EU and ILO Support Helps Bosnian Entrepreneur Build a Successful Natural Juice Brand

Today, that dream has become a fully registered company producing natural, cold-pressed fruit juices inspired by her love of nature and her community.

When Biljana Topić, a biologist and ornithologist from the small town of Šipovo in western Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed up for the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training, she had a dream — but no roadmap. Today, that dream has become a fully registered company producing natural, cold-pressed fruit juices inspired by her love of nature and her community.

Biljana qualified for the SIYB programme as an unemployed rural resident. The training — part of the EU4Employment initiative, funded by the European Union and Sweden and implemented by the ILO — helped her transform her business idea into a viable entrepreneurial plan. Step by step, she developed a business model, learned how to manage production, calculate pricing, and navigate administrative procedures.

Drawing on her family’s long-standing experience in traditional juice production, Biljana officially launched her company earlier this year. Her products are now already reaching customers across the region — from local markets and tourism shops to cafés and farm-to-table networks. Demand is steadily growing as consumers look for natural, locally made alternatives to processed beverages.

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A Brand Rooted in Nature and Identity

Each product is named after a local bird species — such as Goldfinch, Linnet, and Blue Tit — a nod to both her passion for ornithology and the rich biodiversity surrounding Šipovo.

Made with 100% natural ingredients, Biljana’s juices contain no artificial additives, sugar, or preservatives. Customers appreciate the authentic taste and transparency behind the brand.

“People don’t just buy the juice — they buy the story, the care, and the local identity behind it,” she explained.

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Recognition From Europe’s Diplomatic Community

Biljana’s inspiring journey recently attracted high-level attention when the Team Europe Ambassadors — representatives of the EU and EU Member States — visited her workshop. The delegation, led by EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca, saw firsthand how effective training, confidence, and financial support can help individuals build sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.

“The EU is proud to support people in Bosnia and Herzegovina who turn ideas into businesses,” said Ambassador Soreca. “Seeing how the EU4Employment project helps families create sustainable livelihoods makes the impact of our partnership truly visible.”

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Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Inclusion and Growth

Biljana’s success is part of a broader transformation. Over the past seven years, the ILO — with consistent EU backing and support from countries including Germany and Sweden — has helped thousands of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina transition from unemployment to self-employment. The programmes have particularly targeted those facing systemic barriers: rural residents, young job seekers, women entrepreneurs, people affected by crises, and displaced or vulnerable populations.

These efforts not only strengthen local economies but also support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s alignment with EU labour standards, improve employability systems, and encourage more inclusive, resilient labour markets.

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A Message for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For Biljana, the journey continues — with plans to expand production, introduce new flavours such as elderflower and apple-mint blends, and explore regional distribution networks.

Her advice is simple, but powerful:

“You don’t need perfect conditions to start. Start small, keep learning, and trust your idea — everything grows step by step.”

What began as a modest family workshop is now a symbol of rural innovation, women’s empowerment, and the transformative potential of entrepreneurship.