From Idea to Investment: How to Prepare a Business for Grant Funding?
Berane, 19 October 2026 – The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro organised a seminar entitled “From Idea to Investment: How to Prepare a Business for Grant Funding?” at the Regional Business Centre in Berane. The seminar was intended for business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to improve their operations, develop investment projects and make better use of available financial support programmes.
During the seminar, participants learned about investment support opportunities available through the IPARD III Programme, the Programme for Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Economy, the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, the Development Bank of Montenegro and other support schemes. Particular emphasis was placed on application requirements, the preparation of high-quality investment plans, and the importance of businesses being financially prepared to access grants and development loans.
The seminar was delivered by Sandra Đurović, who has extensive teaching experience in economics, business and entrepreneurship. With 20 years of experience as an educator, mentor, consultant and business trainer, she is also an entrepreneur and has participated in numerous national and international projects.
Special attention was given to financial planning and the indicators used to assess a company’s investment readiness, including profitability, liquidity, indebtedness and debt repayment capacity. Through practical business examples, participants were shown the importance of sound financial management, as well as the fact that revenue growth does not necessarily translate into higher profitability.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2026–2031, with a particular focus on development priorities in sustainable agriculture, energy, tourism, construction and digital innovation. Investments in innovation, productivity and quality were emphasised as key prerequisites for strengthening the competitiveness of domestic businesses.
A practical workshop demonstrated how to assess the financial viability of an investment, including an analysis of key financial indicators and an assessment of potential risks. It was stressed that no one can know in advance whether an application will be approved. However, a successful application for support programmes requires not only a sound business idea, but also a high-quality business plan, stable finances and clearly defined sources of funding. These elements provide a strong foundation for improving business competitiveness.
The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, in cooperation with the Business Start-up Centre Bar (BSC Bar), will continue to strengthen business capacities through educational activities and professional support, improve companies’ investment readiness, and contribute to creating the conditions for a more competitive and sustainable Montenegrin economy.
