- Published by
- HELVETAS
- Project implementer
- Helvetas
- Donor
- SDC
- Programme
- MarketMakers
- Results level
- Growth and access to services
- Method
- Mixed method
- Data source
- Mixed
- Intervention type
- Improved access to information
This brief case study documents the experiences of MarketMakers in its attempt to create and nurture a system that supports youth self-employment. MarketMakers aims to create and nurture a supportive system for youth self-employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The case shines a light on the highs and lows, explains what has worked, what hasn’t and why, and explores the adaptations, adjustments and modest progress made.
In doing so, the case seeks to provide ideas and learning for practitioners considering self-employment interventions elsewhere. It is written approximately18 months before MarketMakers’ intervention is due to end and therefore tells the story of an ongoing intervention.
Intervention description
Specific interventions included developing an online portal to provide information and resources for freelancing. The programme partnered with organisations such as AIESEC BiH and later Got Solution to manage and promote the portal. Activities included creating video tutorials, downloadable guides, and conducting webinars to educate young people on how to succeed as freelancers.
The programme faced challenges in partner management, but ultimately succeeded in establishing a well-functioning portal that attracted significant attention from young people interested in self-employment. Partners responded positively to the intervention, and there was evidence of adoption and continued use of the promoted models.
Evidence methodology
The methodology used in this evidence source includes qualitative interviews, focus groups, surveys and observational studies. Key informants from co-working spaces and start-up support organisations were interviewed, and two focus groups were conducted with Sarajevo-based freelancers.
Additionally, a large-scale survey of youth was commissioned to understand their career ambitions and preferences. The programme also utilised data from the freelancing.ba portal and its usage statistics to assess the intervention's impact. The research approach can be classified as a mixed method, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.