A national survey conducted within the German-Serbian Initiative for Sustainable Growth and Employment, in cooperation with Loud Crowd, revealed a significant gap between entrepreneurial aspiration and opportunity in Serbia. While 73% of respondents expressed a desire to start their own business, 62% do not know anyone who has recently done so, and 55% rarely observe the creation of new enterprises—particularly socially oriented ones. These findings highlight structural barriers to inclusive entrepreneurship, particularly limited access to flexible, risk-tolerant financing.

The research underscores the dominance of bank-based financing as a key constraint for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises, many of which do not meet traditional lending requirements. In response, Loud Crowd launched Dobri Dabar, Serbia’s first reward-based crowdfunding platform dedicated to SMEs, with a strong focus on green economy and socially responsible projects. Within its first months of operation, the platform attracted over 40 applicants and successfully launched multiple campaigns, mobilizing more than two million dinars in community-driven funding.

This initiative demonstrates the untapped potential of alternative finance as a tool for economic resilience, green transition, and social innovation. By enabling citizen participation in funding entrepreneurial ideas, the model strengthens local ecosystems, promotes transparency, and fosters inclusive growth.