MUNICIPALITY OF ELBASAN DEPARTMENT OF STRATEGIC POLICIES, INNOVATION, AND MEDIA Municipality of Elbasan

HOW TO OPEN AND DEVELOP A BUSINESS IN ELBASAN

This publication is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Tetra Tech and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

1 Contents

1. Start Up Resources 3 2. Basics 5 a. Develop Business Plan b. Register Your Legal Structure and Trade Name c. Taxes and Fees d. Construction permits e. Guidelines on Planning d. Other Issues 3. Selecting a Location 21 4. Insurance 22 5. Financing 23 6 Financial Institutions 24 7. Creating Jobs 25 8. List of institutions (Directory) 26 9. Information on Elbasan 28

2 If you want step-by-step assistance or an START UP immediate start in business, there are some free and extraordinary resources in Elbasan that can RESOURCES help you in every step of your way.

Rruga: “Qemal Stafa”, The mission of the Strategic Policies, Innovation, and Media Municipality of Elbasan Department is to design policies and local plans to boost Third Floor. the municipality’s economic capacity to improve the economic E-mail: [email protected] future and quality of life. These plans will help public institutions, businesses, and community to collaborate in creating friendly climate for economic growth. This department maintains contacts with all municipal departments, non-governemntal organizations (NGOs), other local institutions, donors, and a sundry of local stakeholders.

Blv. Dëshmorët e Kombit. Albanian Investment Development Agency’s main objectives Prime Ministers’ Office, are to attract foreign investment, and increase the competitiveness T: +355 (0)42 251 001 of the Albanian economy through the support for small and [email protected]/[email protected] medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as through innovation.

Rr. “Muhamet Gjollesha”, Nr. 56, Agriculture and Rural Development Agency (ARDA) Tirana, Albania provides support to food sector entrepreneurs in their preparation T: +355 4 22 28 318 for benefiting from European Union funds, restructuring, E-mail: [email protected] modernization and specialization in specific outputs and markets www.azhbr.gov.al based on Albania’s competitive advantages.

CBS Headquarters Creative Business Solutions (CBS) is a business consulting Mustafa Matohiti Str., company and project implementation organization. CBS mission is No. 4, 3d Floor, Tirana, Albania to drive sustainable economic growth projects through innovative, Email: [email protected] customer centric and environmentally friendly practices in Tel: +355 4 4536891 Agriculture, Tourism, Local Development, SME’s and financial sector.

www. fondibesa.com Fondi Besa (Besa Fund) – Elbasan Officeis one of the most Hotel “Skampa” important microfinance institutions in Albania that offers micro, Bulevardi “Qemal Stafa” small and medium loans to individuals, supporting them to start, T: 054 25 55 66 extend and further improve income generating activities. Clients of [email protected] Besa Fund Sh.A. are people from all walks of social and economic life, including unemployed and business startups.

Adresa: Rruga Bedri Xhomo Fondi Noa (Noa Fund) gives loans to individuals, small and Elbasan, Telefon: +355 54254130 medium-sized businesses that seek to run their economic activities www.noa.com.al and local economic development.

3 Rruga “Ptoleme Xhuvani” AGRO & SOCIAL FUND is a development-oriented financial Lagjja “Aqif Pasha”, Nr.4 institution with social focus, particularly in the agricultural sector, in T.: 0684070183 / www.asfund.org small and medium-sized businesses in both rural and urban areas.

Bulevardi Qemal Stafa, close to IuteCredit Albania is a partner of financial service, which issues Kristoforidhi monument consumer loans without collateral on the basis of personal identity T: +35544505060 cards, transfering loan amounts through Albanian Mail Service, Easy [email protected] Pay,Western Union once a consumer loan agreement has been iutecredit.al signed by both parties.

Lagjia 28 Nëntori, Pall. 109/1, The First Financial Development Association - FAF SH.A Kati II-të, Elbasan is a non-banking financial entity that gives loans to individuals and T: 067 60 27 727 small and medium enterprises (SME) in Albania’s semiurban and http://www.faf.al urban as well as in disadvantaged rural areas, which cannot access banking loans

4 BASICS

These are essential a. Develop Business Plan steps you need to take in starting your own b. Register Your Legal Structure and Trade Name business. Read on for detailed information on c. Application for Tax ID to National Business Center each of these steps. d. Obtain Insurance Visit the Municipality of Elbasan’s website: e. Look into Local Permits, Zoning, and Licenses www.elbasani.gov.al for step-by-step f. Special Considerations guidance on which city permits you will need. You’ll also find info on other requirements Develop a Business Plan and conditions that may apply to the type The importance of a business plan of business you wish to open as well as tips Failing to plan is planning to fail. Oversights and mistakes are and additional useful much cheaper on paper than in real life.A business plan helps information. owners avoid pitfalls from the start. If you need capital, the importance of preparing a business plan cannot be overstated.

Free one-on-one business planning assistance is available through the organizations listed in the “Startup Resources” section.

Don’t forgo consultation. Before you bring your plan to a bank or other lender, get some qualified opinions.

5 A GUIDE TO YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Below is an overview of a typical business plan, but there are many ways to approach business planning. Look online for resources, sample plans, and sample templates.Treat the business plan as a living document; one which you nurture and learn from, and as something that helps bring life to your business.

Introduction • Provide a detailed description of the business and its goals • Discuss ownership of the business • Discuss the legal structure • List the skills and experience you bring to the business • Discuss the advantages you and your business have over competitors

Marketing • Discuss the products/ services offered • Identify the customer demand for your products/ services • Identify your market, its size and locations • Explain how your products/ services will be advertised and marketed • Explain the pricing strategy

Financial Management • Explain the source and the amount of initial equity capital required to start up your business • Develop a monthly operating budget and a monthly cash flow for the first 3 years • Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a 3-year period • Discuss your break-even point • Explain your personal balance sheet and method of compensation • Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how they will be kept • Provide “what if” statements that address alternative approaches to any problem that may develop

6 Operations • Explain how the business will be managed on a day-to-day basis • Discuss hiring and personnel procedures • Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements and issues related to your business • Account for the equipment necessary to produce your products or services • Account for production and delivery of products and services

Concluding Statements • Summarize your business goals and objectives • Express your commitment to the success of your business

Register your legal structure & trade name Register with the National Business Center in Elbasan.

Apply for a Tax ID to the local tax office Register with the local tax office and with the municipality, where you will obtain information required for this registration.

7 WHERE TO REGISTER A BUSINESS?

• At the National Business Center office • Online • For more information on business registration please visit the NBC website www.qkb.gov.al

Applications for permit and/or license or for related subcategories are submitted to any NBC helpdesk or to the central office in Tirana or any other service desk installed in the local governance offices in the Municipality of Elbasan. The cost of submission of application is 100 Albanian Lek (ALL). The application may be submitted to any service desk regardless of the location of the business activity. The application consists of a completed application form.Attached to it are the required support documentation.The applicant or a duly authorized person may submit the application form to the NBC service desk. NBC may not require the submission of additional documents or provision of other information that are not foreseen in the application form.

8 LOCAL TAXES AND FEES

The building tax is 0.2% of the value of the building to be used for any economic activity. Information: Department of Taxes and Fees. E-mail: [email protected]

Tax on land to be used for business purposes is 18 ALL per square meter per year. Information: Department of Taxes and Fees. E-mail: [email protected]

Small Business Tax is a local tax administered by the central tax administration. It is paid in four installments. Any business running economic activity at an annual turnover of up to 8 million ALL is subject to small business tax. Small businesses with an annual turnover of up to 5 million ALL are exempted from paying this tax. Small businesses with an annual turnover of 5-8 million ALL pay a tax of 5% of their net revenues. The first installment of the small business tax must be paid within the 20th of April; the second one not later than 20th of July; the third installment will have to be paid not later than the 20th of October, and the last one must be paid before the 20th of December regardless of the business location.

The infrastructure impact tax is a local governance tax levied on new buildings and help the local self-government units to fund public infrastructure and the increasing demand for services caused by the new building.This is a one-time tax and is paid by the investor to the account of the municipality upon issuing of the construction permit by the latter. Exempted from this tax are investments for hotels and resorts with a 5-star rating or special status as well as investments in hosting activities certified as “agritourism” in pursuance of the sectoral legislation. The infrastructure impact tax varies from 1% to 3% of the investment value for other buildings intend-ed for use in the sectors of tourism, industry, agriculture, for individual buildings for personal use by individuals, built by the individuals themselves or by builders as well as for public buildings. This tax rises to 4% for buildings constructed by construction companies and are intended for housing, trade or service use.

9 INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACT TAX

Description Tax rate a. Residential structures: 4% of applicable selling price as per 1. buildings for residential and service built by con- the instruction of the National Hous- struction companies for profit ing Entity Residential structures: 3% of the investment value as per the 2. buildings for residential and service built by other price applied by the National Housing investors not for profit. Entity b. Buildings for economic activity, tourism, industrial 3 % of the value of realistic bill of use (warehouse, production workshops, antennas, ad quantity and in accordance with the locations) building guideline. c. Structures for public use; Municipality of Elbasan’s 2 % of the value of bill of quantity investment are exempted. specified in the building guideline d. Rehabilitation of roads, water supply, sewage; 2 % of the value of bill of quantity Municipality of Elbasan’s investment are exempted. specified in the applicable building guideline e. Structures of private use (for production, trade and 3% of the investment value as per the service) price applied by the National Housing Entity f. For projects in infrastructure, construction of national 0.1% of the value of bill of quantity roads, harbors, airports, tunnels, dams, power infra- specified in the building guideline structure, including machineries and equipment for these projects g. For buildings under legalization process. 0.5% of the investment value of as per the price applied by the National Housing Entity h. For change of use. 3% of the value of bill of quantity specified in the building guideline i. Reconstructions and other structures 3% of the value of bill of quantity specified in the building guideline j. For individuals treated by civil emergencies in case of 0% landslides or other natural disasters k. Facilities hosting certified hospitality activities, such as 0% agri-tourism in pursuance of legislation on tourism

10 The tax for hotels and other accommodation units in the Municipality of Elbasan’s territory applies respectively: a. 175 ALL per person per night for accommodation in 4-5-star hotels b. 70 ALL per person per night for accommodation in motels, hostels, inns, etc. Information: Department of Taxes and Fees. E-mail: [email protected]

The Billboard Tax is an annual tax applied to all businesses that place a moveable or immovable table/billboard for the purpose of identifying their activity or for advertising it to third parties. In the case of tables, signs or billboards used for various exhibitions, fairs, shows, etc., this tax is paid for the period of the activity in accordance with the permit issued by the municipality.The billboard tax varies by the purpose of use and size of the billboard placed by the business entity. Information: Department of Taxes and Fees. E-mail: [email protected]

Local fees are paid to the Municipality of Elbasan by business entities receiving a service provided by the municipality. Main local fees include: fee for occupation of public space, fee for collection and removal of waste, fee for public lighting, fee on greenery and vegetation, fee for issuing a permit, etc. For more information on how and where to pay these local taxes and fees for the Municipality of Elbasan, please visit www.elbasani.gov.al, or send an email to dttvma@ elbasani.gov.al, or visit the Local Tax and Fee Department office.

National taxes You can find detailed information on national taxes that you will have to pay at the following link: www.tatime.gov.al

11 BUILDING PERMITS

When is a permit not When is a permit required? required?

A construction permit is not A construction (building) required for works carried permit is required for any out by means of a preliminary type of construction, repair, declaration of works, as restoration or demolition specified in Article 6 of CMD of existing objects. The No. 408, dated 13.05.2015 construction permit document Common maintenance works describes all conditions for are interventions for repair performing construction or replacement of existing works with the support plastering of buildings and documentation of application those required to keep as well as the norms and existing technological plants standards set forth in the law. operational. In these cases, it For more information, please is not required to apply for a visit the municipality’s website construction permit. www.elbasani.gov.al

Please visit the municipality’s website www.elbasani.gov.al for information on the permits and their types required in accordance with the profile of the business you wish to start.

12 Building works not required to have building permit or self declaration are specified in Article 6 of the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 408, dated 13.05.2015, as follows: Article 6 Interventions Not Requiring Issue of Building Permit Without excluding the obligation to comply with the provisions foreseen in the applicable legislation on construction activity, including, in particular, anti-seismic stability, fire protection, health safety and hygiene, the following interventions may be performed without a building permit: a) Interventions of common maintenance, as stipulated for in Article 2 of this regulation, that include i) External interventions for repair and replacement of external finishings (refinements) of the building provided that their original characteristics are preserved, as follows: - Repaints, plastering, and covering the façades with materials that have similar features and colors with the existing ones; - Cleaning of façades; - Repair and replacement of windows and doors, shutters, shop windows (including the use of various materials), without modifying characteristics, such as shape, color, design, and dimensions of open and transparent parts; - Partial replacement of roof cover without modification of shape, slope and features of cover; - Repair and replacement of gutters and chimneys, even with different materials; - Repair of balconies, porches, stairways or protective barriers; - Installation of security window bars; - Installation of window sun shades and pest control screens; - Movement of upper layers of yards; - Repair of existing yard fencing. ii) Internal interventions: - Repair and renovation of floor - Repair and renovation of plaster, cover, and colors; - Repair and renovation of doors, windows, including installation of double-pane windows. iii) Interventions in sanitary ware: - Works for repair and replacement of sanitary ware and repair of sanitary fittings; b) Works to eliminate architectonic barriers and adaptation of buildings for people with disabilities; c) Movement of soil linked specifically with the livestock or agricultural activity, including interventions in the agricultural hydraulic hardware.

13 I found a space at home for my business. Do I need a permit and, if yes, what type? Yes, you are required to apply for a permit. Follow these steps: a. A request for permit in accordance with the application form defined in this regulation and in the electronic permit system; b. A power of attorney or authorization on behalf of the physical or legal entity in case the request is submitted by a representative of the owner or developer; c. A document certifying proprietary rights on property taking part in the development and, if any, a copy of the agreement on the property; d. A design plan at a scale of 1:500 certified by a licensed topographer; e. An architectonic concept note of the development; f. A copy of the license of the topographer and urban designer; g. Proof of payment of application fee if applicable. For more information please visit: e-albania.al

What if I am considering some small changes to the exterior of the building? If you are doing small repairs in the exterior of your building, you need to get a permit in the e-Albania portal in case there are changes from the existing status. Otherwise, no permit is required.

What if my proposal requires construction or other work inside or outside the building? You must apply for a permit from the e-Albania portal.

How long will it take to get a permit? The procedure of obtaining a building permit lasts 45 days at most and 5 days for works on self declaration as provided for in Article 7 of the CMD No. 408, dated 13.05.2015.

How much does a permit cost? The cost of a building permit is 3% of the investment value for residential buildings and 4% for non-residential buildings.

I’m not sure if my business location is handicapped accessible. Any facility in the design and planning phase must foresee installation of ramps or other elements that help handicapped people access the premises.You must apply for a permit to install these elements in your business premises.

14 PLANNING GUIDE

You can find information on areas planned for business constructions at the municipality’s website www.elbasani.gov.al. The General Local Territorial Plan (GLTP) and their related maps can be found at the website of the National Territorial Planning Agency (NTPA). You may contact the General Department of Operational Services at [email protected] if you seek additional information.

Enforcement of municipal ordinances/decisions Article 6 of the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 408, dated 13.05.2015,“On Adoption of Territorial Development Regulation and” and the Strategy of Urban Development determine the criteria for obtaining a building permit.

15 What are good locations for businesses? Good business locations vary by purpose of business. Construction of residential and commercial space require: - downtown areas and major roads of the city Manufacturing businesses would better shoot for the following areas: - Former metallurgy plant - Former tinned-fish plant - Former wood-processing factory - the two bordering buffers of the Elbasan-Metallurgy road. Agriculture businesses would better seek locations in these administrative units: - Shushic - Shirgjan - Tregan - Paper - Bradashesh - Labinot Good areas for tourism businesses can be found in these administrative units: - Gjinar - Funar - Shushica What is housing rent? Monthly housing rent in the city vary from 8,000 ALL to 25,000 ALL specified by the location, size and other commodities offered by the owner.

16 Public Works FAQ

You can find information on the municipality’s calls for public works at Municipality of Elbasan’s website (elbasani.gov.al) or at the he Public Procurement Agency (app.gov.al.)

When do I need to contact When you apply for permit Public Works?

Do I need to fill out an Yes, the application form for a construction application for a construction permit can be filled out online in the e-permit permit? system of e-Albania portal.

How long does it take to get a The procedure of obtaining a building permit construction permit? lasts 45 days at most and 5 days for works on self declaration

Do I need a special permit In case of new electrical or plumbing installation, for electrical and plumbing you will need a specific permit. You need to ob- installation works? tain a permit through the self declaration proce- dure that takes up to 5 days for maintainance or replacement of existing installations,

17 Do I need to close out permits At the end of the permit process, the responsible issued for my projects? planning authority issues the Certificate of Use of Facility, certifying the completion of works in conformity with the building permit. Ycontact the General Department of Operational Services at [email protected] for more information.

Can the municipality The applicant can select the contractor/builder recommend a contractor to on free will to do the construction work. do the construction work?

Can I do my own electrical/ No. You need to used certified/licensed plumbing installations? companies.

Do I need to have plans for You need plans, which should be designed by them? If yes, what plans and licensed companies. can I design them on my own?

How soon can I get an The deadline of supervision of works and inspection for my project? inspection is determined after a construction permit is issued.

Where and how can I submit The application for permit may only be submitted my permit application? online to the e-Albania portal

Special Considerations Visit the Municipality of Elbasan’s website (www. elbasani.gov.al) for guidance on city permits you will need for your business. You’ll also find info on other requirements and conditions that may apply to the type of business you wish to open as well as tips and additional useful information.

What should I do to extend Refer to the Municipal Council’s Ordinance the timetable of my business No. 62/2018 on noise emission.Apply to the service? Municipality of Elbasan by submitting these documents: 1) A municipal statement that you have paid local taxes for the current year; 2) a copy of your business license; 3) A request for extension.

18 RESTAURANTS, BARS, CAFES, LODGINGS, CATERING SERVICES, AMUSEMENTS

BUILDING PERMITS The same procedure of application for construction permit in the e-Albania portal is followed for all cases of restaurant and café facilities in pursuance of Articles 38 through to 47 of the Law on Territorial Planning and Development.

LOCAL TAXES Local taxes to be paid to the Municipality of Elbasan include the following: 1. Small business tax (collected by the Regional Tax Directorate of Elbasan - Central government tax authority) 2. Building Tax (on urban land, buildings, agricultural land) 3. Hotel Accommodation Tax 4. Infrastructure impact tax of new buildings 5. Tax on transfer of ownership titles on immovable property 6. Billboard Tax

LIQUOR LICENSES The application form for permits and/or license for this category or its subcategories are

19 submitted to any service desk of the NBC in its headquarter in Tirana or branch office at the Municipality of Elbasan. Contact: www.qkr.gov.al, address: Lagja: “28 Nëntori”, Rruga: “Qemal Stafa”, 3rd floor

CATERING LICENSES The application form for permits and/or license for this category or its subcategories are submitted to any service desk of the NBC in its headquarter in Tirana or to the branch office service desk at the Municipality of Elbasan.

ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS The application form for permits and/or license for this category or its subcategories are submitted to any service desk of the NBC in its headquarter in Tirana or to the branch office service desk at the Municipality of Elbasan. Contact: www.qkr.gov.al, address: Lagja: “28 Nëntori”, Rruga: “Qemal Stafa”, 3rd floor A closing time extension fee is to be paid by entities running “coffee bar” activities seeking to extend the service time beyond a set timetable. This fee is divided in thre categories: 1. “Non-Stop” for one single night; 2. Until 24:00; 3. “Non-Stop”

STREET VENDORS Street vendors must obtain a temporary permit for their activity from the Local Tax and Fee Department of the Municipality of Elbasan.

NATIONAL TAXES National taxes include: 1. Value Added Tax 2. Income Tax 3. Excise 4. Tax on gambling, casinos and hippodromes 5. National taxes 6. Other taxes, which are determined by special law You can find detailed information on national taxes at the following link: www.tatime.gov.al 20 SELECTING A LOCATION Where can I set up a shop?

Step 1 Check out Official Zoning Map at www.elbasani.gov.al if you know where your site is located. If knowing the potential address for your business, locate it on the map and see which zone is. Step 2 Check with the municipality if your business is allowed in the area you intend to establish the business. Contact the relevant municipal department (Local Tax and Fee Department). For more information: [email protected] Things to Consider • How much space is needed? • What are the costs per square foot? • Can employees easily arrive? • Is there public transportation? • How much competition is in the area? • Is business dependent on foot traffic? • Is the space ADA available? • How much parking is needed? • How the location affects the advertising costs? • How is the property maintained?

21 Insurance companies offer for health, INSURANCE car and property insurance packages

Companies that sell insurance packages include the following:

SIGAL UNIQA GROUP Rruga “11 Nëntori”, pall 109/1, 2nd floor, Elbasan T. 054244446 / www.sigal.com.al

ALBSIG Hotel Skampa, Rruga “Aqif Pasha” Elbasan T. 0689043129 / www.albsig.com.al

ATLANTIK Rruga “Ptoleme Xhuvani”, Elbasan T. 0674474149 / www.atlantik.com.al

EUROSIG Across Albanian Postal Service T. 0698070328 / www.eurosig.al

INSIG www.insig.com.al

INTERSIG - Vienna Insurance Group Rruga “Aqif Pasha”, Pall 26, Next to Arena Stadium; T. 0686012222 / www.intersig.al

SIGMA INTERALBANIAN - Vienna Insurance Group Lagja: “Syrja Dylgjeri”, rruga Qemal Stafa www.sivig.al

ANSIG INSURANCE COMPANY Lagja: Beqir Dardha / T. 0684098703 / www.ansig.al

SICRED Hotel Skampa, 2nd Floor, Elbasan T. 0697010736 / www.sicred.com.al 22 Navigating the High C’s of Credit FINANCING Before you bring your financing request to a lender, obtain your credit report. Regardless of where you seek funding, the prospective lender will review your creditworthiness. A thoroughly documented loan request, which includes a business plan, will help lender to understand you and your business. The basic components of credit analyses are outlined below to help you understand what the lender will look for.

Capacity Repayment capacity is of great importance to the bank, which seeks to know whether and how you will repay the loan. The Bank will consider liquidity flows, repayment term and opportunities for your business to succeed in repaying the loan.

Collateral Collateral is an additional form of security you can provide the lender. It involves pledging an asset, such as your home, to the lender, with the agreement that the asset will be the repayment source in case you can’t. Some lenders may require a guarantee in addition to collateral.

Capital Capital is the money you personally have invested in the business. It is an indication of how much you have at risk should the business fail. Prospective lenders and investors will expect you to have contributed from your own assets, and to have undertaken personal financial risk to establish the business, before asking them to commit funding.

Character Character encompasses the general impression you make on the potential lender or investor. The lender will form an opinion as to whether or not you are sufficiently trustworthy to repay the loan or generate a return on funds invested in your company. Your education- al background and experience will be reviewed.

Conditions Conditions relate to the intended purpose of the loan.Will the money be used for working capital, additional equipment or inventory, or another purpose? The lender will consider the local economic climate within your industry, and in other industries that could affect your business. 23 BANKS AND ALTERNATIVE LENDERS

Banks operating in Elbasan: ABI Bank - www.abi.al Alpha Bank - www.alphabank.al Banka Credins - www.bankacredins.com National Commercial Bank - www.bkt.com.al Fibank - First Investment Bank Albania - www.fibank.al Intesa San Paolo - www.intesasanpaolobank.al Raiffeisen Bank - www.raiffeisen.al Societe Generale Albania - www.societegenerale.al Tirana Bank - www.tiranabank.al Union Bank - www.unionbank.al

ALTERNATIVE FUNDING If you are one of those who do not qualify for traditional funding through a bank, there are several “alternative lenders” listed in this page. These lenders often have more flexibility than banks. Once your business is established and proven, a banking institution is more likely to favor the future requirements. In general, banks have more stringent risk guidelines than alternative lenders. However, banks are more suitable to grow alongside your business. Funding can take quite some time, so it’s wise to identify important, dependent, and independent issues from your plan early. For many entrepreneurs, co-operation among lenders is crucial. Banks, alternative lenders, government programs, crowd financing, family and friends often help develop a business. Let us be more creative! Some organizations/institutions that can provide alternative funding in the Municipality of Elbasan include: - First Financial Development Association - FAF SH.A Dega Elbasan: Lagjia «28 Nëntori», Pall. 109/1, 2nd floor / T. 0676027727 - NOA Elbasan Branch: Rruga Bedri Xhomo, Elbasan, Telefon: +355 54254130 / www.noa.com.al - Fondi BESA: Hotel “Skampa”, Bulevardi “Qemal Stafa” / T. 054255566 / [email protected] - AGRO & SOCIAL FUND: Rruga “Ptoleme Xhuvani”, Lagjja “Aqif Pasha”, Nr.4 / T. 0684070183 www.asfund.org - Lutecredit: Bulevardi Qemal Stafa, pranë Bustit të Kristoforidhit / T. +35544505060

24 Before you hire, you should define the: JOB • Job CREATION • Experience/ education level required • Salary and benefits you are willing to offer Though intuition plays a big part in hiring decisions, you should: Because hiring • Follow a process that determines the applicant’s capabilities for the position employees is a complex and expensive • Review the applicant’s resume and application process, the decision • Ask for work samples from a previous job, if available to hire somebody • Test the applicant, if appropriate must fit in with your • Check the applicant’s work references goals, as outlined in • Evaluate the applicant’s overall attitude your business plan. Formulate a personnel policy that addresses: The hiring process • Training must be approached • The number of hours/ days to be worked each week thoughtfully. • Holiday work, and the method for overtime pay • Vacation and sick leave • Time off for personal needs • A grievance procedure • Fringe benefits • Retirement • Performance review • Promotion • Termination

Income and Other Taxes Talk to a tax accountant to make sure you understand all the requirements on salary tax and other related liabilities, such as social insurance, etc., for your particular business. It is recommended that a business book accounting is confirmed or kept by a chartered accountant in order to be recognized by the tax administration.

25 DIRECTORY - LIST OF LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

Municipality of Elbasan Mayor: tel:+35554400152, www.elbasani.gov.al, e-mail: [email protected]. President of the Municipal Council: www.elbasani.gov.al; e-mail: [email protected]. Department of Strategy, Innovation and Media: tel: 054400126, website: www.elbasani.gov.al; e-mail: [email protected]. General Department of Planning of Revenues,Assets, Budget, and Finance: tel: 054400126; e-mail: [email protected]. General Department of Operational Services: [email protected]

Education “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University of Elbasan: Faculty of Human Sciences/ Faculty of Natural Sciences / Faculty of Education Sciences / Faculty of Economy / Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences Vocational schools in the city of Elbasan include 1. Sali Ceka - Lagja: 28 Nëntori, Str. Zogu i parë; 2. Ali Myftiu - 28 Nëntori, Str. Zogu i parë.

Vocational Education Centers Vocational education is a central government’s priority and reform in this sector has focused in revitalizatoin of this system and increasing its role in the qualification of labor force according to the ever-increasing standards and requirements of the economy. To this end, free vocational training is provided to young people, which are the very targeted group of these vocational courses. About 47% to 53% of these young people are women.

Water and Sewage Utility Citizens and utility clients may submit their complaints and/or requests to the Water and Sewage Utility of Elbasan at the following address: Headquarter: L. Brigada 17 Sulmuese, Rr. Thoma Kalefi, former music art school dorm, 1st floor, Office of Complaints/Requests. / [email protected] / www.ukelbasan.al

Transport Parking locations for vans 8+1 are in two places: 1. Flower crossroad; 2.Across Doko Complex.

National General Tax Directorate / www.tatime.gov.al General Customs Directorate / www.dogana.gov.al Albanian Investment and Development Agency (AIDA) / www..aida.gov.al 26 ELBASAN

27 INFORMATION ON ELBASAN

Elbasan is one of the main cities in Central Albania, as well as the center of the prefecture and district by the same name. It is located on the right side of the Shkumbin River, in the valley formed by it, at 125 m above sea level. It has a population of over 212,628. residents It is considered as a transient area between the two great tribal divisions of Albanians, the Ghegs in the north and the Tosks in the south.While the majority of Albanians identify themselves with one group or another, Elbasan people are proud of representing a middle line not only geographically but also in many cultural aspects.Their attitude to the country’s phenomena and history is consistent, an integral part of the national identity of Albanians to be found in both their mindset and in their culture. Elbasan represents an ancient settlement established in a very favorable geographic position at the intersection of the roads coming from the north, southwest and southeast, linking cities such as Durres,Tirana, Dibra, Struga, Ohrid, Librazhd, Pogradec, Korça and Gramsh. The Municipality of Elbasan lies in the central part of Albania.After the Territorial Administrative Reform adopted in May 2014, 12 administrative units were incorporated into the former Municipality of Elbasan.The new municipality is currently composed of 13 administrative units: the former Municipality of Elbasan and the former communes of Bradashesh, Paper, Gjergjan, Labinot- Fushe, Labinot-Mal, Funare, Gracen,Tregan, Shushuice, Shigjan, Gjinar, and Zavaline.

28 Elbasan’s area size is now 872 km², compared with 7.9 km² prior to the territorial reform.Thus, the territory of the municipality has increased by approximately 110 times. The municipality is bordered by two local streams on the east and west, which put the whole city under water. The early name of the town was “Skampis” and it is thought that the settlement was created in the first century BC as the station of the famous antique Road Egnatia, which connected the center of the Roman Empire with its eastern parts. The traces of this road are still preserved to this very day. It is thought that the city began to fall in the 15th century when the barbarian tribes flocked to the Illyrian tribes: goblets, visigoths, avarice and ostrogots. When the Roman Empire was divided into the Eastern and Western empirres, the commercial importance of “Skampis” also fell as the city happened to be on the western edge of the Byzantine Empire. At the beginning of the 6th century, travels and transport on the Egnatia road revitalized and Skampis Castle livened.The town became a bishopric and military trading center with churches, cathedrals and basilicas paved with mosaics, such as Bezistan at the entrance of the town, near the Zaranika Bridge. In the 9th century, Elbasan was invaded and plundered by the invasions of Bulgarian tribes. Later we have a perpetuation of economic life, in the conditions of a natural and feudal economy. It was Sultan Mehmeti II, who rebuilt the fortress as a stronghold of support for Ottoman troops and called the place by the name of Elbasan. The Ottoman conquest also corresponds to a spread of Islamic religion in the area. The town became again an important administrative center for all areas and time an important craft, trade and cultural center, preserving this heritage throughout its history. Elbasan’s influence on the country’s development has always been great and stretched to Ohrid, Skopje and beyond. The city preserved its urban self-construction with “Elbasan-like” constructions, a considerable number of religious, social and cultural facilities and places. Elbasan is home to many events of historical significance and nationwide influence. Elbasani people take pride in the impact that the “Normal School” has given to the development of education across Albania. This school lives to this day. Another thing that Elbasani people like to boast in is the greenery and the considerable space of the gardens, the cultivation of fruit trees and citrus fruits, as well as the olive grove, which surrounds the city with a green crown. They are also proud of the cultural life, the popular civic music tradition, which is recognized and liked by all Albanians as “Elbasan music”. Today, Elbasan remains an important center as much as in the past. The cultural tradition, the influence of immigrants and the univerity-educated people, and the proximity to Albania’s capital city create a very interesting blend of architectural and lifestyle tastes, which are guiding its development in all directions. Elbasan is a developing city. Isolated from Western Europe just like the rest of Albania due to the communist dictatorship, this ancient city is experiencing an unprecedented change since the end of World War II. Roads and buildings may continue to have some shortcomings, but the city has a secure future ahead.

29 • THE CLOCK TOWER is built in 1899 with the contribution of the city’s inhabitants. Artistically the monu-mental clock tower is an original finding in the proportions and in the decorative treatment of external structures. • THE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM is housed in a late 17th century building (1791) known as the House of the Sejdinis, one of the few typical buildings of that period with characteristic architecture that resist-ed time.After the 1986 restoration, this building serves as the Ethnographic Museum. It reflects the economic and social activity of the city of Elbasan from the mid-17th century to 20th century.The mu-seum has about 500 original objects exhibited. • THE SAINT MARY’S CHURCH was built in 1833 with the contribution of the locals to the castle on the foundations of an older church. It features iconostasis which is engraved by 40 masters who worked for 10 years. • THE MBRET (KING) MOSQUE was built at the end of the XV century by Sultan Bayezid II. This shrine co-incides with all other mosques (Gjirokastra, Berat, Shkodra, etc.) by royal names. An interesting fea-ture is the combination of elements of local time architecture framed in a mosque. • THE NAZARENE MOSQUE is the first pagoda conceived in the classical Ottoman style dating back to 1599. The mosque perpetuates “the famous woman of the city, the spouse of a personality of the time with an important imperial function, who built the shrine by her name.” • THE HAMMAMS were public baths of hot water or steam, mostly by Muslim tradition. The oldest hamlet of the city belongs to the 16th century. The interior architecture of the rooms is characterized by typical Oriental forms. • THE BEZISTAN BASILICA was discovered in 2007 by the Municipality of Elbasan. Interesting elements of this basilica include its mosaic and frescoes. These excellent art works feature a pattern of eternity. The basilica belongs to the 5th century AD. • THE TEPES BASILICA is a Roman construction that belongs to the two construction phases of the 4th and 5th centuries. This basilica was built to serve as a church-cemetery of Roman soldiers. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 6th century. • AD QUITIUM was built in the 2nd Century along the Egnatia Road to serve travelers as a resting place and a bathroom (mutatio e terme). It is located 5 km from the city of Elbasan, in the village of Bradashesh. • TOPCIAS BRIDGE: About 2 km south of the city of Elbasan are the ruins of Topcias Bridge. This bridge connects the southern branch of the Egnatia Road that came from

30 Apolonia with the northern branch of this road that came from Dyrrachium. The first construction phase dates back to the 1st century BC. • The Church of St. John Vladimir: In the northwest of Elbasan, in the village of Shijon is the church of St. John Vladimir. This Orthodox monastery is a construction that belongs to the 14th century (1381) constructed by the Catholic prince Karl Topia. It serves as a pilgrimage place for Orthodox believers, not just from the suburbs. • CHURCHES OF SHELCAN AND VALESH are located in the Shelcan of Valesh in the Shpat area and were constructed in 1554. The most prominent Albanian painter of this time, Onufri, has masterfully painted the frescoes of these two churches • GJINARI is located in the heart of the Shpati province, 22 km south-east of Elbasan. The Shpat Prov-ince is one of the most interesting areas in the field of archeology, history and folklore. Nature and climate in this area attracts many local and international tourists. • BUSHEKU is located south of the city, in the valley of the Shkumbin River. With century- old plane-trees, it is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Elbasan and one of Elbasan’s most favorite places. • FUNAR is a hilly and mountainous tourist area northwest of Elbasan. It is famous for its wonderful nature and artificial lakes, up to 900 meters above sea level. It is a very interesting area even from the point of view of cultural heritage. • ELBASAN’S HOT SPRINGS are located 12 km south of the city of Elbasan. They are one of Albania’s most important hydrothermal centers and with curative use since ancient times. The surrounding envi-ronment is great for rest and relax as well as for vacations. • LABINOT-MAL is a tourist site located in northeast of Elbasan at 900 meters above sea level. It is characterized by a favorable climate and rich historical and cultural values.

31 ADVANTAGES OF ELBASAN’S ADMINISTRATIVE TERRITORY • The Municipality of Elbasan has a very strategic position, located in the main national axes, is crossed by the Shkumbin River; • By 2017, the age structure of the municipality’s population shows that 69% of them belong to the age group (15-64), and 20% to the age group (0-14). This shows that the municipality has a high potential of economically active population; • GDP in the Municipality of Elbasan is 25% lower than the national GDP, indicating that the Municipality of Elbasan has an important role in the national economy; • The main sector contributing to economic development (according to the number of employed) is service delivery constituting 51.4% of the local economy. Agriculture is the main economy in rural areas. • Main agricultural crops are cereals and fruit trees; • Water supply and sewerage service is available throughout the territory; • Intercity transport is available to all major cities, such as Tirana, Librazhd, Lushnje, Durres, Vlora, Fier, etc.

32 The Strategic Policies, Innovation, and Media Department‘s mission is to design policies and local plans to boost the municipality’s economic capacity to improve the economic future and quality of life. These plans will help public institutions, businesses, and community to collaborate in creating friendly climate for economic growth. Rruga: “Qemal Stafa”, Municipality of Elbasan, Third Floor. [email protected] / elbasani.gov.al