Diana Mudrinić, as a panelist at the Lider Invest Forum, presented the entrepreneurial spirit of Trokut!

The business weekly Lider launched a special project, LIDER INVEST, back in 2016—an award for the best small, medium, and large manufacturing investments in Croatia, to promote investments that create new jobs, increase exports, and generate added value.

This year's presentation of the project – LIDER INVEST ŠIBENIK was held at Trokut on March 26, starting at 11 AM. The presentation of the program and the welcome speech were given by the editor-in-chief of Lider, Miodrag Šajatović, while attendees were also greeted by the Mayor of Šibenik, Željko Burić, and County Prefect Marko Jelić.

The mayor highlighted Trokut as an example of innovative business infrastructure that encourages the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and the creation of jobs. He called Trokut the engine of local development, in the context of strong economic growth and the development of Šibenik.

The mayor concluded that both the city and the county are leaders in the industrial boom on the Adriatic coast, emphasizing the importance of the PODI industrial zone, which hosts 61 companies with over 1,500 employees, and noting that more and more large companies are recognizing Šibenik as a business center, further ensuring the city's growth and prosperity.

County Prefect Marko Jelić then addressed the audience, continuing to highlight the positive entrepreneurial and manufacturing trends in the county.

Domagoj Juričić, a political risk management consultant with extensive experience in diplomacy, delivered a lecture on the topic:

“The Return of Political Risk Management to the Core of Business Strategy – How Croatian Entrepreneurs Can Manage Political Risks and Ensure Business Stability.”

Ružica Jelić, a senior analyst in the Business Support and Development Sector at HAMAG-BICRO, spoke about investment opportunities and prospects.

A panel discussion followed on the topic:

“Creating a Favorable Investment Environment in Šibenik-Knin County – Challenges and Opportunities.”

The panel featured professionals from the field sharing their experiences:

Joško Konjevoda, owner and director of Bio Ulja

Zoran Belak, director of the Alutech Development Center

Jelena Peša, head of the Northern Dalmatia regional office at HBOR

Diana Mudrinić, director of Trokut Šibenik – New Technologies Incubator

The panelists emphasized the positive business climate in the city and county over the past few years. They highlighted the importance of good business organization, teamwork, and recognizing key moments for business growth and development.

Diana Mudrinić highlighted positive examples of young people who chose to stay and work in Šibenik, as well as residents of Trokut who have used their knowledge and innovative ideas to break into the global market. She also emphasized the importance of the Trokut center, which provides young entrepreneurs with strong support at the beginning of their business journey—not just as a workplace, but also by offering business consulting and access to IT equipment. The entrepreneurship and technology incubator operates across three locations: Trokut, PIN, and INAVIS, which cover different aspects of business development and are key for idea exchange and business support. She stressed the importance of team organization, without which successful business operations are not possible.

She delivered a special message to young people, stating that they do not have to leave their hometown to develop their business and career.

Joško Konjevoda, owner and director of Bio Ulja, also emphasized the importance of work organization and having a team he fully trusts. He spoke about the origins of his company and how he entered the field of waste oil processing.

Zoran Belak, director of the Alutech Development Center, spoke about innovations in STEM fields and the development of prototypes.

Jelena Peša, representing HBOR, shared her experiences on the importance of micro and small businesses and the support HBOR can provide at all stages of business development. She also referenced European directives on green transitions.

The panel discussion was moderated by Lider journalist Ksenija Puškarić, who sparked strong reactions from both the audience and panelists with her statement that “Šibenik residents do not smile much.”

She was quickly proven wrong.

The LIDER INVEST forum confirms the importance of dialogue between entrepreneurs, investors, and public institutions in order to strengthen economic growth and create new business opportunities.

Applications for LIDER INVEST are still open, and all interested parties can apply for valuable financial awards to improve their business.