Anna Lindh Foundation

Western Balkan Startup Alliance (WBSA)

National Network

North Macedonia

Address

Skopje, North Macedonia

Country

City

Skopje

Mobile Phone

+38971709681

Telephone

+38971709681

E-Mail

nikolik.nina@gmail.com

Year of Establishment

2024

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Contact Person1

Nina Nikolich

Job Title 1

Co-founder and President

Contact Person 2

Kristijan Mileski

Job Title 2

Cofounder

Organisation Type

Non-Governmental Organization

Fields of Activity

Democracy and community development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

General Information

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Building Connections, Driving Growth
WBSA serves as the bridge for startups, investors, and ecosystem builders in the Western Balkans to create an environment of innovation, growth, and sustainability.
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Milestones
2021
First regional workshops held, supported by GIZ.

2022
WBSA forms working groups on early-stage funding, advocacy, and corporate innovation.

2023
First Board of Advisors selected to shape strategy and action plan.

2024
WBSA registers as a legal entity in Skopje, covering WB6. First General Assembly held; new BoA elected. Supported by Reconomy.

2025
WBSA expands with new members and launches strategic regional partnerships and events.

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What is WBSA
The Western Balkan Startup Alliance (WBSA) is a regional network of key startup ecosystem actors, including professional hubs, accelerators, and innovation-driven organizations across the Western Balkans. WBSA fosters collaboration, supports innovative entrepreneurs, and accelerates economic, social, and sustainable development through joint regional efforts.

By promoting a unified regional voice, we connect startups, investors, and ecosystem builders while making the region more visible and attractive to international partners. WBSA serves as a trusted platform for knowledge exchange, policy advocacy, joint programs, and strategic partnerships that shape the future of innovation in the Western Balkans.

Mission and Objectives

Mission
To foster regional collaboration by uniting startup ecosystem actors across the Western Balkans and creating opportunities for innovation, inclusive growth, and shared success.

Vision
A region transformed – innovative, urban, and connected – where people and startups thrive in harmony with opportunity and quality of life.

Main Projects / Activities

Alliance goals
01

Unite the Western Balkans Startup Ecosystem
Create a strong, collaborative network of ecosystem actors across all WB6 economies to foster innovation, exchange best practices, and amplify regional strengths with one unified voice.

02

Promote Regional Opportunities Globally
Position the Western Balkans as an emerging hub for innovation by showcasing its talent, startups, and ecosystem potential to international investors, donors, and diaspora communities.

03

Accelerate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Support founders, hubs, and accelerators with meaningful initiatives, events, programs, mentorship, and early-stage funding to spark new ventures and scalable impact across the region.

04

Shape Better Policies for Innovation
Advocate for startup-friendly policy frameworks through research, dialogue, and regional coordination, helping governments create environments where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.

05

Establish the Western Balkans as a Smart Region
Drive the adoption of green, digital, and urban innovation to position the region as a dynamic, future-ready, and desirable place to live, work, and invest in.

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