The SAŠA Development Agency, under which the SAŠA Just Transition Centre operates (
), invites entrepreneurs from the SAŠA region to the SAŠA INVEST regional event.

The purpose of the event is to promote new project partnerships, business networking, and the exchange of ideas for sustainable development.

WHEN: Thursday, 6 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Gaj Mozirje Restaurant, Cesta v Loke 7, Mozirje

The event will be an opportunity to present the possibilities of repayable and non-repayable funds, examples of good practices by companies that have already implemented projects with co-financing, and concrete approaches for introducing sustainability into business operations.

EVENT PROGRAM

Welcome address

  • Biljana Škarja, M.A., Director of the SAŠA Development Agency
  • Rok Plankelj, Director of the Savinjska-Šaleška Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Motivational speech
Why invest in a coal-mining region?

  • Sonja Šmuc, Director of Strategic Projects, DEWEsoft d.o.o.

PANEL 1| Examples of good practices from completed projects, circularity as a competitive advantage
Presentation of good practices from the region and concrete steps for incorporating sustainability into business strategies.

  • Boris Kejžar, Key Account Manager, Lotrič Meroslovje d.o.o.
  • Lucija Marovt, Director of Projects and Circular Services, Circular Change
  • Eva Rihter, Head of Sustainable Development, Rihter d.o.o.
  • Tjaša Polc, Coordinator of SRIP MATPRO and Director of GZS Zasavje
  • Janez Škrabec, Director, Riko d.o.o.

PANEL 2| Presentation of the possibilities of repayable and non-repayable funds and what it means to apply for a call for proposals
Presentation of the key differences between repayable and non-repayable funds and the practical procedure for applying for a call for proposals to successfully obtain financial support from public sources.

  • Boris Kenda, Head of the Sales Team for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, OTP Bank Celje
  • Tjaša Dobnik, Director of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS)
  • Urška Ošljak, Head of Development, CresCo
  • Saša Podpeskar, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, SID Bank
  • Nina Dremelj, President of the Slovenian Business Angels Club
  • Katja Bučan, GZS Centre for Strategic Development
  • Nataša Florjančič, Head of the System, Planning, and Monitoring Sector, Directorate for Development Funds, Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport

Refreshments and networking
Opportunity for one-on-one consultations with providers of professional services, financing mechanisms, and representatives of approved projects co-financed by the Just Transition Fund.

Mandatory REGISTRATION by Tuesday, 4 November 2025, or until all available places are filled.

“The activities of the SAŠA Just Transition Centre are fully funded by technical assistance from the Just Transition Fund.”