Special events and activities

The most important business fair in Slovenia is the International Trade and Business Fair (MOS – mednarodni sejem obrti in podjetnosti) in Celje. At this fair, the coordinators open a tender for youth entrepreneurs, titled MOS’s Enterprising Talents (MOSovi podjetni talenti),  allowing young entrepreneurs to obtain their first business contacts and begin successful businesses abroad.

In addition, the Fair Informativa (Sejem Informativa) is held each year aiming  to inform youth about educational possibilities and offer information about jobs and related topics. Exhibitors include educational institutions, employers, non-governmental organisations, organisations operating in the youth sector, coordinators of governmental programs and banks.

There are also individual events coordinated by NGOs, such as the Young Entrepreneur Institute  (Zavod Mladi podjetnik).

As part of the Strategy of Social Entrepreneurship 2013–2016 (Strategija socialnega podjetništva 2013-2016), that aims toincrease individuals’ basic knowledge of social entrepreneurship, at least 30 informational workshops a year at the entrance points ‘All in one place’ (Vstopne točke VEM) were organised.

In particular with reference to social entrepreneurship, the government introduced public tenders that are co-funded by the European Fund for Regional Development through its  financial support programme for social incubators

The Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport supports SPIRIT, that implements measures to promote creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation.

SPIRIT Slovenia’s Mladi Program focuses on developing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills among students by providing a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial growth. Through this initiative, SPIRIT Slovenia:

• Trains teachers and professors to integrate entrepreneurship into education,
• Supports schools in implementing entrepreneurial activities,
• Encourages young entrepreneurs by offering mentorship and funding for business idea development,
• Co-organizes the POPRI competition, which showcases and rewards innovative youth business ideas.

Acceleration Business City, BTC CITY and Ypsilon Institute established ‘Acceleration Business City', a group of young companies and start-ups that are eager to spread and create a healthy ecosystem in Slovenia. The group offers young company what they need for a successful start. In 2020, ABC Accelerator, in collaboration with international partners, has developed a programme Energy+ to stimulate and accelerate the development of young people's ideas in the fields of energy efficiency, environment and green energy and beyond. Ten ideas put forward by young people were offered a free opportunity to develop them to the point of creating a sustainable and profitable business.

Networks and partnerships

Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (Zbornica mladih podjetnikov) is specifically dedicated to young business owners, providing education, networking, and advocacy to help them succeed in entrepreneurship.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije – GZS) is the largest independent business network in Slovenia, supporting companies through advocacy, education, and internationalization programs. It provides legal and financial consulting, organizes business events and trade delegations, and fosters innovation and competitiveness to strengthen the Slovenian economy. GZS actively supports young entrepreneurs and students by offering mentorship, startup initiatives, and competitions to help them develop business skills and enter the entrepreneurial world.

Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia (Obrtno-podjetniška zbornica Slovenije – OZS) represents craftsmen, micro, and small businesses, offering advocacy, education, and financial advice. The chamber runs initiatives to help young entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

SPIRIT Slovenia is a national business development agency that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and internationalization. Through its Mladi Program, it trains teachers, funds school projects, and supports young entrepreneurs with mentorship and startup incentives.

CEED Slovenia is a network that supports entrepreneurs through training, consulting, mentoring, and ecosystem development. With a focus on youth and women entrepreneurs, CEED Slovenia has, over nearly a decade, guided more than 350 young entrepreneurs through its programs.

Start:up Slovenia is a ational platform for early-stage startups, offering competitions, accelerator programs, and mentorship. It actively engages young entrepreneurs by helping them validate their ideas and enter the market.

Slovenian Business Club (Klub slovenskih podjetnikov – SBC), a network of successful entrepreneurs dedicated to improving the business environment in Slovenia. It provides mentorship and investment opportunities for young and aspiring entrepreneurs.