Written by Edlira Dibrani and Ilir Kicmari, Young European Ambassadors from Kosovo
Small businesses often begin with a simple idea. But with dedication, family support and the right opportunities, that idea can grow into something that contributes not only to one household, but also to the wider local economy. Together with my fellow Young European Ambassador, Ilir Kicmari, I recently had the opportunity to visit Lotamania, a small local business based in Gjakova, Kosovo, founded and owned by Besar Lota. Since its establishment in 2020, Lotamania has focused primarily on producing dried fruit, transforming fresh produce into a diverse range of naturally preserved products.
During our visit, we had the chance to see the production process first-hand and learn more about the story behind the business. What immediately stood out was the strong family element behind Lotamania. Besar works alongside members of his family, who contribute to the daily operations and production process. It is a small-scale business, but one built on consistency, cooperation and a clear commitment to its products.
From local fruit to finished products
Fresh fruits are sourced regularly from local distributors and then prepared for the drying process. In this way, Lotamania’s impact extends beyond its own production activities. By purchasing produce locally, the business also supports other actors within the local economy and demonstrates how small enterprises can create economic value within their own communities.
Walking through the production space, we were introduced to the wide variety of dried fruits produced by Lotamania. From apples and strawberries to kiwis, pineapples and many other fruits, the selection showed how a relatively simple concept can be transformed into an increasingly diverse product range. Behind each finished package, however, is a process that requires time, equipment and careful preparation. For a small business, increasing production capacity can be particularly challenging, as access to modern machinery often requires significant investment. This is where external support has made an important difference for Lotamania.
When support creates tangible results
One of the most significant developments in the company’s journey has been the financial support received from the European Union in Kosovo, which enabled Lotamania to acquire two fruit-drying machines.
During our conversation, Besar explained how the new equipment has facilitated and accelerated the drying process. What previously required more time can now be completed more efficiently, allowing the business to increase the volume of products it produces and, consequently, create greater opportunities for revenue and growth.
Seeing the machines in operation made the impact of such support particularly tangible. Financial assistance to small businesses can sometimes sound abstract when described only through figures, programmes or reports. At Lotamania, however, we could see what that support looks like in practice: two machines helping a local entrepreneur produce more efficiently, increase his capacity and strengthen a business that also supports local suppliers and a family working together.
Small businesses, wider impact
Lotamania’s story is also a reminder of the important role that small and family-run businesses play in Kosovo’s economy. Their impact may begin locally, but it creates a wider chain of value. When a business sources produce from local distributors, invests in better production, involves family members in its operations and gradually expands its capacity, its growth becomes connected to the growth of the community around it.
For us as Young European Ambassadors, visiting Lotamania was an opportunity to go beyond discussing entrepreneurship and EU support in theory. It allowed us to meet an entrepreneur directly, hear about his experience and understand how access to financial support and appropriate equipment can influence the everyday reality of running a small business.
Since beginning its journey in 2020, Lotamania has continued to turn fresh fruit into dried fruits with added value while building a business rooted in its local community. Its story shows that sometimes meaningful economic development starts on a relatively small scale: with an idea, a supportive family, locally sourced products and an opportunity to take the next step. And perhaps that is one of the most valuable lessons from our visit to Gjakova: when local initiative meets the right support, small businesses can create opportunities that reach far beyond their own doors.
