From idea to success: PONI RRA Koroška inspires with numerous entrepreneurial ideas and creates new productive entrepreneurial stories!

The event was held under the auspices of RRA Koroška, the Regional Development Agency for Koroška, doo and was intended to present the program itself and the results of the PONI project. Those present agreed that our region has great potential, which can only be realized with strong support and cooperation between entrepreneurs, local communities and support programs.

As a reminder: PONI Koroška, funded by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund, is a project that has been supporting the development of entrepreneurship in Koroška for many years. The program offers participants a four-month entrepreneurial training course, in which they develop their business ideas and prepare to establish their own companies.

Statement by the Mayor of the Municipality of Vuzenica, Franjo Golob: "I am glad that within the framework of the Regional Development Agency for Koroška, entrepreneurship in the region is also encouraged through support projects such as PONI, and today we got to know it even better through interesting entrepreneurial stories of individuals who have some potential. PONI is a good springboard for those who have an entrepreneurial idea and a desire to realize it. Of course, the strong will, perseverance and hard work of individuals are also very important, so that at the end of the program they truly continue their entrepreneurial journey in their own company. This is where this contribution to raising the level of entrepreneurship in the region comes in, and this goal seems to me to be key. I am glad that the final event this time was hosted in the Municipality of Vuzenica. I wish all participants to write a successful entrepreneurial story in the future!"

Project manager Boris Skudnik, who, together with his colleagues and mentors, is laying the foundations for the development of new entrepreneurial ideas and strengthening the entrepreneurial culture in the region, today presented the project itself and its achievements to the general public, emphasizing: "I am convinced that Koroška, despite its relative small size, can contribute greatly to the development of entrepreneurship in Slovenia. With the PONI RRA Koroška project, we want to contribute to this development by including a diverse range of entrepreneurial ideas in the project, which, once they become business and work, are an important link in the functioning of every narrow and wider community."

This was followed by a round table that shed light on those moments that shape the entrepreneurial journey – from ups and downs, fear and courage to learning and growth. It was moderated by the external mentor of the PONI program – Primož Gams, co-founder of Dogs4motion, a center for veterinary rehabilitation and sports medicine for dogs, a dedicated entrepreneur who, with his creative thinking and continuous education, is breaking new ground in the industry both locally and globally. The discussion was attended by promising current participants of the 3rd group of PONI RRA Koroška: Mojca Urlep – fashion stylist and founder of the business idea Lemur; Maryna Poberžnik – founder of PartnerPRO, which connects companies from Slovenia and Ukraine and helps them overcome challenges on the path to international success; Miha Britovšek – manufacturer of unique wooden products and founder of the business idea Skledarna; Sabina Smrečnik – spiritual healer and adoula and Valentina Rejavc – masseuse, energy therapist and founder of the company VRnitev k sbe.

Statement by the director of RRA Koroška Uroš Rozman: "PONI is not just a project, but a springboard for all who want to turn their dreams into reality. At RRA Koroška, we are aware of the importance of support in the initial stages of entrepreneurship, as we believe that the future of entrepreneurship in Koroška is also hidden in these stories."

The event concluded with the awarding of diplomas for the successful completion of the training of the 3rd group of participants of the PONI RRA Koroška, which was also an opportunity for networking, socializing and exchanging good practices. They were awarded by Uroš Rozman, Director of the RRA Koroška, and Franjo Golob, Mayor of the Municipality of Vuzenica.

They concluded the pleasant event with the message that time flies, but how we use it is always in our hands. Entrepreneurship is exactly that – the courage to dedicate our time to creating something that surpasses us, something that will leave a mark. Motivated and full of entrepreneurial drive, we look ahead and hope for new innovative entrepreneurial stories and potentials of our region in the future.

The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.

Foto: RRA Koroška 123