From ideas to impact: AMPLE Skopje empowers women to transform food and communities
In 2025, the AMPLE Skopje programme, implemented by Vita Nova Skopje in collaboration with the Municipality of Kisela Voda and NGO Nutri Balans, became a powerful example of how women-led innovation can reshape local food systems.
Delivered under the EIT Food AMPLE Program - a Europe-wide initiative fostering food security, accessibility, and entrepreneurship in vulnerable urban communities - the Skopje edition focused on empowering women through targeted training, mentoring, and community building.
Over eight months, participants explored entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation across AMPLE’s three pillars: Community, Learning and Business. Through interactive workshops, mentoring sessions and prototype development, women from vulnerable communities built new skills, confidence and business competencies to pursue their ideas in the agrifood sector.
Originally expected to yield 1–3 business ideas, the programme surpassed all expectations: 16 female finalists presented their entrepreneurial projects at the Final Event held on 25 September 2025 at Netaville Skopje. Their presentations demonstrated how access to knowledge, networks, and support can unlock creativity and drive innovation: from urban gardening and circular design to gourmet and functional food concepts.
Dr. Zagorka Blaževska, Project Lead and CEO of Vita Nova Skopje, reflected:
“It is truly impossible for me to single out only one or two business ideas: each of our participants showed exceptional dedication, creativity, and courage. All of them attended every session, engaged fully in each workshop, and supported one another in an inspiring spirit of collaboration. Their growth throughout the programme has been the most rewarding outcome of all. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our mentors and trainers, who guided every participant through each stage of the journey with remarkable professionalism and care. Their commitment was instrumental in turning ideas into real entrepreneurial stories. AMPLE Skopje was just the beginning. Building on the success of this first edition, we are establishing AMPLE Skopje as a non-governmental organization. On this permanent platform, future entrepreneurs can access funding, mentorship, collaboration, and networking opportunities. The community we created will continue to grow and support new waves of women innovators across North Macedonia and the wider region.”
Among the standout projects were “EverGreen Urban Garden” by Daniela Zlatanovska, transforming neglected city courtyards and spaces into living green spaces with aromatic herbs and community workshops, and “Candlelicious” by Snežana Trajkovska, introducing edible gourmet candles made from local butter, cheese, herbs, and spices.
Daniela Zlatanovska shared:
“I never imagined my small garden could inspire others. AMPLE helped me connect people, plants, and purpose into a single sustainable story.”
Snežana Trajkovska added:
“Through AMPLE, I learned how to turn creativity into a business model. Candlelicious is proof that innovation can come from passion and local identity.”
AMPLE Skopje succeeded in creating lasting social and economic value: empowering women, strengthening local communities, and introducing new sustainable business ideas that reflect the essence of inclusive European innovation.
Dr. Blaževska concluded:
“I deeply encourage EIT Food and national institutions to continue investing in initiatives like AMPLE, and to expand them with local and regional programmes. The enthusiasm and success of our participants clearly show that with the right support, women can transform the agrifood landscape of Southeast Europe.”
AMPLE Skopje stands as a vivid testament to how European collaboration and local empowerment can plant the seeds of sustainable growth, and watch them bloom.
