Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was concluded at the Addiko SMEvolution Conference that, in addition to financial support, women in business today need self-confidence, a willingness to take risks, mentoring and professional support, as well as efficient institutions in order to achieve growth.

 

During a panel discussion titled “What Do Women in Business Really Need Today to Grow?”, speakers said that women entrepreneurs need strong business networks, greater awareness of protecting their business interests in partnerships, and changes in social norms that discourage women from taking on leadership roles from an early age.

 

According to PR Center, owner and founder of Nexus PR Milena Kalezic said that after 15 years in the public relations industry, she identified certain gaps in the market, which led her to develop a software solution connecting event organizers and media outlets.

 

“Women who have an idea, or sufficient knowledge and contacts to start a business, should believe in themselves. A business does not have to be innovative at all costs, but it must solve a problem and have market value,” Kalezic said.

 

Tanja Cepic, a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Women Leaders of Montenegro and a notary public, said that many women invest enormous energy, knowledge, and skills into building businesses but pay insufficient attention to legal protection.

 

 

Speaking about business partnerships, she noted that most decisions at the beginning of cooperation are based on trust and informal agreements rather than formally regulated rights and obligations.

 

According to her, problems emerge when partners separate and the business has become valuable and profitable.

 

Anita Radulovic, owner and founder of RACC Bar, said that women starting businesses usually have clear visions and strong ideas but face numerous administrative challenges from the outset.

 

She explained that the first steps often involve a large number of procedures and bureaucratic requirements.

 

Executive Director of Top Women Business Montenegro Ljiljana Burzan Nikolic said that while women’s entrepreneurship in Montenegro is showing positive trends, further progress requires changing social norms that influence women’s position in business.

 

According to her, more than one-quarter of all companies in Montenegro now qualify as women-owned businesses under internationally recognized criteria. This is significant progress compared with a decade ago, when the number was approximately three times smaller.