Recipe for the "Doljevac Breeze" Cake: a Layer of Work, a Layer of Health, a Layer of Community

Ksenija Stojanović from Doljevac knows this better than anyone. After years of living, studying, and working in Spain—a country that celebrates good food, family, and community—she decided to bring her experience, knowledge, and a piece of Europe back where her heart truly belongs: home.

In Doljevac, there is plenty of room for innovation, but fewer opportunities. Yet, where others saw obstacles, Ksenija saw possibilities. She noticed the lack of healthier sweet options, spaces for social gatherings—and envisioned a small oasis that would bring all these elements together. This is how the idea for the pastry shop "Barcelona" was born—a place that offers not only healthier, additive-free pastry but also healthier habits, bringing Doljevac’s residents together, especially families with young children.

With the support of the European Union through the EU PRO Plus programme, including a grant of more than 9,200 Euros and her own co-funding, Ksenija was able to purchase the equipment needed to turn her dreams into reality. That support became the wind in her sails, helping her take the first, most important step—transforming her business dream into real life.

For Ksenija, however, her dream was never just about business—it was always about creating a sweet refuge full of laughter and support. At "Barcelona," it is not just about what you eat—it is about who you share it with. Families with children, schoolchildren in need of healthy snacks, friends looking for a smoke-free gathering space, and all those who believe that good food can also tell a good story—all find their place here.

Ksenija takes her responsibility to the community seriously, guided by the belief that "Home can—and should—be better." She contributes by donating her products to a local association of persons with disabilities, offering employment opportunities to women from harder-to-employ categories, and promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental preservation.

Her message to future entrepreneurs is that progress does not come by itself: "Success follows decisions—first the one where you move from ideas and words to action, and then the one where you take the first step, believe, and invest in yourself."

This initiative was part of a broader effort by the EU PRO Plus programme to strengthen local economic development through backing of micro and small enterprises local self-governments across Šumadija and Western Serbia, and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The Public Call for Proposals for Procurement of Equipment and Introduction of Services for Entrepreneurs, Micro, and Small Enterprises resulted in 113 projects (out of 610 applications received) with a total value of 3,564,397 Euros. The EU provided 2,731,787 Euros to support enterprises focused on production and services, including information technology, architectural and engineering activities, health and social care, tourism, and maintenance and repair services. The initiative emphasised job creation proportional to grant size and corporate social responsibility benefiting local communities.