As part of the activities of the SAŠA Centre for Just Transition, the Savinjska-Šaleška Region Development Agency organised a SAŠA INVEST regional event for the economy on 6th November 11. 2025, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the Gaj Restaurant in Mozirje.. The event, which was attended by around 70 entrepreneurs from across the SAŠA region, was organised in cooperation with the Savinjska-Šaleška Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event was hosted by television editor and presenter Marjana Grčman, and opened with speeches by the Director of the SAŠA Development Agency, Biljana Škarja, and the Director of the Savinjska-Šaleška Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rok Plankelj.

The purpose of the event was to present the possibilities of repayable and non-repayable funds, examples of good practices of companies that have already implemented projects with co-financing, and concrete approaches for introducing sustainability into business operations.. The aim is to encourage new project partnerships and the exchange of ideas for sustainable development.

First, Sonja Šmuc, Director of Strategic Projects at DEWEsoft d.o.o., responded with a motivational speech to the question of why to stay in the coal region and look for new opportunities. DEWEsoft d. o. o. She emphasised the importance of creating in the environment in which we live, so that we have the opportunity to combine our roots with inspiration and fully exploit the potential and role of the community, which can help to create great, successful stories. She also spoke about the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy and the importance of employees in the success of a company.

This was followed by the first panel, where examples of good practices from completed projects and circularity as a competitive advantage were shared by Boris Kejžar, Key Account Manager at Lotrič Meroslovje d.o.o., Lucija Marovt, Director of Projects and Circular Services at Circular Change, Eva Rihter, Head of Sustainable Development at Rihter d.o.o., Tjaša Polc, SRIP MATPRO Coordinator and Director of GZS Zasavje, and Janez Škrabec, Director of Riko d.o.o.

Janez Škrabec presented how, years ago, he embraced the trend of sustainability and green technologies as an opportunity, as he believes that Slovenia has an exceptional advantage in terms of its beautiful and green living environment, and that we must recognise our own competitive advantage and also connect with China. Eva Rihter from Rihter stressed the importance of including employees’ ideas in shaping environmental policy and building the values of every stakeholder, including subcontractors. They view sustainability not only in terms of energy savings or waste separation, but also from a social perspective, such as employing local people, offering internships and holiday work to students, and connecting with local businesses and the local community. In their opinion, sustainability also means the sustainability of the company for future generations.

The second panel was dedicated to presenting the possibilities of repayable and non-repayable funds and the importance of applying for the call for proposals.. Participants included Boris Kenda, Head of the Sales Team for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises at OTP Banka Celje, Tjaša Dobnik, Director of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), Urška Ošljak, Head of Development at CresCo, Jelena Gečev Ravnikar, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at SID Bank, Nina Dremelj, President of the Slovenian Business Angels Club, Katja Bučan, Centre for Strategic Development of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, and Nataša Florjančič, Head of the System, Planning and Monitoring Sector, Directorate for Development Funds, Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport.

The Director of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Tjaša Dobnik, announced new calls for research and innovation activities for 2026 and highlighted the upcoming innovation voucher for SMEs. Nataša Florjančič, from the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, announced changes in the area of funds, simplification of tender systems, and the merging of repayable and non-repayable instruments. Katja Bučan presented the Made in Slovenia initiative, while bank representatives highlighted the importance of an individual approach to customers and filling gaps with new financial products.

The clear message from the panel participants was that it is necessary to plan the future of a company and introduce compliance with policies and strategies into projects, preparing them in advance and not only when calls for proposals have already been published. It is crucial to build knowledge in the field of tendering and to monitor trends, policies, and strategies at both the national and European levels, as a company must, despite external expert assistance, do the bulk of the work of applying and reporting on project implementation itself.

The panel also touched on investments in companies by the Business Angels club, which can be one way of raising funds for rapid business growth. The club’s president said that the most promising and interesting areas for angels are food technology, biotechnology, medical and health technology, and artificial intelligence.

The event concluded with networking, where participants were able to address specific questions to the panelists, the Chemical Institute, the Faculty of Polymer Technologies, the SAŠA Centre for Just Transition and SPOT Consulting of the SAŠA Development Agency, SID Bank, and other representatives of professional services that can contribute to successful applications for calls for proposals.

Participants at the event were enthusiastic about the content and suggested establishing a database of entrepreneurs seeking partnerships.