# Balkan entrepreneurship and professional support initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-entrepreneurship-and-professional-support-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-11T09:35:43.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Regional initiatives are being introduced to support professional development and business growth in Croatia and Serbia.

In Croatia, the Udruga Poduzetna association in Zadar has completed its first year, offering workshops and networking for female entrepreneurs and collaborating with the University of Zadar. Simultaneously, the “Naša zbornica” program has launched to connect primary and secondary school teachers nationwide, facilitating discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence in education and student mental health.

In Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS), in partnership with the Serbian Entrepreneurship Foundation, is promoting the Business Beginners Program. Marko Čadež, President of the PKS, has urged entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to apply before the end of the year. 

The program offers financial and non-financial support, including business planning, mentorship, networking, and access to favorable financing. It is designed for individuals starting businesses and micro or small enterprises that have operated for up to 36 months, with an extension to 48 months for women-owned businesses. During recent company visits, Čadež emphasized the program’s goal to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable businesses and expand into foreign markets.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Chamber of Commerce of Serbia urges entrepreneurs to apply for support program

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is inviting entrepreneurs to apply for its Business Beginners Program by year-end to receive mentorship, business planning help, and financial support.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chamber-of-commerce-of-serbia-invites-entrepreneurs-to-join-startup-program

### 2026-10-05: Croatia launches new professional support initiatives for entrepreneurs and teachers

New Croatian initiatives are launching to support professional growth, including the Udruga Poduzetna for female entrepreneurs and the “Naša zbornica” program for nationwide teacher networking.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-launches-new-professional-support-initiatives-for-entrepreneurs-and-teachers

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Cite as: Balkan entrepreneurship and professional support initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-entrepreneurship-and-professional-support-initiatives