CoSolve-19

Supporting Albanian MSMEs Through Crisis

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CoSolve-19 was a joint initiative of GIZ’s ProSEED and SRD programs, implemented by a consortium of CEFE International, PEM Consult, and Qendra Balance. Running from December 2021 to November 2023, the project supported over 800 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Albania in agriculture, tourism, and other crisis-affected sectors.

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The CoSolve program was designed to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath. Its primary goal was to maintain, and where possible, increase employment during uncertain times. Beyond survival, the program focused on strengthening business resilience through targeted capacity building, digital transformation, and improved access to finance, ensuring long-term sustainability for participating enterprises.

Training and coaching were delivered both online and in person, ensuring accessibility for enterprises across different regions. The activities included kick-off and exchange camps, as well as specialized trainings in product development, marketing, sales, and digitalization. In addition, enterprises benefited from tailored access-to-finance sessions to strengthen their financial management. By mid-2023, over 700 enterprises had taken part in advisory sessions, with strong representation from women-led businesses (28%) and returnee-led businesses (about 25%).

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Key Achievements
Through CoSolve, 231 MSMEs received in-depth coaching, with 90 of them undergoing full digital transformation processes. Furthermore, 299 enterprises accessed GIZ grants that combined financial support with capacity-building efforts, enabling them to implement new strategies and solutions. Innovative tools such as the “Digi-Check” and customer-perspective assessments allowed businesses to improve their digital presence and strengthen service delivery. The program also fostered networking and peer exchange, creating opportunities for collaboration and access to new markets.The CoSolve program was designed to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath. Its primary goal was to maintain, and where possible, increase employment during uncertain times. Beyond survival, the program focused on strengthening business resilience through targeted capacity building, digital transformation, and improved access to finance, ensuring long-term sustainability for participating enterprises.

Impact
As a result, many MSMEs successfully adapted their business models, diversified products, and explored new markets, thereby contributing to broader economic recovery. Despite the difficult conditions, businesses reported job retention and even job creation. A monitoring survey confirmed that 96 MSMEs maintained or generated new jobs, with extrapolated results pointing to nearly 200 businesses benefiting in this way. Overall, CoSolve strengthened entrepreneurial resilience, innovation, and competitiveness, with a particular emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs and businesses located in rural areas.

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From the closing event of CoSolve-19…

📌 An event dedicated to the 703 businesses that went through a process of transformation, adaptation, and growth in addressing the challenges brought by the pandemic – and beyond.

🙌 A moment of reflection on the CoSolve-19 approach, the evolving needs of businesses, and the support provided by the ecosystem for MSMEs.

😊 This networking opportunity also served to recognize the remarkable efforts of our participating entrepreneurs, as well as our business and digital advisors, while celebrating our shared achievements.

TESTIMONIALS