PONI EXPO 2026: Koroške entrepreneurial stories shine in the center of Ljubljana
More than 220 entrepreneurs from all over Slovenia, including 18 entrepreneurial stories from Koroške, presented themselves at the largest entrepreneurship festival PONI EXPO 2026. The event was an opportunity to present the results of the PONI program, which has been helping people turn their ideas into concrete business opportunities, new companies and new jobs for many years.
On Friday, the center of Ljubljana came alive with entrepreneurship. At the PONI EXPO 2026 – Entrepreneurship Festival event, participants of the PONI program from all Slovenian regions presented themselves and showed visitors how diverse and innovative entrepreneurial paths can be that start with a single idea.
Among them was Koroška , which presented itself with 18 entrepreneurs at the PONI Story Market and with a regional presentation on the main stage. Visitors could learn about the entrepreneurial stories, products and services created within the PONI RRA Koroška program – from creative activities, tourism and design to health, well-being, services and traditional knowledge.
The Koroške presentation demonstrated the essence of the PONI program – that a good idea needs an environment where an individual can develop, verify and gradually turn it into a business model. PONI provides participants with entrepreneurial skills, mentoring, networking and support in the first steps on their independent entrepreneurial path.
The presentation on stage was also wonderfully complemented by our newly created PONI anthem , which rang out on the central stage of PONI EXPO and brought a very special energy to the center of Ljubljana.
Sincere thanks to Damjan Naglič and Primož Resnik for the musical accompaniment. The sound of the Carinthian accordion, provided by our versatile external mentor Primož Gams , also echoed far and wide.
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Koroška Energy, creativity and music took over the capital for a few moments!
We were also joined by the legendary Ponyji bikes from Turna – Rog Bikes , which have a nice matching name. Turna recognized our story and the BEST EU PROJECT 2026. This is how a partnership was born. The bike will now be our loyal companion in promoting PONI-ja because good ideas need momentum!
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As many as 18 entrepreneurs from the Koroške region presented themselves at the PONI EXPO:
Ožbi Strmčnik (ITMM, multimedia services), Neža Ternik (photographic services), Živa Grešovnik (Vivavet veterinary acupuncture and services), Tadeja Brajnik (BITE), Nejc Naveršnik (Povh Tourist Farm), Maša Pasterk (Kresnica), Tjaša Mravljak (PaintxDesign), Mojca Urlep (LEMUR), Katja Hamler (D+ and Urban Kiwi), Nejc Gilčvert (KorX), Vlasta Matavž (VM design), Jaka Cesar (Master Jaka), Edina Ljami (Tao vitality), Renata Stermšnik (Tempelj Ma'at), Barbara Jevšnikar (Motionology), Maja Antolič (FitVibe, myBamBuddy), Tilen Šumah (NORIŠKI OGENJ) and Oleksandra Riazanova (Sloventura with Sašo).
Their stories prove that entrepreneurship does not have just one form. Various services, products and solutions are created that stem from the knowledge, experience and personal talents of individuals.
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Official presentation of the Best EU Project 2026 award
The highlight of the final part of the event was the official awarding of the Best EU Project 2026 award, which the PONI RRA Koroška project received as part of the EU Project, My Project 2026 competition.
The award was presented by Klavdija Operčkal, Head of the European Funds Communication Sector . The PONI RRA Koroška project received the most support in the public vote – 549 votes out of 2,851 voters . On behalf of the PONI RRA Koroška team, the director of the agency, Uroš Rozman, accepted the award, saying: "I am very happy and proud that Koroška is celebrating for the second year in a row. Last year, the title of BEST EU PROJECT 2025 was won by the Štrekna cycling path, and this year by PONI RRA Koroška. This is a great recognition for the entire team and confirmation that the general public recognizes the good stories that are created on Koroškem. Such awards give us additional motivation for further work and are also a nice tribute to all those who co-create these stories with their knowledge, energy and dedication."
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The recognition is an important acknowledgement of the work of everyone who co-creates the project – participants, entrepreneurs, mentors, collaborators and partners. Above all, it is proof that the entrepreneurial stories created at Koroškem have power and support from a wider audience.
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