The City of Kaštela has made significant strides in the development of its local economy in recent years, and the establishment and systematic strengthening of the Kaštela Development Agency – KASTELARA – has played a key role in this. Founded in 2018, this entrepreneurial support institution has a clear goal – to encourage the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen local capacities, and create a favorable environment for business and innovation.
KASTELARA offers citizens and entrepreneurs advisory services, informs them about current tenders, provides technical assistance in the preparation of projects and actively participates in the creation of local development programs. Focused on the valorization of local resources, creative industries and the agricultural sector, they develop innovative approaches related to cultural heritage and tourism - areas in which Kaštela has significant potential. The main purpose of the agency is to be at the service of all current and future entrepreneurs for all issues and to support them in business development.
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The city, led by Mayor Denis Ivanović, is also strongly supporting its entrepreneurs and farmers with concrete financial support. This year alone, 200 thousand euros in support for entrepreneurs was allocated from the city budget, while more than 100 beneficiaries received funds. An additional 120 thousand euros were intended for farmers, and more than 60 family farms received support. Proof of strong investments in the economy is the fact that, according to research, Kaštela is the record holder at the Croatian level in support allocations, for which an average of six percent of the total budget was allocated in this mandate.
"Entrepreneurs and farmers are our treasure - they fill the budget, create jobs and fight every day to survive in the market. That is why our goal in the next period is to further increase the amount of support and to support the development of local agriculture and small businesses even more strongly. Additional strength to this policy is given by our candidates for the City Council, among whom are winemakers and farmers, people from the field who know best what needs to be changed and improved. I especially highlight the candidate for my deputy, Antonio Budimir - a young, highly educated expert in the field of engineering management, with extensive experience in the private sector, who, I am sure, will further contribute to the development of our city with his knowledge and energy," says Mayor Denis Ivanović.
While Kaštela's economic foundations are becoming increasingly solidified, the city is also raising standards in the area of municipal infrastructure and environmental protection. Once faced with overcrowded containers and illegal landfills, Kaštela is today an example of an environment that systematically addresses municipal challenges.
Thanks to the modernization and professional management of the municipal company Zeleno i modro, which has been managing waste collection for six years, the municipal image of the city has improved significantly. Almost 24.000 waste sorting bins and around 4.000 composters have been distributed to citizens, semi-underground containers have been installed in nine locations, and the city also has two recycling yards – in Rudine and Sućurac.
Construction waste can now be disposed of free of charge up to one ton per household per year, which has significantly reduced the number of illegal landfills. In addition, around 1.000 containers for bulky waste are delivered annually. A start has also been made with the distribution of bio-waste containers, and to further increase the separate waste collection rate from the current 30% to the target of 50%, the next important step will be the construction of a city composting plant.
Special attention is also paid to greenery - around 200 trees of various species are planted every year, from mulberries and tamarinds to holm oaks and palm trees, which contributes to air quality and the creation of a more pleasant living environment.
Photo: press
