How two Croatian entrepreneurs are building a bright future for Croatian students
- by croatiaweek
- in Business
Carla Konta, Petar Hrehorović, Leonardo Novaković, Domogoj Boljar, Krunoslava Kosina-Milutinović, Milly Doolan, and Ante Lucić (Photo credit: Ivana Alerić)
By Katherine Kurelja
About a year ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ante Lučić, an active start-up entrepreneur, for the first time, over a coffee naturally. It was then that I was informally introduced to one of Ante’s pet projects – one he co-leads with anther entrepreneur, Carla Konta.
After he walked me through it, I had a good feeling about this project and now a year later, I can confirm that it may be one of the best in Croatia.
The project is “Beno,” a 6-month long introduction to entrepreneurship for 11- through 18-year old students in Croatian and in the diaspora, culminating in a Pitch Conference at the end of the program.
The name of the program is an homage to the Croatian merchant, economist, diplomat, and humanist from Dubrovnik, Benedikt Kotruljević, and nicknamed “Beno.” Piloted in 2017, the program now welcomes participants outside of Croatia through technology underpinning the program created by Carla Konta, founder of ZAPI, an innovative alternative education platform.
This most recent Beno group had students from as far away as the Netherlands participating. While the common language is Croatian, it is not a barrier for children who are not fluent. Having overheard more than one meeting, I delighted in hearing the kids ask about when they will “pitchati” or discuss options for “business modeli.”
Teaching children the skills of the future
The Beno entrepreneurial program introduces children to entrepreneurial skills such as innovation, problem-solving, presentation and sales skills, communication and financial literacy through practical activities.
Some of the participants (Photo credit: Ivana Alerić)
As a parent of a student who took part in the most recent cohort, I often watched from over my shoulder and saw how these skills were being instilled through the content and discussions, but also how the program showed the participants that even children can solve problems that can make our community and world a better place and encouraged them to do just that.
Beyond entrepreneurial know-how, participants also get to sharpen their interpersonal skills including listening and handling difficult communication with fellow team members – these skills are priceless in the increasingly global and collaborative workplace of today and the future.
The participants also need to plan and organize consistently, lest their business fail. Finally, Beno kids use their creativity not just to create a product or service, but to work together along the way and develop a sleek pitch worthy of professional standards.
What does the program look like?
The program has two levels: Classic (5th-8th graders) and Pro (high school age students) that are comprised of teams formed at the start of the program – January of this year for this group. Each team creates their own product or service based on problems they want to solve in their larger communities which they then back by conducting market research.
After this phase, finances are taken into account, as is competition and marketing strategy. This year, products and services focused on creative pursuits, sustainability and technology, and ranged from eco-friendly creams and air fresheners to tech-based gardening devices.
In culmination of the program, each team must prepare a pitch deck to be presented to three entrepreneurs who this year were Domogoj Boljar, Co-founder of Earthbound eco sneakers, Krunoslava Kosina-Milutinović, Director of PISAK business incubator, and Milly Doolan, an international entrepreneur. A seasoned, but friendly group who shared spot-on advice with the participants to motivate them further.
Winners of the pitch for each level were given a pair of Earthbound eco sneakers and the opportunity to present at the MBF business conference in Rovinj this October. From the WhatsApp chat of the group, I could see that the children were still abuzz two days after the event congratulating one other and singing the praises of one other’s products and efforts.
What is Next for Beno?
If this article sounds like a plug for Beno, it is! As a parent and an entrepreneur, I knew the benefits of the program from day 1. What I didn’t fully appreciate in the beginning is what the biggest learning would be for my daughter at the end.
Apart from seeing an idea be brought to life, my daughter learned how to take initiative both when it comes to a project, but also in speaking up for herself, and she also learned the value of compromising and building something with others.
All participants with Carla Konta and Ante Lucić (Photo credit: Ivana Alerić)
After seeing her and the other teams present and interact with each other at last week’s event, I feel reassured knowing these kids will make things happen and not settle when they go out into the world. Beno gave them a bigger voice.
To learn more about the Beno program and how it can benefit your child or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ante Lučić at [email protected]. Sponsors from outside of Croatia are encouraged – this is a great way to invest in the future of Croatia.
