Problem addressed

Before the project “proBUDI VJEŠTinu”, the local community in Novska faced several interconnected challenges: a lack of social enterprises and limited opportunities for sustainable job creation, particularly for vulnerable groups; a high volume of bulky waste such as old furniture and textile products ending up in landfills; and very few services focused on repair, reuse, and upcycling of materials. This resulted in missed opportunities for circular economy development, environmental protection, and community-based skill-building. There was also no structured mechanism for reinvesting economic activity into the local community. The project addressed these issues by establishing the first social enterprise in Novska dedicated to reuse and repair of wooden and textile products, creating social, environmental, and economic value for the area.

Innovative solution

The project “proBUDI VJEŠTinu” introduced an innovative, community-based circular economy model by establishing the first social enterprise in Novska focused on the reuse, repair, and upcycling of wooden and textile products. The solution combines environmental impact with social entrepreneurship: discarded furniture and materials are transformed into functional, renewed products, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption. At the same time, the enterprise provides practical skill-building, new service opportunities (repairs, furniture assembly, custom wooden items), and reinvests generated profit into community development.

This integrated model blending reuse practices, local craftsmanship, social enterprise governance, and reinvestment of profits for community benefit, represents a new approach within the local context and strengthens the foundations for long-term social and environmental sustainability.

Key results and benefits

The project established the first social enterprise in Novska focused on reuse, repair, and upcycling of wooden and textile products, reducing bulky waste and extending product life. It created new local service opportunities and practical skill-building in carpentry and circular economy practices. The enterprise reinvests its profit into community development, strengthening local sustainability. Overall, the project delivered environmental benefits, promoted social entrepreneurship, and increased access to affordable repair and upcycling services for citizens.

Potential for mainstreaming

The project demonstrates a replicable and scalable model of a small, community-based circular economy enterprise that can be adopted by other towns facing similar waste, skills, and employment challenges. Its approach combining reuse and repair services with social entrepreneurship and reinvestment of profits can be integrated into local development strategies, waste-reduction policies, and community social services. The model is simple to transfer, requires modest resources, and can strengthen circular economy practices and social impact in other communities across the region.