The Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (UPIP) Žepče was established with the goal of developing entrepreneurship in the local community, and in just a few years it has expanded its activities across the country and has become one of the examples of support to businesses in the onset.

Bernardica Barbarić from this association says that their main task is the development of entrepreneurship in Žepče region, but that they have transferred their positive experiences to other local communities.

"We are working on the establishment and strengthening of support for starting a business, and we aim to modernize soil processing, competitive production of finished products through the introduction of innovative technological solutions and permanent education of breeders, processors, and manufacturers. We are primarily connected with the sector of medicinal and aromatic herbs, but also fruits and vegetables," explained Barbarić.

"All the equipment has been procured through donor-supported projects and is owned by the association, and it is available to all members who carry out activities in the agriculture-business sector," Barbarić said, adding that members of UPIP are now located throughout BiH.

Working with essential oils has resulted in interesting cooperation between UPIP members in Zepče and those in Herzegovina.

The USAID / Sweden FARMA II project has helped to develop this network. With their support, a distillery has been secured located in Herzegovina, thus improving the work and opening the door for cooperation, the USAID announced.