasan’s journey reflects the impact of training initiative like LINK’s Start Your Business can empower individuals to build lasting opportunities in their own communities.