GTF-Initiative for Sustainable Growth (GTF-ISG) has persevered for 20+ years and continues to play the role of a regional institution for shaping policies & practices through public advocacy and actions on issues of women entrepreneurship, rural development and gender equality in South East Europe. GTF-ISG believes in international cooperation with various stakeholders from the public sector, institutions, private sector and civil society and in the mutual transfer of knowledge and experiences with these same stakeholders in order to create strong networks and platforms that have a similar vision and goals. GTF-ISG has expertise in multi-stakeholder cooperation; policy reforms for entrepreneurship, rural development, social dialogue; women’s economic empowerment and self-employment; women entrepreneurship mentoring, policy making, research and advocacy; media and public campaigns; international exchange and institutional cooperation with 13 South East European Countries. GTF-ISG has extensive experience in leading the projects where there are several countries involved. GTF has worked with a broad range of donors incl. EU, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Croatia, RCC, UN, etc.
GTF-ISG won 1st prize for best Social Innovation in Croatia in 2016 from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). GTF-ISG specializes in multi stakeholder cooperation and innovative practices to reaching measurable goals, while maintaining and upgrading existing practices as a rule. Seeking sustainable solutions to problems as diverse as migrant self-employment, Roma youth organizing to circular economy business models and coding for disadvantaged women, are our specialty.
Mary Ann Rukavina Cipetić, GTF-ISG, Project Coordinator
Mary Ann is responsible for the coordination of entire RAISE project which involves overall administrative, financial and policy management of all 7 project partners as well as legal representation of the consortium.
As project initiator and coordinator Mary Ann’s mission is to ensure the RAISE Youth program achieves its objectives and inspires many diverse actors to participate in its development and success. Upon completion of the pilot phase RAISE should be ready for transfer to other communities in the EU and globally.
Kristina Barać Petrović, GTF-ISG, Communication Manager
Kristina is responsible for the overall coordination of the RAISE Youth project internal and external communications. Her main duties include implementation of the communication strategy, preparing marketing materials, press releases, organizing events and variety of other tasks to ensure the project’s message is consistent and engaging.
Kristina is passionate about development projects and rural development. By organizing communication channels on this project, she hopes to breach the gap between NEETs and their surroundings, raising social awareness of stakeholders and the public.
Sandra Kraljić, GTF-ISG, Social Research Associate
Sandra is part of the RAISE Youth DEMO center staff working in the city of Gospić. Sandra’s main task is to focus on social aspects of RAISE Youth project. She is also working on the RAISE digital tools – Explore Lika, Start.Croa & Taste Lika and providing assistance to other members of working team.
Sandra is happy and motivated to work on projects like this that help young unemployed people find their motivation and decide to embark on the realization of their ideas and plans that grow. into a business story.
Ana Carević, GTF-ISG, Administrator
Ana is the administrator in GTF Zagreb office. Her main duty is supporting the smooth running of the office by carrying out clerical tasks and projects. She is in charge of supporting the RAISE Youth team for optimal productivity.
Matea Biškupić, GTF-ISG, Administrative Assistant
Matea is responsible for providing administrative support in general office management, maintaining appropriate filing systems and variety of other clerical and administrative tasks.
She is passionate about working with young people and showing them wide range of possibilities and potential they can use to achieve their goals.
Nikola Butković, GTF-ISG, Eco Agro Assistant
Nikola is responsible for managing the RAISE permaculture garden in Perušić, Croatia.
He is passionate about permaculture design and agriculture in general and enjoys working with RAISE beneficiaries and agro experts in Lika.
