Promoting Entrepreneurship and Local Solidarity
Successful Local Solidarity Workshop Held at BIZkoshnica

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, our BIZkoshnica Jabukovac space welcomed migrants from as many as 17 countries who are interested in starting or developing their own businesses in Croatia. Alongside them were numerous representatives of associations and organizations that provide daily support to migrants.

The occasion was the Local Solidarity Workshop – How to Start and Develop a Business in Croatia, an event organized within the PRO-MOTE project, funded by the CERV Programme of the European Union.

After a series of online meetings held as part of the project, this was the first major in-person gathering, and the strong turnout and great energy confirmed just how important such events are for fostering entrepreneurial spirit and mutual connection.

BIZkoshnica – A Coworking Space with Soul and a Creative Hub

For ten years now, BIZkoshnica has been much more than just a coworking space – it’s a community where entrepreneurs, freelancers, digital nomads, and creatives meet and grow together.

Our two Zagreb locations – Ilica 71 and Jabukovac 37 – offer a wide range of possibilities: from coworking packages and private offices, to rooms for workshops and lectures, a podcast studio, and a virtual office service for business registration at prestigious addresses.

Within our space, there’s also BIZmakers, a creative corner and makerspace equipped with 3D printers, scanners, a laser engraver, a textile printer, and many other innovative tools and devices. Here, community members can bring their ideas and prototypes to life, combining creativity, technology, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Inspiring Speakers

To make each event meaningful and impactful, BIZkoshnica strives to bring together speakers whose knowledge and experience inspire action.

The workshop was opened by Mirela Marović Omerzu, founder of BIZkoshnica, who presented the PRO-MOTE project and welcomed all participants.

Jelena Hadži-Manev, director of the Tragači Theatre Group, then led participants into a relaxed and interactive atmosphere through short drama exercises that helped everyone get to know each other and overcome stage fright. Alongside her theatre work, Jelena also leads “Let’s Talk About Us”, a social integration program through cultural activities.

The expert lectures that followed included:

  • Stefano Segano, who spoke about the legal aspects and challenges of starting a business in Croatia as a foreign national.
  • Marina Grgić Eldić from Plavi ured, who presented their support programs, educational opportunities, and advisory services for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  • Davor Fijember, owner of D.Fine, who explained funding opportunities and banking support available to small businesses.
  • Suzana Bedeković from Recount usluge, who clarified the differences between sole proprietorships and limited liability companies, offering practical bookkeeping and tax guidance.
  • Mirela Marović Omerzu took the floor again to present Virtualbee, a service supporting entrepreneurs through coworking packages, mentoring programs, the BIZmakers space, and business advisory services.
  • Finally, Irena Weber, director of SENTOR, introduced a mentorship program where experienced entrepreneurs help newcomers take their first steps.

Inspiring Stories and a Shared Lunch

The official program concluded with inspiring stories from migrant entrepreneurs.

Samane Fayyaz from Iran shared her journey from being a refugee to opening her own beauty salon in Zagreb, while Brian Senaratne from Sri Lanka talked about founding Curry Bowl, now ranked first on TripAdvisor among Zagreb restaurants.

After the talks, participants enjoyed a lunch featuring Curry Bowl specialties, explored BIZkoshnica’s spaces, and took part in speed networking, where they exchanged contacts and received personalized advice from experts.

Entrepreneurship Knows No Borders

This event proved that entrepreneurship knows no borders or nationalities. Ideas can be born anywhere – and with knowledge, support, and connection, they can thrive in Croatia too.

Through the PRO-MOTE project and the Local Solidarity Workshop, participants gained exactly that: knowledge, inspiration, and connections to help turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, speakers, and partners for helping us build a community of support, creativity, and solidarity!

Below are a few moments captured from the workshop at BIZkoshnica.