May 2016—Kop-promet Ltd. is a family-owned textile business located in the Serbian municipality of Novi Pazar, traditionally known for its textile production. Specializing in the production of both fashionable and protective clothing, the company currently employs 40 full-time workers.

Emir Koca, the company’s young and energetic manager, firmly believes that the key to a successful business is loving what you do, embedding a conscientious and hardworking team, and continuously investing in knowledge.

This dedication to knowledge was one of the primary reasons why Koca and several Kop-promet colleagues took part in training courses in 2014-2015 provided by USAID through the Private Sector Development Project in south and southwest Serbia.

“Financial training was particularly useful for us, as it led us to alter company practices so as to better manage our finances and track spending,” said Koca. He added that, “It was not just the training. USAID assistance brought additional value to the company, especially new technology software for tailoring.”

Koca received mentoring from the Regional Development Agency Sandžak, learning about Italian software for tailoring that could substantially speed up and strengthen production processes. With USAID financial assistance, Kop-promet was able to purchase this important new software and improve its business prospects.

Introduction of the new software led the company to further invest in production equipment to enhance and accelerate processes.

“With growing competition in textiles manufacturing, both in local and foreign markets, it is important to be innovative and seek new ways to optimize production and enhance sales,” said Koca.

This is why Kop-promet again applied for USAID technical assistance in ICT (information and communications technology) to help them redesign their company website and introduce online sales of Cop-brand products. The new technology software, redesigned website, and introduction of online ordering resulted in a 20 percent increase in sales in 2015. That substantial increase led the company to hire two additional full-time employees to meet demand.

USAID’s Private Sector Development Project is a four-year, $6-million activity launched in July 2013 to strengthen private sector firms in 12 municipalities in the economically disadvantaged regions of south and southwest Serbia.

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