The concept of sustainability covers processes and practices meant to mitigate negative impacts on the environment, as well as responsible economic development and broader social justice. It is actively and positively reflected in entrepreneurship that is increasingly rational in using natural, human and technological resources. The question of whether or not a company should consider sustainable processes is in fact off the table and the questions like how to resolve climate change challenges, the importance of reducing air, water and soil pollution, lower labour utilization and higher local engagement and social equality are becoming added value - for both local and global businesses.
We have several inspiring business stories for you to share in their knowledge, experience and good practice. They may even inspire you to have a look at that idea that has been there for a long time, but you never seem to get around to actually make it happen. Give it a try. Big changes start with small steps - first there’s commitment, then a conscious action.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a general crisis, but on the other hand it has also brought some positive change. People are more aware of what is happening and what effect our actions have on the environment. NLB Group serves as a good example for that, because we have committed to gradually reducing our carbon footprint by restricting coal-related operations and increasing the financing of projects related to the low-carbon economy.
In the NLB Group we pursue our sustainability strategy with everyday actions (for example, a gradual transition to paperless banking as much as possible, which is one of the measures of sustainable operations) and a range of products. Last October we introduced an NLB Green Housing Loan featuring special benefits for financing a purchase or construction of a passive house and we support green investment opportunities.
The #HelpFrame project has also proved to be great support to local communities. In the first year, we offered our own advertising space to 274 businesses, farmers, micro and small companies, which would for them be difficult to afford on their own in the times like these. We helped them reach potential clients and we materially contributed to the strengthening of domestic small and micro enterprises. We are well aware of the importance of this key foundation for the Slovenian economy and, after all, for all the Slovenian citizens and people from the region, so we decided to come to the rescue at the very onset of the crisis. In 2021 we have received even more applications than the year before, which proves that the incentive and help have been more than welcome.
Socially responsible companies strive to create a healthy and strong organizational culture based on shared values and co-creating desires. And all good stories start somewhere. Who are those people who choose to explore their ideas and meet their goals through business practice? Entrepreneurs. Active individuals who can serve as role models, since local communities often follow their lead. What they all have in common is passion, desire and perseverance to co-create the society and environment. If the commitment to social responsibility and sustainability becomes our lifestyle - and we as a community streamline our energy to inspire more people – a remarkable progress is possible. Below you can read more about our business success stories and the most important lessons of last year's #HelpFrame project finalists from various South Eastern European countries.
Lorika Govori Shaban is a former banker with work experience in International banks and is now the founder and CEO of Punë n`Dorë SHPK, which is committed to so-called Slow fashion. Punë n`Dorë is an ethically, sustainably and ecologically conscious company in which they are engaged in tailoring clothes. The clothes they make are made from finished goods and offer an alternative to hyper-consumer fashion brands.
Lorika Govori Shaban studied Business Administration in London at the Richmond, the American International in London, and pursued masters degree at the University of Wales (London School of Business and Finance). She has a master's degree in finance and a job in a bank, but she has always been very environment cautious: “Caring for the environment has always been very close to me. After ten years of working in a bank, I started to think seriously about how I wanted to pursue my passion. I believe we should all do what makes us happy. So I asked myself how to deal with the biggest polluter in the world - textiles. I decided it was time for action and I've set up a company where we redo old clothes. I think this helps the community because people can save money that they would otherwise spend on new clothes. I really enjoy my work, as the whole family helps me, and I believe that we will continue to be successful because of it. We actually started very well, especially in terms of media coverage. Then COVID-19 hit and I had to change my strategy overnight. I expanded the business and started designing clothes for businesses. The NLB bank helped me lot because as a finalist of the #HelpFrame project, I could reintroduce my business, says Govori Shaban.
Đorđe Stojović, a pilot at Montenegro Airlines AD and Air Astana from Kazakhstan, is also the founder of the company that launched the Montenegrina chocolate brand. He actually got the inspiration for the development of his own business in a job interview - when he traveled to Kazakhstan, he noticed that Kazakhstanis have their chocolate and thought that there is also space for such a way of promoting a country in Montenegro. “I started out of passion, as I was always enthusiastic about entrepreneurship. I’m still very motivated, I love new challenges, I love to learn something new every day, ”says Mr. Stojović. “The pandemic has strongly affected my business as we ran out of marketing resources, which can get devoured over time in various pores company. #HelpFrame appeared at the right time, the reactions were inspiring. At first, I didn’t even understand what we gained as finalists. Then there all of a sudden were billboards everywhere and promotion soon began to pay off.”
Arsen Arsenović is the founder of the innovative start-up company Pirate Art, which focuses on 3D printing of unique aesthetic coatings for foot prostheses. Eight years ago, Arsen lost his leg in a car accident. After rehabilitation, he devoted himself to parakayaking, and the great pride of his sports career was winning a gold medal for Serbia at the World Cup. Shortly afterward, he swapped the paddle for a 3D printer and introduced Pirate Art to the world. The desire to start a company stemmed from him - Arsen was not satisfied with the offer of available orthopedic devices. The company has expanded rapidly and currently brings together 11 employees. Although the pandemic has temporarily disrupted their plans, they plan to enter the U.S. market and the Republic of South Africa. Arsen Arsenović describes his motivation as a drive based on the belief that we are all different, but that we need to focus on being human first - regardless of religion, sexual orientation or physical disability and to build our society sustainably.
I like to eat very well, Sandra Jelin Kadrić said when asked what inspired her to start her own business. The company Mama Manufaktura offers healthy, traditional, handmade, high-quality products without additives, preservatives, artificial colors, or industrial fillers. “Before I started my company, I was employed in the public sector. At home, they certainly weren’t thrilled that I decided to make a change. They were worried about safety, says Jelin Kadrić about her decision to start her own company. In entrepreneurship, honey and milk are absolutely not strained. There is never enough funds (especially for advertising), and you are involved in the business 24/7. #HelpFrame has solved each of these challenges - our premium brand lacked people getting to know it. And all of a sudden we were driving around with our bus - Mama Manufaktura bus. Today, I am happy to be doing something I love. That pulls me forward, she adds.
Lazar Winery from Negotino in Northern Macedonia was founded 20 years ago by Lazar Ristov. Initially, they produced 10-15,000 liters of wine a year and sold it to local restaurants. In 2003, Lazar Ristov and his partners founded the FONKO cellar. This was the (new) beginning of a success story. Over the years, the wines of Lazar Winery have been regularly recognized at prestigious world competitions, and the annual wine production has grown in proportion to its success - today it amounts to more than 60,000 bottles per year. “The beginnings were terribly difficult. Whoever decides to make wine should be aware that he will invest and invest. On our way, we needed additional funding to expand our portfolio of services. Even then, NLB proved to be a good bank that is ready to stand by us, says Lazar Ristov about the importance of trust between the bank and companies, adding: The pandemic just crushed us, we had the best years before that. But we need to look ahead, and this and next year we intend to expand to Serbia and Greece.
Tobiar is an ergonomic vibrating device (medical device) that prevents and eliminates musculoskeletal disorders, which are mainly the consequences of working with a computer. The USB-charging device fits the wrist. Its vibrations have been shown in a clinical study to have a positive effect on blood circulation, oxygenation, lowering blood pressure, improving wrist mobility and reducing stress for users. Tobiar is suitable for both preventive and curative use, while competing products are intended primarily for curative use and prevent the movement of the user's hand.
One of the key advantages of Tobiar is that the housing is wooden, made of natural material and the product as such is environmentally friendly. “Our story is family-one, we’re all involved; priorities are currently focused on online business, improving the user experience and optimizing sales. The fact that we were selected as finalists in the #HelpFrame project also contributed a lot to the good sales results, as before the COVID-19 pandemic we relied on a large part of advertising on live events, which suddenly disappeared overnight, comments Maja Rajterič . “The project gave us also the impetus to move forward and we look forward to future victories. We are opening the German market soon, adds Rajterič.
Aleksandar Marić is a busy man. President of the Management Board of EKO TOPLANE BANJA LUKA d.o.o. is also the founder of The Master Craft Brewery. “When I graduated college, I started a career in sales and marketing. After 15 years of work experience, I decided it was time for a new chapter. The main reason was freedom and the creation of added value. We currently have 5 flavors available, and the main focus is on maintaining the quality and standardization of products, which is very difficult in the food and beverage segment, ”says Marić about his experience with entrepreneurship. “Advice for those considering a similar path? With us, nothing went as planned. Every start is difficult, but if you have a clear plan, plan B and C… Then it will work,” he adds. The advertising opportunity available within the #HelpFrame project was expertly assessed by Marić as a smart investment, as he believes that small people rarely have the opportunity to be active with ATL (above the line) advertising campaigns. #HelpFrame is a truly unique project that supports the entire region in a sustainable tone. In his words, Respect!
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