At the awards ceremony held at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb, the best small and medium-sized entrepreneurs from five regions of Croatia were awarded: Inchoo d.o.o. (eastern Croatia), Sučević Company d.o.o. (eastern Croatia), Kairos d.o.o. (eastern Croatia), To Islands Travel d.o.o. (southern Croatia), Calvados Club travel agency d.o.o. (southern Croatia), Nautika d.o.o. (southern Croatia), Laura d.o.o. (northern and central Croatia), Predionica Klanjec (northern and central Croatia), Atinel d.o.o. (northern and central Croatia), Mon Perin d.o.o. (Istria, Primorje and Gorska Croatia), AdriaMia d.o.o. (Istria, Primorje and Gorska Croatia), Ruting d.o.o. (Istria, Primorje and Gorska Croatia), Trans Auto d.o.o. (City of Zagreb), MarkChem d.o.o. (City of Zagreb), BanTours d.o.o. (City of Zagreb).
Business Ascent: The Best Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurs from 5 Croatian Regions Awarded
The editor-in-chief of Poslovni dnevnik, Mislav Šimatović, stated at the opening of the awards ceremony that the main goal of Poslovni uzlet (Business Ascent) was to promote the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, which accounts for over 98% of all business entities. He noted that SMEs contribute to over 50% of GDP creation and employ more than 60% of all workers.
Šimatović added that Poslovni dnevnik, by publishing numerous successful entrepreneurial stories, has shown that knowledge and innovation can lead the way even in poor macroeconomic conditions. He emphasized that Poslovni uzlet represents the culmination of Poslovni dnevnik’s efforts to fulfill its mission: supporting a positive entrepreneurial climate and striving to permanently change the perception of entrepreneurship in Croatia. The awards given to the best small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, he said, are a recognition for those who had the courage to take on both business and life responsibilities, thus contributing to economic development and social stability.
“It is an honor to be here today to recognize the efforts of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs,” said Gordan Maras, Minister of Entrepreneurship and Crafts, under whose ministry the project was held. He added: “There are many success stories in Croatia, and we want them to be heard and to serve as encouragement to others to work and create. Our task is to promote entrepreneurship, and over the past few years, we’ve been doing just that through various measures.”
Maras reminded attendees of changes to the VAT Act and the record number of incentive programs available. “In the past three years, we have allocated more funds to support SMEs than the previous two governments combined,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Crafts had tripled funding for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the past three years, totaling HRK 1.2 billion. He also pointed out that exports from small businesses have increased by 20% over the last five years and noted that the first signs of Croatia’s economic recovery, such as growth in industrial production, are coming from SMEs. “I’m sure we’ll continue hearing about the success of small and medium-sized businesses,” he concluded, wishing entrepreneurs even more success in the coming year.
President of Croatia Ivo Josipović, under whose high patronage the Poslovni uzlet project was held, said that the awards from Poslovni dnevnik to SMEs that have successfully operated over the past five years are a sign of gratitude for their work, especially since it was achieved during a period of general recession. He remarked that the award-winning companies work in different industries, have various business approaches, and come from different regions, but what they all share is business excellence and entrepreneurial skill.
“You have contributed to the development of our economy, which lacks positive examples like yours. You are examples of perseverance, energy, diligence, and honest work,” said Josipović. He stressed the importance of such entrepreneurs, especially in times when mostly negative examples are highlighted. He thanked Poslovni dnevnik for initiating this commendable project and Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) for broadcasting the award ceremony live.
“There are entrepreneurs who are willing, able, and know how to overcome obstacles. I am convinced that the Republic of Croatia and its citizens, despite the difficult economic situation, will overcome all challenges and ensure a better future, especially for those in the most difficult circumstances,” he said. He added that the key lies within us — in our education and in building a high-quality economy, which is achieved by enhancing economic competitiveness and implementing institutional reforms. “Let’s take a step toward those changes,” he urged. He expressed hope that if Croatia follows the example of the award-winning entrepreneurs, it too will take flight.
The awards to SMEs were presented by Jens Gerhard Hartmann, representative of the general partner of Poslovni uzlet and Member of the Management Board and Chief Operating Officer for Business Customers at Hrvatski Telekom; Darko Drozdek, representative of the gold partner of Poslovni uzlet and Member of the Management Board at Privredna banka Zagreb (PBZ); and Andrea Borošić, Director of Poslovni dnevnik.