PONI RRA Koroška proves that Koroška is not just a place of ideas – it is a place of entrepreneurial breakthroughs

The event "From IDEA to SUCCESS" presented new entrepreneurial stories from the 7th group of program participants , with a focus on one of the most important entrepreneurial competencies - determination. The participants' conversations and stories showed that entrepreneurial paths often begin with the question "Can I do it?" and continue with the decision "I'm going to try."

At the beginning, all attendees were welcomed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenj Gradec Tilen Klugler and the Director of the Regional Development Agency for Koroško Uroš Rozman .

The PONI programme, which operates under the auspices of the Regional Development Agency for Koroško and is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) , has become an important generator of new entrepreneurial stories, ideas and breakthroughs in the region. Its importance was particularly evident this year, when the PONI RRA Koroška project was awarded the title of BEST EU PROJECT 2026 .

This year, 16 finalists from various fields and parts of Slovenia competed for the coveted title, and the public decided on the winner. More about this year's competition was presented at the event by Klavdija Operčkal , National Coordinator for Communication of EU Funds from the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development, who also officially presented the PONI RRA Koroška project with a plaque for the title won, adding: " Koroška has proven that it knows how to recognize and support good development stories. The PONI RRA Koroška project won the title of Best EU Project 2026, thus once again drawing attention to the importance of entrepreneurial support in the region and can truly be a good example for other regions."

The central part of the event was a round table entitled "From not knowing if I can do it to going to try it - What happens when you give an idea a chance?" , in which current program participants Taja Korošec, Damir Dugonjić and Aljaž Ovčar participated. Through personal stories, they presented their entrepreneurial beginnings, challenges and moments when they had to take the first step.

The event was also particularly solemn due to the presentation of a new collaboration between Turna doo – Rog Bikes and the PONI RRA Koroška project. Upon receiving the title of BEST EU PROJECT 2026, the company decided to donate the legendary, personalized Pony bicycle to the project, which will now accompany the PONI story as a symbol of perseverance, new beginnings and courage for further steps.

Because the entrepreneurial path is not always straight. Sometimes we find ourselves on a slope, at a crossroads or facing an unknown turn. At that time, it is important not to stop, but to find a way to continue the journey - even if it means slowing down a bit, reversing direction or restarting.

Presentation of the 7th group PONI, which showed exceptional interconnectedness and many fruitful ideas:

Taja Korošec – CREO ZATE: Creativity that connects people and creates unforgettable moments ; Damir Dugonjić – DD Swim: When top sports knowledge becomes an opportunity for movement, health and self-confidence ; Aljaž Ovčar – DROŽINA: Boutique bakery where tradition meets creativity ; Andreja Glinik – BIBOMI: Sewing personalized children's gifts and unique women's handbags ; Vesna Helbl – PLAYFUL CREATION: didactic materials for learning through play ; Natalija Hrašan – ASTRA NUMERIA: Counseling for personal growth, healthy relationships and conscious parenting with the help of the Numerological Matrix ; Nika Kališnik – IGRALNIK: Play – development – ​​growth ; Štefani Kernc – KERNCa: design, making handicrafts from clay and wood ; Petra Klančnik - MAJESTIC: holistic services for well-being ; Damjan Naglič – PIČIPEČE: Gluten-free boutique bakery ; Aljaž Ovčar – DROŽINA: Boutique bakery with yeast.

The event was rounded off by the presentation of certificates to participants and relaxed networking, where new connections, potential partnerships, and future business opportunities were forged.

PONI RRA Koroška is proof that with a good environment, mentoring and networking, even the most initial ideas can grow into concrete entrepreneurial stories. Such stories strengthen the entrepreneurial pulse Koroške and prove that the region has the knowledge, energy and people who dare to create the future. Our task is to create conditions where ideas do not stop at thinking, but are given the opportunity to come to life. Under the auspices of the Regional Development Agency for Koroško, we are soon opening the door to new entrepreneurial ideas and stories.

Every great entrepreneurial story begins with a small step. It's not important to know the whole path at the beginning - what's important is to take the first step and give yourself the opportunity to create it.