Vukajlović: The system must be a partner, not an obstacle to young entrepreneurs

The development of entrepreneurship must be accompanied by stronger institutional support, a more stable business environment and concrete economic measures that will enable young people to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses, said Olivera Vukajlović, Advisor to the President of Montenegro for Sustainable Development.

At the Business Beat conference in Tivat, she pointed out that the fact that this event is being organized for the second year in a row confirms the growing entrepreneurial spirit among young people in Montenegro, but also the need for the state and institutions to support their development much more actively.

"Young people in Montenegro have ideas, knowledge, ambition and courage. What they often lack is a strong sense that the system is behind them, clear, stable and predictable," said Vukajlović.

She praised the role of the Municipality of Tivat and the Business Info Center, assessing that their continued cooperation represents an important support for young entrepreneurs and local initiatives.

Vukajlović highlighted three key messages, the first of which relates to the need to create an environment of trust and predictability.

She pointed out that young people often give up on entrepreneurial ideas not because of a lack of will or knowledge, but because of complicated procedures, administrative obstacles and insufficiently clear rules.

"Entrepreneurship must not be a test of endurance before the administration. The system must encourage, guide and support those who want to create new value," said Vukajlović.

The second message referred to the role of the economic system, with the assessment that the economy must be an active partner of entrepreneurship. Vukajlović emphasized that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for young and small businesses, and that development instruments must be more functional, more accessible and better adapted to the real needs of the market.

Vukajlović pointed out the importance of the Credit Guarantee Fund and the stronger role of the Development Bank in supporting investments, innovations and projects that have the potential to create new value and new jobs.

"If we want young people to stay, work and develop businesses in Montenegro, we must provide them with access to capital, clear rules and institutions that understand their needs," said Vukajlović.

She also pointed out the need for stronger economic momentum in Montenegro, assessing that the current pace of economic growth is not sufficient to ensure long-term development dynamics, especially in conditions of high inflation and a limited investment cycle.

"If we continue at the same pace, it will take Montenegro decades to reach the European average of development. This is not just an economic challenge, it is a risk of losing an entire generation waiting for better opportunities and a better standard of living," Vukajlović pointed out.

She said that Montenegro has people with ideas, energy and courage to create, but that this potential can become real development only when the system becomes a partner, not an obstacle to entrepreneurship.

"Our obligation is not just to tell young people to be brave, but to create conditions for them in which courage pays off, ideas develop, and work and knowledge get a real chance," said Vukajlović.

She added that conferences like Business Beat are important because they open up space for dialogue, networking and exchange of ideas, but also for initiating changes that can contribute to stronger economic development of Montenegro.