Today, Center for Economic Prosperity and Freedom organized “Entrepreneurship Academy Forum” and the event was held in hotel CentreVille. A competition was also organized for the best business idea and panel “How to get an initial investment and support for entrepreneurs”.
The Forum gathered over 60 representatives from financial sector, state institutions, companies, non-governmental organizations, social enterprises and young entrepreneurs and the event was organized within the Global Entrepreneurship Week which is celebrated across the world.
At the competition, which brought together companies with social impact that are beneficiaries of CEPS mentoring support, the following presented themselves: Bona Fide – Cooperative “Crveno zlato” and “Zračak nade” from Pljevlja, “Nova šansa u Novom” from Herceg Novi, Center for equality, integration and immigration, printing house “Lapis”, Happy paws and Seljak.me from Podgorica.
The prize fund of EUR 3,000, sponsored by Erste Bank and the Capital, has been distributed through 3 cash prizes to the following companies: Nova šansa u Novom (for social impact), Seljak.me (for innovation) and Happy Paws (for sustainability).
Anto Janković, President of CEPS, said the program offers 12-month mentoring support for each user of the program, including analysis of the existing business model of the company, development of the business model in accordance with the potential of users and market conditions, evaluation of progress, improvement of managerial knowledge and skills and promotion and networking.
“Although numerous factors affect companies’ operations, program deals with the main three: 1) improving the financial performance of the company, 2) human resources development and 3) process standardization. The program was developed to support entrepreneurs to bring their businesses from the initial phase to the phase of growth and development”, Janković said.
Adrijana Stevanović, Head of Office Finance of Motion for Montenegro, stated that EFSE Entrepreneurship Academy in cooperation with local partners gives support to entrepreneurs in EFSE target region.
”EFSE Academy provides entrepreneurs and their new businesses with guidance, resources, mentoring and networking opportunities, which increases their chances of receiving the financial support and other resources necessary to turn good ideas into successful businesses. In this way, EFSE’s Entrepreneurship Academy and its partners help create an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed”, Stevanovic said.
After the competition, a panel discussion was organized to discuss the types of support available to beginners in business and small companies.
Lazar Nenezić from the Development Directorate of the Ministry of Economy spoke about the activities and support of the Ministry to micro and small business. Amra Omeragić from the Finance in Motion regional office spoke about regional programs of support to entrepreneurship development, while Dženan Šarić from Mozaik Foundation from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Anja Grabovica from Tehnopolis in Nikšić presented their experiences and support programs for entrepreneurs.