Following the successful collaboration in 2023, supported by Visa in 2024, AETM continued its efforts to boost the development of e-commerce with yet another initiative aimed at strengthening e-commerce capabilities, enhancing digital marketing skills, expanding the sector’s offerings, and addressing the biggest challenge in e-commerce— the gray economy.
In March 2024, the project “E-Commerce: A Superpower for Local Businesses vol. 2” was launched. Through this initiative, 20 micro, small, and medium Macedonian companies had the opportunity to open their own online store for free, either within existing marketplace platforms or using custom software solutions.
The project began with the creation of a landing page and the announcement of a public call. As part of the public call “E-Commerce: A Superpower for Local Businesses vol. 2”, micro, small, and medium businesses were invited to apply to open their own online stores for free, either on existing marketplace platforms or with custom solutions. A total of 89 domestic companies submitted their applications The call targeted businesses that had not yet offered their products/services online but were eager to begin selling online.
As part of the public call, an informational and networking session was held in April 2024 for interested businesses to learn more about the application process. Additionally, AETM members, including marketplace platforms and IT companies, were invited to submit their offers to support the project, enabling selected applicants to open online stores using their solutions.
The public call resulted in 89 applications, of which 79 progressed to the second round of selection. A three-member jury comprising representatives from Visa, AETM, and an independent expert evaluated the applicants, creating ranked lists based on total scores. The final 20 supported companies were then selected.
Once the recipients were chosen, they were provided with offers from the registered marketplace platforms and IT companies. Each company selected one of the proposed solutions to open their online store.
In June 2024, a one-day practical workshop was held to enhance the digital skills of the selected companies, focusing on e-commerce marketing. The in-person workshop, “Everything About E-Commerce”, covered topics such as: Tools for managing and maintaining online stores, Digital marketing tools for e-commerce and marketing and advertising on social media.
After completing the workshop, the selected companies received certificates from the Macedonian E-Commerce Association (AETM) for successfully completing the program.
Beauty salon and cosmetic products
Optics
Consulting services
Sales of photographic equipment and electronics
Children's equipment and products
Energy techniques in alternative medicine
Cosmetics for professional hair care
Professional cleaning and disinfection products
Products for pets
Imported value-added food processing
Silver watches and jewelry
Healthy food and cosmetics
Sales of books and printed materials
Home and garden products
Crafts, jewelry making
Handmade products
Body care and maintenance
Men's clothing
Book sales, education
Auto, motorcycle, phone and photography products
Name: E-Commerce Association of North Macedonia
Address: ul. Miroslav Krleža 14/1-1, 1000 Skopje
EDB: 4080017570666
Contact: info@ecommerce.mk
