At STP Montenegro, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Center for youth education, a KICK-OFF EVENT was held, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the development of social entrepreneurship in the region.

The NGO Center for Youth Education (COE), dedicated to strengthening youth activism, volunteering, and non-formal education, is organizing the Social Impact Award (SIA) this year in partnership with STP Montenegro. SIA is a global program that empowers young social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions with a positive impact on the community.        

The opening speech and welcome to the audience were delivered by Jelena Kavarić, national coordinator of the Social Impact Award for Montenegro, and mr. Jugoslav Radović, executive director of the NGO Center for youth education.

As part of the “Inspirational Talks” segment, dedicated to the theme “Support for innovation and social entrepreneurship,” participants included Dragana Crvenica, director of communications at Erste Bank, mr. Radivoje Drobnjak, program manager at STP, Ivan Šoć, Founder of Five Group, ms. Biljana Vučetić, acting director general of the Directorate for social entrepreneurship, volunteering, and civil sector cooperation, and ms. Marica Melović, Director general of the Directorate for scientific research activities.

In the panel discussion “How to Build a Sustainable Ecosystem for Social Innovations?“, moderated by Jelena Kavarić, National Coordinator of SIA for Montenegro, the following participants took part: mr. Radivoje Drobnjak, Program Manager at STP,  Bojana Femić-Radosavović,phd, director of the Innovation fund of Montenegro, prof. Dragana Radević,phd,  assistant to the permanent representative of UNDP, and Đorđije Malović, director of IPC Tehnopolis.        

SIA provides key resources for the development and implementation of entrepreneurial ideas through mentorship, education, financial support, and networking with experts and entrepreneurs. Through this program, young people have the opportunity to develop their leadership and business skills, overcome challenges, and become part of a strong community of innovators ready to shape the future.

Through projects like SIA, the Center for youth education and STP Montenegro are working together to strengthen the capacities of young people, encourage their participation, and provide mechanisms for activism. This collaboration offers young people access to an innovative environment, mentors, and resources crucial for the development of their ideas. Their core values – teamwork, innovation, and openness to new knowledge – ensure support and inspiration for young people to turn their ideas into reality.