Case Study

Why a local business directory?

Idea, reasons, impact, and sustainability - how and why vkl.ba was created, what it changes, and where it's going.

357

Companies

13

Categories

49

settlements

9

Featured

The Need

Why is this portal needed?

Velika Kladuša has hundreds of businesses, crafts, and services - but until recently there was no centralized, modern way to find them. Information was scattered across Facebook groups, word-of-mouth, and outdated websites.

The diaspora, eager to stay connected with their hometown, had no simple window into the local economy. Local businesses lacked an affordable way to be visible online.

vkl.ba was created to fill that gap - to be a digital bridge.

Benefits

What the portal offers

For Locals

  • • Quick access to all companies in one place
  • • Search by industry and location
  • • Free profile for every business

For the Diaspora

  • • Connection with your hometown
  • • Find services for family
  • • Support the local economy from afar

For the Community

  • • Transparency of the local economy
  • • Digital transformation for small businesses
  • • Preserving the economic identity of the region
Impact

What changes?

The portal doesn't just aggregate information - it changes how people access the local economy.

Visibility

Businesses become accessible online

Connection

Locals and diaspora connected

Transparency

Clear picture of the local economy

Development

Driving digital transformation

Goal

Sustainability

The project's key goal is long-term sustainability - not just technical, but human.

Non-commercial model

The portal doesn't depend on ad revenue - the goal is benefit, not profit

Volunteer support

The community and diaspora contribute with their input, ideas, and sharing

Low costs

Simple technology, minimal maintenance, maximum impact

Transparency

Openness in operations and project succession

Information

Data Management

Data is regularly updated, and every business can request changes. The goal is a high level of accuracy and trust - without it, the portal has no value.

357

Active profiles

13

Categories

49

Locations

Development

Development Directions

Concrete paths for the portal's future - step by step.

1

Database expansion

Continuous addition of new businesses and categories

2

Interactive maps

Visual display of business locations on a map

3

Blog and guides

Regular posts about the economy, events, and useful guides

4

Multilingual

Additional languages for the diaspora and international users

5

Offline guide

Downloadable data for tourists and visitors

6

API

Public API for integrations with other platforms

Greater Good

Why are we doing this?

Above all, vkl.ba is a tool for people. It connects supply and demand, strengthens the local economy, keeps information accessible, and builds a sense of community - both at home and in the diaspora.

This is not the end of the story - it's the beginning. The portal will grow and develop together with the community it serves.