A Brave Decision That Brings Bright Smiles

Launching her practice, "Moja zubarka MM," at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was extremely challenging. "I organised the practice in a way to demonstrate our expertise and dedication to patients, while strictly adhering to all protective measures," Marina says. Delivering high-quality and safe services was crucial to earning patients’ trust.

Support from the European Union through the EU PRO Plus programme, in the amount of 31,889 euros, enabled Marina to expand her services. "Now, thanks to a digital orthopantomogram and an intraoral X-ray unit, we can perform all examinations and imaging directly at the practice. This saves patients time and allows for faster diagnosis and treatment planning," Marina explains. This support has also allowed her to use her time more efficiently, giving her more space for her family and private life.

As part of its socially responsible business practices, "Moja zubarka MM" provides free dental services to children from socially vulnerable families, including children from the Roma community and refugees from Ukraine accommodated in migrant centers in Bujanovac and Vranje.

Marina’s advice to anyone wishing to start their own business is crystal clear: "The only person who hasn’t succeeded is the one who never tried."

This initiative was part of a broader effort by the EU PRO Plus programme to strengthen local economic development through backing of micro and small enterprises local self-governments across Šumadija and Western Serbia, and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The Public Call for Proposals for Procurement of Equipment and Introduction of Services for Entrepreneurs, Micro, and Small Enterprises resulted in 113 projects (out of 610 applications received) with a total value of 3,564,397 Euros. The EU provided 2,731,787 Euros to support enterprises focused on production and services, including information technology, architectural and engineering activities, health and social care, tourism, and maintenance and repair services. The initiative included job creation proportional to grant size and corporate social responsibility benefiting local communities.