Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The regional Addiko SME Academy, an educational programme now connecting entrepreneurs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro, was officially opened at Jahorina with the aim of building business connections and fostering regional cooperation.

With the formal opening of the third Addiko SME Academy, which from this year has taken on a regional character, Addiko Bank Sarajevo, Addiko Bank Banja Luka, Addiko Bank Belgrade, and Addiko Bank Podgorica reaffirmed their commitment to developing entrepreneurship in the region, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Union (EU), and Alphabet Group.

“The Academy focuses on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular emphasis on building business connections, regional cooperation, and developing the next generation of leadership,” the bank stated in a press release.

Over previous cycles, more than 200 participants have gone through a series of carefully designed thematic modules covering key aspects of modern business.

“This year’s programme has been further expanded, introducing current topics that address the challenges of today’s dynamic market. Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in areas such as strategies for sustainable growth, innovation as a driver of competitiveness, building scalable teams, leadership that inspires and drives change, application of artificial intelligence in business, and digital transformation as a tool for efficiency and agility,” the statement adds.

Chairman of the Management Board of Addiko Bank Sarajevo Jasmin Spahic said at the formal opening that Addiko Bank remains committed to supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Director of the EBRD office in Bosnia and Herzegovina Stela Melnic said that the launch of the first regional Addiko SME Academy, in cooperation with Addiko Group and the European Union, marks an important step in supporting SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.

“We believe that knowledge, skills, and networking are key to sustainable growth and resilience of our economies. This Academy offers a unique opportunity for leadership development, digital transformation, and generational transition, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs and young leaders,” Melnic said.