Almanart – Nga një ide simbolike, në platformën ku kultura takohet me teknologjinë

Gjithçka nisi nga një pyetje e thjeshtë që përsëritej vazhdimisht: “A e di kur është ajo ekspozita?”, “A ka ndonjë event interesant këtë javë?”, “Ku mund të blej bileta për atë koncertin?”

Në një trajnim mbi produktet artistike në vitin 2022, themeluesja e Almanart, Gjyljana Bakalli, e gjeti veten duke i dhënë të gjithë informacionin për ngjarjet kulturore të rrethit të saj, një “guidë personale” spontane për artin dhe eventet. Pikërisht këtu lindi ideja: 

Po sikur ky informacion të mos ishte më i shpërndarë, i copëzuar dhe rastësor? Po sikur të kishte një vend të vetëm ku arti dhe publiku të takoheshin me lehtësi?

Çfarë është konkretisht Almanart?

Almanart është një platformë digjitale dhe aplikacion mobil që:

  • Mbledh dhe publikon të gjitha eventet kulturore në Shqipëri në një kalendar të unifikuar dhe interaktiv (koncerte, ekspozita, teatër, kinema, aktivitete komunitare, etj.);
  • I ofron publikut informacion të detajuar për çdo event: datë, vendndodhje, përmbajtje, organizator, dhe mundësinë për t’i shtuar në kalendar ose për t’i ndarë me miqtë;
  • Mundëson blerjen e biletave online, përmes integrimit me sistemet e pagesave;
  • Dhe për organizatorët, shërben si mjet marketingu, duke u dhënë ekspozim më të madh, analiza mbi interesin e publikut dhe një kanal të dedikuar për shitjen e biletave.

“Nuk është thjesht një faqe eventesh, është një mënyrë e re për të jetuar kulturën në mënyrë të përditshme.”

Një kalendar digjital për artin – dhe një komunitet që rritet

Platforma u lançua zyrtarisht në Qershor 2025, me një event promovues në “KubFranceTirana”, dhe që atëherë është rritur çdo muaj, duke arritur mbi 5000 përdorues aktivë, të cilët e përdorin si burimin e tyre të përditshëm për gjithçka që ndodh në jetën kulturore shqiptare.

Në të njëjtën kohë, organizatorët e eventeve e përdorin platformën për të kursyer kohë në komunikim dhe për të rritur pjesëmarrjen, me një qasje shumë më të thjeshtë dhe të strukturuar.

Në një vend ku informacioni kulturor shpesh është i shpërndarë dhe jo i përditësuar, Almanart po bëhet vendi i parë ku ndalet publiku për të zbuluar, për të zgjedhur dhe për të marrë pjesë.

Me Growpreneur – nga një ide në strategji konkrete

Kur ideja e Almanart nisi të marrë formë konkrete, mungonte një strukturë e qartë biznesi. Pasioni ishte aty, por për t’u kthyer në një produkt të qëndrueshëm, duhej më shumë. Kjo ndodhi pikërisht gjatë pjesëmarrjes në Growpreneur, një program që shërbeu si pikë kthese për shumë aspekte kyçe.

“Growpreneur nuk na dha thjesht mjetet, na dha edhe vetëbesimin për të menduar më gjerë, më thellë dhe më strukturuar. Aty mësuam të krijojmë produktin me mendjen e përdoruesit dhe modelin e biznesit me mendjen e partnerit.”

Gjatë programit, ekipi i Almanart mori pjesë në trajnime për ndërtimin e strategjisë së produktit, marketingut, përgatitjen për investim dhe krijimin e materialeve për prezantime. Sidomos gjatë Demo Day, reagimi i investitorëve tregoi qartë që edhe një produkt nga sektori kulturor mund të jetë tërheqës tregtarisht,  nëse është ndërtuar si duhet.

Sfidat që forcojnë

Si çdo projekt që rritet, edhe Almanart ka pasur momentet e veta të vështira. Një ndër më të ndjeshmet ishte tentativa për të hackuar platformën, një situatë që rrezikoi gjithë punën e deritanishme. Por ndërhyrja në kohë dhe reagimi i shpejtë e forcuan jo vetëm sistemin, por edhe vetëdijen për rëndësinë e sigurisë digjitale në një startup që operon online.

Kjo përballje solli rishikim të proceseve të brendshme dhe ndërtim më të fortë teknik, diçka që u bë e mundur edhe falë njohurive të fituara në Growpreneur mbi menaxhimin e riskut, dokumentimin dhe organizimin strategjik të produkteve teknologjike.

VivaTech Paris – kur një startup shqiptar prezantohet në një skenë globale

Një nga kulmet e deritanishme ka qenë pjesëmarrja në VivaTech Paris, një nga eventet më prestigjioze të teknologjisë në Europë. Falë Voucher-it për ndërkombëtarizim që fitoi nga Growpreneur, ekipi pati mundësinë të prezantonte Almanart përballë investitorëve dhe kolegëve nga e gjithë bota.

Takimet me përfaqësues nga kompani italiane dhe franceze, si dhe bashkëpunimet e reja me startup-e shqiptare që ndanin të njëjtin vizion, hapën një dritare reale për zgjerim jashtë Shqipërisë.

Dhe tani, çfarë vjen më pas?

Almanart po hyn në një kapitull të ri. Po zhvillon funksione të reja me integrim të AI, për të personalizuar përvojen e përdoruesit. Po planifikon zgjerim ne Kosove. Dhe është në bisedime për përfshirjen e investitoreve të interesuar për të cuar këtë platformë në një nivel tjetër.

Në paralel, ka nisur edhe organizimin e eventeve komunitare, duke e kthyer platformën nga një kanal informimi, në një aktor aktiv në prodhimin dhe nxitjen e kulturës urbane.

“Pa Growpreneur, shumë nga këto plane do të mbeteshin në letër. Tani kemi mjetet, qasjen dhe rrjetin për t’i bërë realitet.”

 Në një kohë ku teknologjia po ndryshon gjithçka, Almanart po siguron që arti të mos mbetet pas, por të udhëheqë me stilin e vet të heshtur dhe të fuqishëm.

Shkarkoni Aplikacionin në App Store dhe në Play Store 

Thinking of Applying to Growpreneur? Here Are 5 Things Demo Day Taught Us

Demo Day wasn’t just the final event of our cohort.

It was proof that with the right program, mentorship, and support, early-stage startups in Albania can launch, grow, and get investor-ready in just 12 weeks.

And if you’ve ever thought “Maybe next time that could be me” — this is your sign.

Here are 5 real things we saw at Demo Day:

1. You don’t need a perfect product, you need the courage to start.

Every founder who pitched had doubts at the beginning. Some changed ideas halfway. Others reworked their entire model. What mattered wasn’t perfection,  it was their willingness to build, test, and grow with guidance.

👉 If you’ve got a serious idea and you’re ready to work, you’re ready to apply.

2. Your pitch is a muscle, and we train it.

At Demo Day, founders stood on stage and delivered 3-minute pitches with confidence and clarity. That didn’t happen overnight. Growpreneur gives you feedback, pressure, mentorship, and room to find your voice, so when the moment comes, you’re ready.

👉 If you want to speak clearly about your business, to investors, customers, or the world, we’ll help you get there.

3. Investors aren’t just looking for numbers, they’re looking for YOU.

At Demo Day, several startups earned follow-up meetings and investment interest,  not because they were “perfect,” but because they showed promise, potential, and coachability. You don’t need a million users, you need a mindset for growth.

👉 Growpreneur gives you the tools, structure, and credibility to stand out in any investor room.

4. Investors don’t want perfection. They want clarity.

Let’s break the myth: investors aren’t always hunting for “the next unicorn.”

What they really want? A team that listens. A founder who knows what they don’t know. A model they can grow together. We saw meaningful conversations spark after pitches, not because everything was perfect, but because founders showed they were ready to learn.

👉 Take a look at our experts that will guide you toward investment readiness journey.

5. Your idea matters more than you think.

Albania’s founders are solving real problems, in education, tourism, sustainability, fashion, tech, and more. Maybe your idea feels “small” now. But with the right support, it could become something big.

👉 Apply, and let’s explore it together.

Applications are OPEN for the next Growpreneur Accelerator cohort!

If you have a prototype that’s waiting to grow, this is your chance to get the mentorship, structure, and investor access to take it further.

Introducing the Start-Ups of Growpreneur’s Cohort

A Bold Step Toward Innovation

Growpreneur Accelerator Program proudly presents its first batch of dynamic start-ups, selected for their innovative ideas, passion for impact, and commitment to solving real-world challenges.

These start-ups are divided into two tracks: Intensive Acceleration and Flexible Acceleration, each tailored to meet the unique needs of their growth journeys. Let’s meet the teams shaping the future!

Start-ups in the Intensive Acceleration Track

These start-ups are diving deep into a structured acceleration process, working intensively to scale their ideas and impact.

Avenirs

Avenirs is revolutionizing career guidance with its AI-driven platform, offering personalized educational and career recommendations. Focused on students and families in Albania and the Western Balkans, Avenirs bridges outdated advising methods with data-driven insights to make informed decisions accessible to all.

Almanart

Almanart centralizes Albania’s cultural events into one digital hub, making it easy for locals and tourists to discover and engage with cultural activities. With plans to expand regionally, Almanart is promoting a sustainable cultural ecosystem through innovative digital solutions.

Stampisti

Stampisti combines fashion and sustainability, offering eco-friendly, customizable apparel for conscious consumers and businesses. By merging sustainable practices with innovative design, Stampisti is redefining what it means to shop responsibly.

Komuniteti

Streamlining building administration in Albania, Komuniteti provides tools for transparent, efficient, and eco-friendly property management. By modernizing a traditionally inefficient sector, Komuniteti is transforming how communities manage their spaces.

BeachMaster

BeachMaster is taking beach tourism to the next level with its SaaS platform. From booking sun loungers to ordering food and drinks, this app is revolutionizing how travelers experience the beach while supporting businesses with innovative management solutions.

BuildIQ Solutions

BuildIQ integrates computational engineering, automation, and AI to optimize operations in construction and infrastructure sectors. By reducing costs and improving efficiency, BuildIQ is shaping the future of sustainable project management.

Living App

Living App gamifies local exploration, connecting businesses with customers through interactive, location-based games and rewards. This unique platform encourages users to discover their surroundings while supporting local businesses.

Pronar.al

Pronar.al transforms property transactions in Albania with virtual tours, allowing buyers to explore properties remotely. By eliminating intermediaries, Pronar.al is making real estate more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible.

Bonsai Agency

Bonsai is a digital marketing agency helping businesses grow their online presence through personalized, data-driven strategies. From small enterprises to international brands, Bonsai is bridging the gap between businesses and their audiences.

DuArt

DuArt celebrates Albanian artisans by connecting them with global consumers. Through e-commerce, storytelling, and sustainable practices, DuArt is preserving Albania’s cultural heritage while empowering its artisans.

Open Balkan Market

Open Balkan Market connects businesses across the Balkans, facilitating secure and transparent B2B transactions. By promoting cross-border collaboration, this marketplace is driving innovation and efficiency in regional trade.

Batica

Batica is setting a new standard in laundry and dry-cleaning services with eco-friendly practices and digital solutions. By focusing on sustainability, convenience, and customer satisfaction, Batica is leading the charge in transforming traditional services.

Zamu Art Studio

Zamu Art Studio blends craftsmanship with modern design, offering personalized, handmade string art. By connecting global customers with unique, locally-made decor, Zamu is promoting Albanian artistry on an international stage.

WhatsApp Image 2024-12-13 at 14.27.10

Mamir.al

Mamir.al is on a mission to become the largest provider of Albanian-language online courses. With a focus on accessibility and quality, this platform is creating new opportunities for learners across Albania and beyond, filling a critical gap in the education market.

Tails of Joys

Tails of Joys is simplifying pet care by connecting pet owners with trusted service providers. From boarding to grooming, this platform supports both pet owners and businesses, making pet care easier and more reliable.

Start-ups in the Flexible Acceleration Track

These teams are taking a customized approach, balancing program resources with their specific needs to scale effectively.

suneasy

SunEasy

Making beach reservations seamless, SunEasy offers a digital platform for real-time sunbed bookings, enhancing convenience for tourists and operational efficiency for businesses.

TattooGigs

This platform connects tattoo artists and shops with job listings, portfolios, and recruitment tools, streamlining hiring in the tattoo industry worldwide.

Vytal Albania

Championing sustainability, Vytal Albania offers reusable packaging solutions for the food industry, reducing single-use waste while providing convenience for businesses and consumers.

Bliss

A culturally-tailored online therapy platform for Albanian-speaking users worldwide, Bliss bridges the gap in accessible mental health support for diaspora communities.

Switch Technologies

Combining programming and graphic design courses with global web development services, Switch Technologies equips young professionals with real-world skills for digital careers.

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The3fts

Albania’s first peer-to-peer resale platform for second-hand goods, The3fts promotes sustainable shopping while offering a secure, user-friendly marketplace.

Therefrom

A gamified cultural exploration app, Therefrom connects travelers with hyperlocal stories and experiences through interactive scavenger hunts, promoting responsible tourism.

These start-ups represent the best of Albania’s entrepreneurial spirit, addressing challenges across industries with innovative solutions and ambitious visions. As they embark on their Growpreneur journey, powered by EU4Innovation and implemented by Yunus Social Business Balkans in partnership with Deep Ecosystems, they’re taking bold steps toward shaping the future.

Stay tuned as we share updates on their progress, milestones, and successes in the coming months!

Intensive vs Flexible Track: Which One Is Right for Your Startup?

Choosing the Right Path in Growpreneur Accelerator

At Growpreneur Accelerator, we get it, every startup has different needs. That’s why we’ve designed two tracks: Intensive Track and the Flexible Track. Let’s break them down so you can choose the one that fits your growth goals.

Intensive Track

Fast-paced growth for startups ready to scale quickly

The Intensive Track is designed for startups that are ready to commit full-time and scale fast. Here’s what you can expect:

  • 12-week Full-Time Program: This immersive experience is perfect if you want to focus entirely on growing your startup.
  • Structured Learning: You’ll go through a bootcamp, deep-dive sprints on business strategy, product optimization, financial planning, investment readiness and more.
  • Hands-On Mentorship: Get direct, focused mentorship from industry experts throughout the program.
  • Demo Day: At the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll pitch to investors and partners in a high-profile Demo Day

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-impact program where you can accelerate quickly and focus intensely on scaling, the Intensive Track is for you.

APPLY NOW FOR INTENSIVE TRACK

Flexible Track

Flexible Track

Grow at your own pace with tailored support

The Flexible Track offers the same level of support, but with more adaptability for your schedule. Here’s what it offers:

  • Apply Year-Round: Start when it works best for you. The Flexible Track allows for more personalised timing.
  • 3-6 Months of Tailored Support: You get one-on-one coaching and access to resources that fit your specific needs, with less time pressure.
  • Optional Events: Choose which masterclasses, workshops, and networking events you want to attend based on your schedule.
  • Demo Day Opportunity: When you’re ready, you can pitch at Demo Day alongside startups from the Intensive Track.

The Flexible Track is ideal for founders who may be balancing other commitments but still want to take advantage of the resources, top-tier mentorship, and networking offered by Growpreneur.

APPLY NOW FOR FLEXIBLE TRACK

Which Track Is Right for You?

If your startup is at a point where rapid growth is a priority and you can commit full-time, the Intensive Track is the best option. However, if you need more flexibility and want to work on your own terms while still gaining access to high-quality mentorship and resources, the Flexible Track will provide the support you need.

Growpreneur Accelerator Program has opened its Call to Apply!

Growpreneur Demo Day!

Are you ready to take your startup to the next level?

Well, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! The Growpreneur Accelerator Program has launched today its Open Call for applications, and we want YOU to be a part of it.

The Growpreneur Accelerator is a dynamic program tailored to accelerate growth-stage startups like yours toward investment readiness. It’s all about refining your business model, optimizing your product, and setting you up for rapid, scalable growth.

We know every startup is different, which is why Growpreneur offers two tailored tracks:

  1. Intensive Track – for startups looking to dive deep, fast.
  2. Flexible Track– for those who need more adaptability while still accessing all the benefits.

No matter which track you choose, Growpreneur will provide you with the resources, mentorship, and strategies you need to scale your business.

Why choose Growpreneurr? What makes it different?

This isn’t just another accelerator program. Growpreneur has some serious backing, supported by EU for Innovation (EU4I) and implemented by the powerhouse team at Yunus Social Business Balkans (YSBB). But here’s where things get really exciting, we’ve teamed up with Deep Ecosystem, a global leader in building innovation networks.

Deep Ecosystem offers something no other accelerator in Albania can, exclusive access to international networks, global investors, and strategic insights from top experts around the world. With global-level ecosystem intelligence and unparalleled networking opportunities, you’ll connect with key players far beyond Albania’s borders. If you’re aiming to take your business global, this is the place to be!

What’s in it for you?

The benefits of Growpreneur go beyond your typical accelerator program. Here’s what you’ll get:

  1. Mentorship that matters: Forget generic advice—you’ll be getting hands-on, tailored mentorship from some of the most experienced mentors, both locally and internationally.
  2. Workshops and Masterclasses: We’ll cover everything you need to know about business analysis, marketing strategies, financial planning, product optimization, and getting investment-ready.
  3. Networking and Peer Learning: You won’t just learn from us; you’ll be part of a community of startups just like you. Plus, you’ll have the chance to pitch your business to investors during Demo Days.
  4. Access to Funding: Yes, that’s right! Get in front of investors and partners who are actively looking for startups to invest in.
  5. Tailored Tracks: Whether you’re part of the Intensive Track or the Flexible Track for a more customizable approach, you’ll get the support you need, at your pace. Do you want to know the difference? Check out this article and find out who fits your start-up. 
  6. Global Connections via Deep Ecosystem: This is the big one. With Deep Ecosystem on board, you’ll gain access to global innovation networks, strategic partnerships, and the kind of exposure that could land you international investors.

We’re looking for growth-stage startups that have already validated their product or service and are ready to scale. If you’ve got a vision, a strong team, and the ambition to grow fast, this is your chance. 

Apply NOW and be part of Albania’s growing innovation ecosystem, with global support through Deep Ecosystem.

CCL Shkodra Info Session Paves the Way for Innovations in the Circular Economy

CCL Shkodra Info Session marked the first step towards a transformative journey for our city in the field of circular economy and urban sustainability.

The event began with a warm welcome from the organisers and key community figures. Mr. Shkëlzen Marku, CEO of Yunus Social Business Balkans and Mr. Rudin Beka, Deputy Mayor of Shkodra Municipality, emphasised the importance of local community involvement in developing sustainable solutions for waste management and improving the quality of life in Shkodër.

Dr. Iven Schad, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy to Albania, shared his vision on the significance of the circular economy in the European context and the role Shkodër can play as a model for other cities in the region.

Presentation of the Circular City Labs Shkodra Initiative

Mr. Marcel Thomkins, Component Manager EU for Circular Economy and Livable Cities, provided an overview of the Circular City Labs Shkodra initiative, sharing the main objectives and expectations for the acceleration program. He highlighted that the primary goal is to create innovative solutions that can have a tangible impact on waste management and contribute to developing a more sustainable economy.

Participation Criteria and Application Process

Mr. Rubin Beci, Advisor EU for Circular Economy and Livable Cities, detailed the participation criteria and application process for the acceleration program. He emphasized that innovation, creativity, and positive community impact are the key elements sought from applicants. Participants were encouraged to bring ideas that address current waste management challenges in Shkodër and that could be scaled regionally or nationally.

Design Thinking Workshop

Following the presentations, attendees engaged in an interactive Design Thinking workshop led by Mr. Shkëlzen Marku. During this session, they worked in groups to identify key problems and develop creative approaches to solve them. This activity promoted collaboration and fostered innovative thinking among participants.

Many participants expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity provided by Circular City Labs Shkodra. “This info session gave us a clear picture of how we can contribute to transforming our city,” said one attendee. “I’m excited to apply and be part of this program”, added another.

The info session for Circular City Labs Shkodra was a significant step towards creating an innovative community dedicated to sustainability and the circular economy. With the support of local and international institutions, this initiative promises to bring positive changes for the city of Shkodër and beyond.

For CCL Shkodra updates, follow us on social media.