Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović spoke at the first national conference of young entrepreneurs, “Business Beat 2025”, organized by the Business Info Center Tivat in cooperation with the Union of Young Entrepreneurs of Montenegro.
President Milatović expressed his satisfaction at attending an event that combines youth, ideas, and initiative, highlighting Tivat as one of the most dynamic cities in Montenegro with a strong commitment to developing local entrepreneurship and infrastructure. According to 2024 data from Monstat, Tivat ranks fourth in Montenegro by the number of active business entities, showing its efforts to create favorable conditions for successful business.
Milatović emphasized that youth entrepreneurship is not a backup plan but a key driver of Montenegro’s modern economy. He recalled his work as Minister of Economic Development, during which significant initiatives were launched, such as establishing business info centers in municipalities like Tivat, Kolašin, Žabljak, and Danilovgrad. These centers support small businesses by providing information, program promotion, and advisory services, especially for beginners.
He also highlighted the creation of the Credit Guarantee Fund, initiated during his ministerial tenure amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund aims to address one of the biggest challenges young entrepreneurs face—access to finance—by guaranteeing part of the loans from banks, reducing their financial risk and increasing loan approvals. Milatović stressed that the Fund is meant to be a practical, operational support system that shows the state’s trust in young entrepreneurs during their critical initial phase.
The President acknowledged ongoing challenges young entrepreneurs face, such as complicated bureaucracy, lack of practical education, and insufficient support networks, especially in smaller communities. He called on local governments and state institutions to actively build entrepreneurial infrastructure that is accessible and solution-oriented.
Milatović praised Tivat’s local authorities, the Union of Young Entrepreneurs, and the Business Info Center for setting a positive example by providing education, advice, promotion, and networking opportunities, creating a trusting environment crucial for young entrepreneurs.
He concluded by reaffirming his personal commitment, as President, to support constructive initiatives in the entrepreneurial sector and expressed hope that the conference symbolizes Montenegro’s belief in its youth and readiness to build a new economic reality together with them.
