The Business Center, in collaboration with the Economic Council and the Municipality of Nikšić, hosted a conference titled “Partnership for an Innovative Future” in the town beneath Trebjes. This event attracted business leaders, local institutions, academics, representatives from state bodies, chambers of commerce, international organizations, and the non-governmental sector, all with the intention of leveraging national and international programs for joint collaboration to enhance results both locally and nationally, and beyond.

In March 2023, the Municipality of Nikšić established the Business Council to enhance cooperation between local government and the business sector while removing existing obstacles. Darko Žugić, the President of the Business Council and Business Center, noted that mutual distrust and the limited availability of business owners have contributed to the low participation of local entrepreneurs.

Žugić highlighted that out of a thousand companies in Nikšić, only four have supported the Economic Council. He believes that forming clusters is a potential solution for collaborative initiatives that would benefit both the local community and businesses, allowing them to tap into available funding.

“We have already compiled the most extensive database of funds in Montenegro, containing over 300 funds. In the near future, we aim to ensure that the economy of Nikšić is the best-informed within Montenegro,” stated Žugić.

He also indicated that plans are underway to establish a project sector, which will focus on developing key projects for both local governments and enterprises committed to strategic collaboration. Programs aimed at assisting small and medium-sized businesses with accessing funds are anticipated. All of this, as Žugić pointed out, has been made possible through the support of companies backing the Economic Council.

The President of the Municipal Assembly (MA) of Nikšić, Nemanja Vuković, who inaugurated the conference, presented the “Pride of Nikšić” awards that the Municipality grants.

“Through the Economic Council and its initiatives, we can fulfill our 2023 goal of linking the economy, the academic sector, and local government, fostering knowledge-sharing, and collaboratively working to enhance the economic environment in Nikšić. Notably, six months ago, we held initial discussions to invest in the Innovation Fund, and we received responses from the most significant companies in our city. While every company is important, having the backing of those generating considerable turnover, who are willing to collaborate and assist emerging businesses, greatly strengthens our initiative,” expressed Vuković.

Zoran Tomić, the Vice President of the Municipality of Nikšić, underscored the significance of collaboration between local government and business representatives.

“When we initiated the Economic Council, our belief was rooted in the understanding that local businesses depend on local governance. Without support from local authorities, development cannot thrive. Our unwavering commitment over the past four years reflects our dedication to advancing Nikšić,” stated Tomić.

Aleksandar Rakočević, Assistant Director of the Employment Service of Montenegro, briefed conference attendees about two significant projects currently in progress: entrepreneurship support through grants and the Youth Guarantee Program. He recalled that the entrepreneurship support initiative began six years ago as a pilot program, costing over three million euros, resulting in the creation of 450 new companies, many of which are in Nikšić, with 71% still operational.

“This program has prioritized certain important demographics, specifically young individuals, women, and innovations within business,” Rakočević noted, adding that 15 new companies were established in Nikšić over the last two years.

He mentioned that the Youth Guarantee Program is also being piloted in collaboration with local governments, including Nikšić.

“Nikšić was chosen meticulously—not randomly—based on our assessment of its capacity for effective implementation, including the local bureau’s capabilities, administrative support, and the economy’s ability to facilitate opportunities for youth, with 750 individuals registered at the Bureau currently,” Rakočević explained.

Bojana Femić Radosavović, Director of the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, reminded attendees of the Fund’s three-year history and its role as a comprehensive support system established by the state. She emphasized that they provide grants up to 200,000 euros, with non-financial help sometimes proving more valuable than monetary support.

“In the past three years, we received 466 applications for our support programs. From those, 165 projects were funded, amounting to about six million euros in total grants. We anticipate increased demand as we approach European Union integration, which will allow immediate access to structural funds—this means strengthening our capacity for efficient fund absorption,” Femić Radosavović underscored.

Sanja Ćalasan, Executive Director of the Trebjesa Brewery, noted that their company has been an active participant in the Economic Council since its inception, and the concept of investing in innovation resources and activities emerged through this Council. Olivera Đurković from the Niksal company remarked that innovation results not only from technological advancements but also from vision, experience sharing, and open dialogue between businesses, local governments, and state institutions.

Big Fashion is the Sole Bidder for Land Purchase in Nikšić

“I can confirm that Big Fashion is coming to Nikšić, which will introduce a significant business entity, new job opportunities, and fresh prospects for our city,” stated the President of the Municipal Assembly, Nemanja Vuković, emphasizing that this company is the only entity that submitted a bid to purchase construction land in Nikšić.

He reminded that on February 7, they published a public call for the sale of construction land spanning 42,201 square meters priced at 35 euros per square meter, totaling a land value of 1,477,000 euros.

Deputy Mayor Zoran Tomić remarked on Nikšić’s historical significance as a major industrial center.

“Today, we find ourselves in a situation where we strive to secure each job available—each job symbolizes life. Big Fashion is projected to generate over 300 jobs, undoubtedly improving the quality of life for 300 families in our city,” stated Tomić.

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