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Improving the Economic Environment

CHF is supporting local economic actors in undertaking initiatives that will tap into potential opportunities in the tourism and agriculture sectors and improve the economic environment for small businesses.

The Community Revitalization through Democratic Action (CRDA) program was launched in May 2002.  As a program for integrated local economic and community development, CRDA promoted citizen participation in identifying and addressing the critical needs for the economic and social revitalization of community life. CHF exceeded all targets for the CRDA program, having implemented over 400 projects in the area of economic development, civic participation, infrastructure and environmental protection. 

In response to community demand for further economic development, and in accordance with USAID’s priorities to strengthen local economies through citizen participation, CHF received a 2-year extension in April 2005 to implement the Community Revitalization through Democratic Action - Economy (CRDA-E) program. CRDA-E supports local economic actors in undertaking initiatives that will tap into potential opportunities in the tourism and agriculture sectors and improve the economic environment for small businesses. CRDA-E works actively with reputable NGOs and Local Economic Development Councils (LEDCs)–comprised of citizens, business leaders and municipal government officials–to obtain buy-in on initiatives and help stakeholders better understand their strengths and obstacles in spurring economic development.

Following the success of our Community Revitalization through Democratic Action (CRDA) program, CHF International has extended the original program while expanding its focus to stress economic growth. The Community Revitalization through Democratic Action – Economy (CRDA-E) program is working with 52 communities in 13 municipalities in northern Montenegro as well as local NGOs and municipal institutions.

CRDA-E supports local economic actors in undertaking initiatives that will tap into potential opportunities in the tourism and agriculture sectors and improve the economic environment for small businesses. Through the program, we stress the importance of utilizing the participation of the community to identify, develop, finance, and implement community development projects to help create income and employment opportunities.

CRDA-E is:
  • Increasing employment;
  • Increasing income in the tourism and agriculture sectors;
  • Improving economic environment and reducing barriers to business; and
  • Broadening stakeholder participation and cooperation in local economic development planning and activities.
In conjunction with the implementation of the CRDA-E program, CHF has helped to establish two local NGOs (FORS and CSTI) that will continue to provide long-term development assistance to northern Montenegro.