Overall Growing Together Young Entrepreneurs project presentation.

2. About the project
An initiative of the European Commission to inform young
entrepreneurs and the wider public in the enlargement countries
in SEE and neighbouring countries about the potential regional
impact of Croatia's accession.
Chance to address possible speculations and misunderstandings
on the implications of Croatia's accession to the EU on 1st
July
2013.

3. Why this initiative?
There is still a need for public debate about the benefits and
challenges of EU membership and Croatia's economic relations
with its neighbours, to communicate and share with the public
the outcomes.
It is important that the public & private sectors:
• Promote and strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation
• Improve the business environment
• Encourage investments and technological development, especially
for SMEs

4. The project in practice
a) An international two-day workshop
• Some 30 entrepreneurs from Croatia, the SEE and the EU
• More than half of the participants are younger than 30 years
• Expert speakers:
The Delegation of the EU to Croatia
The European Commission
Croatia
SEE countries
The EU Member States

5. The project in practice
b) New regional network of young entrepreneurs
After the workshop, the participants should be well-equipped
to act as "ambassadors of youth entrepreneurship"
• Network promotion and knowledge transfer: presentations,
meetings, use of professional & social networks
• Exploring possibilities of cooperation with relevant stakeholders,
chambers of commerce, Enterprise Europe Network etc.
• Ideal future situation: know-how and networking hub for all
entrepreneurs

6. Workshop – day 1
• Interactive group work and discussions
• Presentations of expert speakers
• Networking
Workshop – day 2
• Open space/marketplace presentations
• Business models presentation
• Best practice examples
• Moderated round table

7. Meet the Ambassadors

8. Conclusions
Croatia’s integration is a process.
Regional and cross-border cooperation is an important factor of
growth for the countries in the region and Croatia alike.
EU accession creates opportunities that can be best used by
entrepreneurs who have been preparing for the future by
getting info on new standards and investing in innovation &
research.
SMEs can succeed in the EU market by offering products that
are:
• Competitive
• Find market niches

9. Thank you for your attention

10. Thank you for your attention