PONI RRA Koroška presented the entrepreneurial stories of the 5th group in Mežica and opened the topic of determination in entrepreneurship

The program creates entrepreneurs and results

The PONI program, which operates under the auspices of the Regional Development Agency for Koroška and is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund, has become an important generator of entrepreneurial breakthroughs in the region. During their four-month employment at RRA Koroška, participants receive mentoring, training and focused work on their business idea - with the goal of turning the idea into a company.

Results of the PONI RRA Koroška project to date:

• 135 participants who entered the entrepreneurial path,
• 63 companies established (47% of all included),
• 54 companies still active, representing an exceptional 87% survival rate of young companies.

This places PONI RRA Koroška among the most effective entrepreneurship programs in Slovenia, as the numbers exceed national averages.

Roundtable: Determination – the biggest difference between an idea and success

The central topic of the event was the round table "Determination and decision-making and their impact on business and everyday life", led by external mentor Primož Gams from Dogs4motion doo.

The following people participated: Boštjan Šumnik, Blaž Mandl, Ivana Mager, Tamara Škafar and Mitja Glešič,
who presented how important decision-making is in real situations - from the first steps in entrepreneurship to making strategic decisions during growth.

Key thought of the discussion: "A decision not made is often a wrong decision. An entrepreneur must be able to choose - even if the choice entails risk."

Five months – eleven new business worlds

The presentation of the 5th group PONI showed extraordinary diversity:

• sustainable tourism and organic farming (Mitja Gleščič – Oskrd Organic Farm),
• smart building automation systems (Blaž Mandl – KonectIQ),
• energy and therapeutic work (Tjaša Trunk – Harmony of Energy),
• event decoration (Tamara Škafar – Aneli Decor),
• mobile flower shop (Ivana Mager – Šopkarna),
• digital products, online brands and global e-commerce (Mai Miklavc – online brands),
• ironing services for households and businesses (Nika Pogač – Nika Lika),
• Qigong, facial yoga, breathing techniques (Edina Ljami – Tao of vitality),
• therapies, energy practices, sound baths, Akashic sessions (Barbara Černjak Gajšek – ANIMA VERITAS),
• applications for detecting AI-generated images and video (Matej Gams – digital product development)
• services that restore people's well-being - massage therapies (Boštjan Šumnik - Botyang center).

These are projects that are not created in large companies - they are created in the minds and hearts of individuals who have made the decision to start.

Conclusion in an entrepreneurial spirit

The event was rounded off by the awarding of certificates and relaxed networking, where new connections were made - potential partnerships, collaborations, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The closing event in Mežica was also a nice reminder that every entrepreneurial journey has a common denominator – someone at some point decided not to stay with “maybe”, but to take a concrete step. Indecision keeps us where we are, while a decision – even if not perfect – moves us forward. PONI RRA Koroška provides participants with knowledge, mentorship and support, but that crucial moment when someone says “I’m going” is always a personal decision.

At RRA Koroška we would like to thank all participants, guests, roundtable participants and partners who co-create entrepreneurial energy in the region. At the end of the 5th group of PONI, an important question remains for all readers: what decision can I make today that will bring me at least one step closer to what I really want? May the next steps on your path be courageous – and above all, decisive.

Projekt sofinancirata Republika Slovenija in Evropska unija iz Evropskega sklada za regionalni razvoj.