E-COMMERCE: A SUPERPOWER FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES vol. 2

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.

PHASE 1 - PUBLIC CALL

Application Process

From 20.04.2024 to 15.05.2024

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.

Info Session and Networking Event with AETM and Visa

Skopje, 15.04.2024

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.

PHASE 2

SELECTION OF SUPPORT RECIPIENTS

Participant Selection

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.

Marketplace Platform and IT Company Selection

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.

PHASE 3

STRENGTHENING DIGITAL SKILLS AND LAUNCHING ONLINE STORES

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.

E-SHOPS OPENED WITHIN THIS INITIATIVE

Dokowski Spa

Beauty salon and cosmetic products

Orbis

Optics

Act

Consulting services

MobyArt

Sales of photographic equipment and electronics

Welcome baby.mk

Children's equipment and products

РЕИКИ

Energy techniques in alternative medicine

Бубе Студио Ин

Cosmetics for professional hair care

Power Cleaning

Professional cleaning and disinfection products

Hana Pet Shop

Products for pets

Delicorner

Imported value-added food processing

SilverMoon сребрен накит

Silver watches and jewelry

Biocentar

Healthy food and cosmetics

Lavirint

Sales of books and printed materials

Vivene by Homax

Home and garden products

MACHIQUE jewelry & more

Crafts, jewelry making

Nutricoach

Body care and maintenance

Линкести

Men's clothing

Book Box

Book sales, education

Кимов

Auto, motorcycle, phone and photography products

Results from this project

Increased digital skills of participants from the selected companies

Familiarization and networking between participants and representatives of marketplace platforms at the seminar

Support for 20 SMEs to open their own e-shops within a marketplace or through their own solution

New online sales realized by 20 SMEs and an increased e-commerce offering

Enhanced promotion of newly opened e-shops on social media, email newsletters, and media