The second day of panel discussions of the fourth Bjelopolje business forum continued today with topics on the development of the north and investment opportunities for foreign investors, as well as young entrepreneurs and female entrepreneurship.
Executive director of "Logmaxx Alfa" and representative of the company "Chayton Capital LLP" Muamer Ragipović spoke about what the local community and the state should do to attract investors to invest in the north of Montenegro.
"No matter how hard you try to attract an investor, if you are not ready to accept and support him, he will not come. You need to prepare an offer for him, use the best of what you have, such as the natural resources and beauty in the North, because that is your potential. Further, if the investment is in the first place, then the education of young people is in the second place in relation to the school system", emphasized Ragipović.
At the fourth panel on the topic "Women and young people as business founders", the moderator was Milica Lazarevic from the Chamber of Commerce, and participants were Nemša Omerhodžić, DOO Merkator Bijelo Polje, Jasmina Vlahović, Garni hotel & Glamping "Zvjezdana dolina", Marko Maraš, founder of the platform "Seljak.me" and Uroš Bulatović, president of the Union of Young Entrepreneurs of Montenegro.
Recalling her beginnings in the family business in the 90s, Omerhodžić emphasized that back then, women in entrepreneurship were viewed with much greater skepticism than today, and that, in general, Montenegro progressed in this respect.
"Women's entrepreneurship is multifold important because it is the fastest growing category and one of the main factors contributing to the development of the economy. 10 years ago, one out of ten companies was owned by women, and today it is one out of four companies - she said," she said, appealing to all women who recognize the potential in themselves to start their own businesses, and suggests that the Forum allocate award for the best entrepreneur.
Jasmina Vlahović spoke about the family business that has been in existence for four years and the quality of services is increasingly conquering the market. Through Garni Hotel Zvjezdana dolina and glamping, they provide a new connection with nature, for which there is great interest, and at the same time promote the beauty of the north of the country.
We want to tell young people not to leave the village, but to use its many potentials", Vlahović pointed out and announced the organization of a plant festival in the area.
She noted the importance of IRF and UNDP support for women and young people in business. Marko Maraš launched seljak.me, the first specialized platform in Montenegro that is visited by up to four million people a year, and which went beyond Montenegro and was established in Serbia, with the intention to soon be the same in other countries of the region.
"I am very glad that we have enabled people to more easily market agricultural products and get the necessary information. This platform also enabled the first purchase of a cow with bitcoin," he said, appealing for the connection of agriculture and digital technologies. He emphasized how important it is to include digital technologies because they help to involve young people in the agricultural sector and keep them in the countryside.
Uroš Bulatović said that other countries have determined that investing in young people's businesses is 200 percent more profitable than supporting the companies of people in their later years.
He suggested that Montenegro conduct a similar study, because investing in young people is financially profitable. We also need this kind of measurability. The latest research shows that less than 4 percent of companies belong to young people. We are struggling to support them, and systemic support is necessary. In Podgorica, together with PKCG, we opened a hub for youth business startups, which will be one of the system's non-fin support, exchange of information and attraction of investors. We need a system to succeed in developing businesses. Support programs should first determine the needs of young people," he said.
Bonus video:
