The project "Economic Empowerment of Women Through Social Business", supported by the C2C fund, has enabled a new phase in development for company AT-ARTEX , Sarajevo. “The project was realized in cooperation with the association "Udružene". The project contributed to the economic empowerment of women through the organization of training, the employment of 3 people in permanent employment, the opening of the Arts & Crafts Center (which is essential for training and improvement in various manual labor techniques). Also, within the project we were working on launching our KIO brand and online sales via the web shop (www.kioknitting.com). Thanks to the project, AT-ARTEX d.o.o. and the partner "Udružene" attended the Stockholm Fashion Week where they have encouraged business contacts," the company said.

The total value of the project is 37.550 EUR, of which the donor provided 50%, and the remaining amount  provided the company independently. Otherwise, AT-ARTEX is engaged in wholesale textile trade and is an export-oriented company. 95% of sales are wholesale of handicrafts and handmade fashion items for international designers. They are present in the markets of France, Norway, Japan, the USA, Germany and Austria, and are expanding further.

“With the help of this grant, the company started a new development path, expanded its services and market across Europe. The opening of the Center, additional education, and visits to fashion fairs enabled us to contact us with new business partners, which we can now offer more trained workforce and more service choices. This directly affects the increase in our exports and revenues in relation to last year. The increase in income is accompanied by an increase in the number of employees - permanent and temporary associates. We expect that after launching and developing online sales, we will increase our profit margin by 20%, " they are convinced in the company.

In addition to increasing the number of permanent employees in the company, thanks to the Challenge to Change project, the number of engaged knitters increased by as much as 50%. A number of contractors and suppliers were included in the realization of the project, which resulted in at least 10 more jobs.

"Without such funds, medium and small enterprises in BiH can not embark on new business ventures. We are proud that with the support of the C2C Fund we have enabled new jobs, created a brand that will represent the state of BiH in the European markets, create new acquaintances and enrich our know-how, "conclude in AT-ARTEX.