Hairdressing salon “Alisa” from Velika Kladuša has been providing hairdressing services to its clients for more than two decades, and behind its success is the owner Hasan, who, despite a 70% disability and amputation of the right lower leg, successfully runs a private business and constantly invests in its development.
Hasan currently works alone in the salon, with the help of his daughter, who is on professional practice and attends hairdressing school. She is not a disabled person, but she is actively learning the trade and plans to continue the family tradition, which gives the salon a long-term growth perspective.
The first contact with the Fund – a recommendation that affects the course of business
Hasan is in favor Fund for professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities first heard from a friend, who was given the information by an accountant. Without high expectations, Hasan decided to explore the possibilities and apply, which turned out to be a good decision for the development of his business.
For about ten years, he has regularly used the support offered by the Fund to employers and self-employed persons with disabilities. As he points out, that support “meant a lot to him in the most important moments of business”.
Contribution returns, equipment and materials – investments that make a difference
The biggest help he achieved is related to refund of contributionswhich Hasan describes as a significant financial relief. This measure allows him to more easily meet monthly obligations such as rent and bookkeeping services, which in small businesses often represent one of the biggest burdens.
In addition, Hasan successfully applied several times for the purchase of new equipment and repro-materials, which enabled him to modernize the salon and provide better services to his clients.
“The Fund’s support really meant a lot to me. Now I can work better, invest in the salon and develop the business. Every month they return my contributions, and I can often apply for equipment, and that makes my business a lot easier,” says Hasan.
Support that changes lives and encourages others
Hasan points out that the Fund’s support does not only benefit the individual, but has a long-term and wider social significance. Thanks to incentives, people with disabilities can achieve financial and professional independence, which gives them security and the opportunity to plan their development. The support enables them to start or improve their own business, to remain active participants in the labor market and to participate equally in the economy, instead of being viewed through the lens of restrictions. This, as Hasan says, is the greatest value of the Fund – it creates real opportunities and opens doors that would otherwise remain closed to many. Therefore, Hasan sends an important message to everyone who is thinking about starting a business:
“I would recommend all disabled people who can and want to start a business or get a job with an employer to find out what opportunities and types of support the Fund offers. Because both employers and us – people with disabilities – benefit. It can change someone’s life.”
Examples like Hasan testify to the importance of a support system that enables people with disabilities to work activation, financial independence and the development of small businesses in local areas. Hair salon “Alisa” is just one of many proofs of how strategic and long-term support of the Fund can positively affect life, work and the entire community.
