Official applications have begun for the most prestigious global project aimed at rewarding entrepreneurs, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, which is entering its fourth Croatian edition. The opening of applications was announced at a press conference where Berislav Horvat, Marko, and Michael Georg Müller explained the application process and shared firsthand experiences of participating in this prestigious project.
Applications are open until November 10, and entrepreneurs can apply themselves through the website, or they can be nominated by anyone else.
What this project represents and seeks is not a company, but a complete entrepreneur, a much broader story than the regional and international reach of a company that can serve as an example to others, especially young people, that success is possible in Croatia, as stated at the conference.
– Our project over the last three years has proven that there are many successful entrepreneurs in Croatia, regardless of the conditions; success is achievable if you have the right idea, are willing to take risks, and know how to organize it, said Berislav Horvat, Country Managing Partner at EY Croatia.
>>>Marko Kalčić: Nails Conquer the Balkans, Pegs for Camping Europe
Every year, the jury is mostly composed of entrepreneurs, making this competition an award from entrepreneurs to entrepreneurs. This year, the jury includes Emil Tedeschi, Nenad Bakić, Saša Cvetojević, Đuro Horvat, Vedrana Jelušić Kašić, Alan Sumina, Lajoš Žager, and last year’s winner Marko Pipunić, founder and owner of Žito d.o.o.
So far, 90 entrepreneurs have participated in the program, collectively generating 12.8 billion kuna in revenue and employing around 15,000 people. Therefore, Horvat believes these individuals are important for the economy and should be supported and encouraged as they create additional value for the economy.
>>>Vladimir Ivanović: We Invested Every Earned Kuna into New Production Halls and Technology
– If someone is successful, persistent, and creative, they should serve as an example to others to show what can be achieved in Croatia. We often hear negative news about Croatia, discussing insecurity and administration, while we very rarely hear positive stories about entrepreneurship and what can be achieved in Croatia, said Michael Georg Müller, CEO of Raiffeisenbank Austria, describing the importance of this project.
Pipunić did not apply for this project himself; others did it for him, and he urges all entrepreneurs not to be reserved when applying for this project and presenting themselves. Regarding last year’s experience, he says it opened his horizons and provided new ideas and motivation for new success.
>>>With the TutoTod Application, Antonija Horak Connects Children and Parents in Joint Creative Activities
– Young people must have a sense of satisfaction from creation, and money comes as a byproduct; it is an indispensable aspect of success. I believe there are many very good entrepreneurs in Croatia who, due to their modesty, are sometimes unaware of their worth, Pipunić stated.
Applications are open until November 10, and entrepreneurs can apply themselves through the website, or they can be nominated by anyone else. After the application period ends, interviews will begin with candidates who accept the nomination, after which an independent jury will review the collected information during January and February and select the EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
