Les visages de l'entreprenariat en Europe

The Secret
of Success 2010
The Many Faces of
European Entrepreneurship
EUROPEAN
SME WEEK 2010
TRA I N I N G BU S I N E S S CH A M P I O N S !
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Welcome to the 2010 edition of ‘The Secret of Success’!
The 36 portraits of entrepreneurs presented in this Brochure show us the different routes that women and men from 36 European
countries took to create their own business, as well as the enormous diversity of their creativity.
Together, these portraits provide a broad view of the many facets of human activity, ranging from the use of the most sophisticated
science in Croatia, Denmark, Ireland or Sweden for the manufacture of cutting-edge products, through the development of services to
help the most disadvantaged sections of society in response to social challenges in Greece, Italy, Spain or the United Kingdom, to the
creation, among others, of environmentally-friendly traditional or innovative products in Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro or Romania.
I am confident that these SMEs will be a source of endless inspiration for those men and women, whatever their age, who dream of
setting up their own business.
In this brochure, 36 SME managers show us that there is no single correct route, but a variety of paths that any enquiring, entrepreneurial,
adventurous spirit should contemplate.
One of the fundamental effects of the financial crisis has been the rediscovery of the central role that SMEs, which create 80% of new jobs
and account for 99% of all European businesses, and entrepreneurship play in the European economy.
To stay competitive, Europe must mobilise its full available human potential and stimulate entrepreneurship in our societies.
This Brochure, proposed as part of the ‘European SME Week 2010’, offers an ideal opportunity to do this.
These 36 portraits show us that people can succeed with very different styles and talents!
Antonio Tajani
Vice-President of the European Commission,
responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship
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Table of Content
Iceland
52
Sweden
28
Tuula ANTOLA
FINLAND p. 4
Finland
4
Oľga APOLENÍKOVÁ
SLOVAKIA p. 6
Norway
70
Mirjana BABIĆ
MONTENEGRO p. 8
Estonia
68
Zvonko BILJECKI
CROATIA p. 10
Latvia
66
Genoveva CHRISTOVA
BULGARIA p. 12
Denmark
Lithuania
38
34
László CSONKA
HUNGARY p. 14
Ireland
46
Anna DARZENTA
GREECE p. 16
United Kingdom
The
Poland
64
Netherlands
42
Luciana DELLE DONNE
48
ITALY p. 18
Germany
32
Belgium
20
Patrick DEUMER
BELGIUM p. 20
Luxembourg
Czech Republic
60
72
Slovakia
George FANTAROS
CYPRUS p. 22
6
Austria
France
Ségolène FINET
62
Hungary
FRANCE p. 24
24
Liechten-
14
Romania
stein
40
Slovenia
56
Croatia
Antonio GARCÍA ALLUT
SPAIN p. 26
10
Italy
18
Serbia
44
Cecilia HERTZ
SWEDEN p. 28
Bulgaria
Montenegro
12
8
Shefki IDRIZI
FYROM p. 30
Spain
FYROM
Portugal
26
30
54
Albania
Umut KARAKAŞ
GERMANY p. 32
74
Greece
16
Audrius KAVOLIS
LITHUANIA p. 34
Sedat KILIÇ
TURKEY p. 36
Malta
Jacob KROGSGAARD, Mikael SLOTH,
50
Thomas LUCKMANN, Jesper BOISEN DENMARK p. 38
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Company Dimensions
Ethical
Social
Sustainable

p. 40 ROMANIA
Eugeniu LISNIC

p. 42
Environmental
POLAND
Magdalena LUBIŃSKA

p. 44 SERBIA
Sava MARINKOVIČ
Appealing Design

p. 46 IRELAND
Dr Barry McCLEARY
Unorthodox Solution
to a Problem
p. 48 THE NETHERLANDS Gerrino MULDER, Mike BROERS
Lifestyle Product

p. 50 MALTA
Lorenzo MULÈ STAGNO
Diversity it brings

p. 52 ICELAND
Kolbrún Eydís OTTÓSDÓTTIR
to the Workforce

p. 54 PORTUGAL
Miguel PINA MARTINS
Others

p. 56 SLOVENIA
Nataša RATEJ

p. 58 ISRAEL
Tzony SIEGAL

p. 60 LUXEMBOURG
Guy STAMET

p. 62 AUSTRIA
Heini STAUDINGER
p. 64 UNITED KINGDOM
Kath SUTHERLAND
Turkey
36
p.
66
LATVIA
Lotte TISENKOPFA-ILTNERE
p.
68
ESTONIA
Igor TJURIN
p.
70
NORWAY
Silje VALLESTAD
Cyprus
22
p.
72
CZECH REPUBLIC
Linda VAVŘÍKOVÁ
p.
74
ALBANIA
Mimoza VOJKA EMANUELS
Israel
58
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Tuula Antola
Finland
Name of Company
Kaipaus Finland Oy Ltd
Business Sector
Designing, manufacturing and marketing of
nanotechnology-based scent products
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
Tekes (Finnish Funding Agency for Technology
and Innovation) & TEKEL (Finnish Science Park
Association)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.kaipaus.com
usa
Email Address
tuula.antola@kaipaus.com
© Junnu L
Postal Address
Iltaruskontie 3 D 27
02120 Espoo
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Finland
“ Dare to dare more; learn to unlearn!”
Kaipaus Finland is a scent technology company best known for its
The person who inspired me to start my own business …
nanotechnology-based, scented jewellery collection. The jewellery,
… was my six-year-old daughter, Hanna. I was returning from a
which is designed by renowned Finnish designers with Finnish
business trip with a gift for her. The toy bunny had been my travel-
materials, is the first product application that utilises the
ling companion and had collected my scent. Hanna´s delighted cry,
Nanofrago® scent pods developed by the CEO of the company,
“Mummy, this bunny smells just like you!” – that was the igniting
Tuula Antola.
spark.
The company creates lifestyle products with a strong ethical,
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
social, sustainable and environmental dimension. The company is
… they see opportunities and act where established corporations
involved in several charity campaigns, and its products are made
and institutions fear to tread.
out of a ceramic mass and precious metals in Finland.
What would you consider to be the best preparation for
Kaipaus scented jewellery had its premier in Paris at the main event
becoming an entrepreneur?
of the Paris Fashion Week 2008, and in 2009 the company was
Have a passion for innovation. Be fearless and trust in your skills.
recognised by the internationally acclaimed design competition
Respect others and their abilities.
“Fennia Prize – Good design grows global”.
What should an entrepreneur do to overcome a crisis?
Stay determined, but study the crisis thoroughly and impartially.
Trust yourself.
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Oľga Apoleníková
Slovakia
Name of Company
Oľga Apoleníková Sheep farm
Business Sector
Agriculture
Year of Business Launch
1991
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.farmapruzina.sk
Email Address
farmapruzina@farmapruzina.sk
Postal Address
Farma Pružina
018 22 Pružina
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Slovakia
“ Fear binds hands and ideas.”
In 1991, Oľga Apoleníková became a farmer when she rented a
What were your biggest obstacles when starting your own
farm with 180 cows that was on the verge of bankruptcy. In two
business?
years, she had managed to increase the amount of rented land,
The creation of business partnerships, since entrepreneurship was
cows and machinery. Moreover, the living conditions of the animals
something new in Slovakia at the time. Also some business part-
improved. She changed their closed stable into a free one, which,
ners did not believe that a woman could do business in this field.
together with enhanced feeding rations, caused their yield to triple
by 2005.
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
in any way?
Market conditions forced Oľga to swap the herd of cows for sheep.
The crisis decreased the purchasing power of the people in our
She started producing sheep’s milk and cheese using traditional
region, so we had to start placing our products in other regions
methods and sold it directly to customers, eventually opening her
of Slovakia. In February, we participated in a world exhibition on
own shop. The company has received certification for organic
ecology, which I hope will help us to expand into the EU market
production, gained the “Slovak Quality Mark” and was awarded the
and beyond.
best producer of fresh cheese and Slovak “bryndza”.
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
She also plans to reconstruct some of the remaining premises and
As long as you are sure about your ideas and believe in yourself,
turn them into a guesthouse with a wellness centre for those long-
go ahead and do not push them aside.
ing to return back to nature.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
To make my many dreams come true, I am able to use creativity
whilst developing myself all the time.
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Mirjana Babić
Montenegro
Name of Company
Mira Soaps
Business Sector
Agrofood and healthcare
Year of Business Launch
2009
SME Support Scheme used
Business Start Up Center in Bar
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
None
Email Address
cubi@t-com.me
Postal Address
Bulevar Revolucije b.b. Kula A
30000 Bar
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Montenegro
“ Live with nature, use its goods
and keep them for the next generations.”
Mirjana Babić, the founder of Mira Soaps, recognised a growing
The person who inspired me to start my own business …
tendency of consumers to turn to natural products, especially with
My grandmother used to make olive oil soaps and always wanted
regards to food and cosmetics. She decided to produce a natural
to share the power of olive oil with everyone. The Start-Up Business
soap made from olive oil, just as her grandmother and generations
Centre Bar helped to make my idea into a reality.
of Montenegrins had done in the past. This traditional product had
almost completely disappeared from the region, but Mirjana Babić
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
believed she could produce a natural, ecologically-clean product,
… realising your idea and being your own boss. Also, being able to
which could also renew a national tradition.
employ people makes you a useful member of society.
The basic raw material used to produce the soap is from an olive
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
tree called “žutica”. The material has proven medicinal properties,
Be sure about your idea and don’t give up quickly. The target
which are retained using the cold process production method.
should be your business and not the money.
The result is a high-quality, environmentally-friendly, aromatherapy
soap, which can be used on skin and hair.
What would you tell an entrepreneur who is faced with a crisis?
Set your mind to a smaller number of goals, and solve the problems
one by one. Try to avoid borrowing too much money.
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Zvonko Biljecki
Croatia
Name of Company
Geofoto
Business Sector
Geodesy and Geo-information
Year of Business Launch
1993
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.geofoto.hr
Email Address
geofoto@geofoto.hr
Postal Address
Buzinski prilaz 28
10010 Zagreb
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Croatia
“ Knowledge, knowledge and only knowledge.”
Zvonko Biljecki is a self-made man who has proven that a company
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
from an emerging country can become an international leader
in any way?
in its market and produce high-tech services. Using cutting-edge
We made a considerable effort to improve the efficiency of our
technology for aerial survey and data processing, Geofoto produces
procedures and the quality of our products. We also chose to enter
geodetic and geographic databases that can be used in a variety
foreign markets where we had previously not been active, and to
of ways: to update land registers, manage and plan infrastructure
develop new products and services.
projects, monitor agricultural activities, de-mine former war zones,
environmental protection, etc. Geofoto also provides the necessary
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
software for exploiting the data and generating maps.
… they are creating new value and are socially responsible.
In 1988, Mr. Biljecki moved to Switzerland and worked for ten years
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
at a geodetic company where he soon became director and co-
business is …
owner. He later returned to Croatia to set up his present company.
… to focus on preparation and analysis and surround yourself with
As it grew, Geofoto took over several competitors and became
people who have more experience than you do.
Europe’s second largest company in the field of geo-informatics and
works in more than ten countries in Europe, Latin America and the
What should an entrepreneur do to overcome a crisis?
Middle East.
Work twice as hard and be innovative.
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Genoveva Christova
Bulgaria
Name of Company
Ligna Group Ltd
Business Sector
Furniture logistics
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
SME Agency sponsored Trade Events in
Western Europe
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.ligna-group.com
Email Address
g.christova@ligna-consult.com
Postal Address
82, Khan Omurtag Street
1124 Sofia
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Bulgaria
“ We design your success.”
Genoveva Christova and her business partner didn’t have an easy
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
task ahead of them when they decided to produce and export furni-
… having control over my own destiny as well as the opportunity
ture in a ‘macho Bulgarian society’, yet their sales are now reaching
to lead a team of staff.
close to €2m. The Ligna Group exports hotel furniture made in Bul-
garia to be fitted into new or refurbished hotels, primarily in France
What should an entrepreneur do to overcome a crisis?
and Germany. Despite the financial crisis, their business went up by
Be resilient and redouble your efforts because 90 per cent of the
28 per cent whilst the Bulgarian furniture sector went down by 37
business is still out there.
per cent. Their next goal is to break into the UK and Italian markets.
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
Mrs Christova and her business partner met in 1989 and set up the
business …
first Aerobics Studio in Varna. It was old Communist Bulgaria and
Make sure your market research is honest and accurate in order to
they were young girls braving the world of business.
find a niche market to cater to.
What would you consider the best preparation to become an
entrepreneur?
Being a Sportswoman or man … it gives you the will to win. It’s all
about the strength of your motivation.
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László Csonka
Hungary
Name of Company
Csonka és Fiai Kft (Csonka & Sons Ltd.)
Business Sector
Production, trade
Year of Business Launch
1982
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.csonkaglas.com
www.trendglas.com
Email Address
laszlo.csonka@csonkaglas.com
Postal Address
Baross u. 24
9400 Sopron
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Hungary
“ Help your partners. If they are successful,
you might be too.”
Since 1982, Csonka és Fiai Kft has evolved from a family business
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your product
producing laboratory and gift glassware, to an internationally
from its competitors?
successful business focused on Trendglas, a unique brand of heat-
As far as quality is concerned, I make no compromises, regardless
resistant glassware. With certified quality, continuously improving
of the cost.
technology and long-standing experience with heat resistant glass,
the company is able to guarantee high-quality products for its
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
customers.
… that I get to do what I am good at and what I enjoy 24/7.
In 1994, the family began to trade with the Schott Group. After
What would you tell another entrepreneur who is faced with a
Schott stopped the production for domestic glass in Jena, they
crisis?
bought some of their machines, moulding forms … and created
Be strong, and don’t give up. Be prepared to take some steps that
their new brand, produced in Sopron (Hungary). A new company
you may have considered unnecessary before.
has been established in Jena (Germany) for the trading business.
Entrepreneurs are important to society, because …
Trendglas is now sold in more than 44 countries worldwide (from
… they walk down new and unknown paths, which others can
Japan, Korea, Russia to Germany and the USA), with over 700 retail-
then follow.
ers in Germany alone.
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Anna Darzenta
Greece
Name of Company
TO KASTRI Women’s Agro-Tourist Cooperative
Business Sector
Catering, cooking, restaurant, agro-tourist delicacies
Year of Business Launch
2000
SME Support Scheme used
EQUAL programme for women entrepreneurship
(funded by European Social Fund)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.agroshop.gr
Email Address
tokastri@otenet.gr
Postal Address
Agiou Sevastianou Street 41
84100 Ano Syros
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Greece
“ Never stop, always continue or start again.”
Twenty-eight women from Syros, a Greek island suffering from
What were your biggest obstacles when starting your own
endemic unemployment, decided to create a workers’ cooperative
business?
in 2000. Most of them were housewives without any specific skills
People’s prejudice towards us as women. We had to overcome
or education, yet with the assistance of EU funding they have taken
the mistrust of the local market operators and the closed-minded
control of their present and future.
attitude of suppliers in working with female entrepreneurs who
lacked qualifications, education and training.
The cooperative produces sweets and provides catering for parties
locally and on other islands. They have opened a successful restau-
In developing your product/service (s), have you been using
rant selling traditional Greek food at low prices, which is possible
any national/regional support schemes/programmes for small
due to the cooperative nature of the workers.
and medium-sized enterprises?
We were luckily involved in the EQUAL programme for the promo-
Their activity permitted also to restore part of the old deserted
tion of women entrepreneurship (“initiative NOW” for the start
catholic monastery of St Sebastian, the abandoned cells and ware-
up of social enterprises, “Emigrants’ agro jobs” for the training of
houses of which were used to store ovens, kitchens, refrigerators and
foreign ladies and project EXADA for the publication of a book with
other electrical devices …
local recipes in English and Greek).
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
They create growth and employment. Being a cooperative we offer
security to employees who are at the same time members. Being a
non-profit enterprise we also have the status of offering proximity
services to people in need.
My advice to an entrepreneur – how to overcome a crisis …
To start again immediately after a failure and to always offer high
quality goods or services.
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Luciana Delle Donne
Italy
Name of Company
Officina Creativa Soc. Coop Sociale
Business Sector
Wearable accessories made of recycled waste
materials/Renewable energy
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
Start-up support by the City of Lecce,
Regional contributions for transportation means
and technological devices
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.o-c.it; www.madeincarcere.it;
www.er-re.it
Email Address
luciana724@gmail.com
Postal Address
Via 95 Reggimento Fanteria, 64
73100 Lecce (LE)
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Italy
“ Innovation is creativity
applied to good common sense.”
Officina Creativa’s new brand, “Made in Carcere” (“Made in Jail”),
The event that inspired me to start my own business …
gives a ‘second chance’ to both the materials used to make their
… was spending one month volunteering in a nursing home in
products as well as to the people who make them. The non-profit
Brazil after 20 years as a bank director. I realised how helpful I could
social cooperative contributes to the training and rehabilitation
have been if I had been working and helping marginalised people
of female prisoners, who are engaged in the production of fabric
at the same time!
shopping bags made out of refined and recycled materials. This
gives the women the chance to build their job skills while improving
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your products
their chances of re-integrating into the social and working worlds
and services from its competitors?
once they return to their communities.
Our products and services tell the story of marginalised people
who have gained a second chance! Our products are ‘handmade
A further initiative of Officina Creativa is the ER-RE, the “Desk for
with values’ and transmit the significance of female prisoners using
Easy Renewable Energy”. This desk is dedicated to raising awareness
recycled waste materials to create accessories with passion and
about saving energy and the use of renewable energy sources. To
creativity.
reach its goals, the ER-RE uses social communication activities and
provides assistance to people who must make technical and finan-
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
cial choices in planning and implementing energy-using systems.
in any way?
Our strategy was born out of the crisis: the economic crisis and the
crisis of values. We focus on the need to ‘save’ by using existing,
renewable sources of energy (the sun), recycled waste materials
(bags and other materials) and ‘marginalised’ human resources
(female prisoners).
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
… of their capacity to innovate and for being the drivers of
development.
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Patrick Deumer
Belgium
Name of Company
Vetedy Belgium
Business Sector
Parquets and Wooden Terraces
Year of Business Launch
2001
SME Support Scheme used
Awex (the Belgian Walloon Export Agency)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.vetedy.com
Email Address
info@vetedy.com
Postal Address
Weyler, Zone Artisanale 50
6700 Autelbas (Arlon)
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Belgium
“ Believe in yourself and your abilities.”
Starting out by laying parquet flooring on his own for ten years,
What was your biggest obstacle or fear when starting your
Patrick Deumer was presented with the new challenge of building a
own business?
terrace in 1999. Although everything went well at first, three months
Finding a bank that believed in and accepted my idea and
later many of the planks shifted, breaking the screws. This inspired
investment.
him to design a system for securing wood that was both durable
and aesthetically pleasing. Riding on the success of his now world-
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
wide innovation, which he patented in 2001 and again in 2003,
in any way?
Mr Deumer started Vetedy Belgium, made the rounds of interna-
Our turn-over has decreased by 20%. Our solution is to attend
tional trade fairs with Awex and developed a network of distribu-
more fairs to look for more customers who will little by little
tors. By investing in a completely automated production line, he
replace the bigger ones who are stalling …
is able to respond quickly to the demand with only a handful of
employees.
Why are entrepreneurs important to society?
Entrepreneurs are the motors of the economy and the creators of
In 2009, Mr Deumer was awarded the Great Prize of Walloon Entre-
tomorrow’s world.
preneurship, in the “Enterprise starter” category.
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
business is …
… to prepare a realistic business plan and respect your
commitments.
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George Fantaros
Cyprus
Name of Company
Advance Medical Waste Management LTD
Business Sector
Hazardous Waste Management
Year of Business Launch
2004
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.advancewhs.com
Email Address
info@advancewhs.com
Postal Address
3rd Industrial Area Sylas
Ypsonas
P.O. BOX 50144
3601 Limassol
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Cyprus
“ Follow your vision, set your goals
and stick to them.”
George Fantaros’ company started as a medical (clinical) waste
The event that inspired me to start my own business …
sterilisation service and quickly evolved into a hazardous waste
… was the entry of Cyprus into the European Union and the need
management service. The operation is a typical case of “small is
to comply with European legislation that deals with hazardous
beautiful and feasible” providing a solution to the island-state’s
waste.
problem and practically putting a stop to the hassle and cost of
exporting small quantities of waste to larger countries for disposal.
Why are entrepreneurs important for society?
In my opinion entrepreneurs are an energetic component of
It has provided much needed employment for scientific personnel
society, which can contribute the most to its development.
and is further developing know-how suitable for other isolated
locations facing a similar situation.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
The challenge of creating something new and converting business
The enterprise has won the Cyprus Government Environmental
ideas into successful products or services.
Award for 2008 by demonstrating a water saving of 85% and an
approach for the triple reuse of water in association with its sister
What would you consider to be the best preparation for
company (a laundry for towels and carpets).
becoming an entrepreneur?
A good educational background, a free spirit, open-mindedness
and the readiness to take risks.
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Ségolène Finet
France
Name of Company
mamaNANA
Business Sector
eCommerce and Fashion
Year of Business Launch
2005
SME Support Scheme used
OSEO (French public agency supporting SMEs)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.mamanana.com
Email Address
segolene.finet@mamanana.com
Postal Address
1 bis, rue du Val Joyeux
78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
© mamaNANA
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France
“ You don’t have to give up
who you are to be a good mother.”
When Ségolène Finet started mamaNANA, an e-Boutique devoted
What inspired you to start your own business?
to the fashion needs of breastfeeding mothers, many people were
In California, breastfeeding was the norm in my circle, and I happily
doubtful: Why start a breastfeeding clothing company in a country
breastfed my first child. Then back in France, I saw that chic women
that has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe?
did not breastfeed! By providing fashionable nursing lingerie and
clothes, I wanted to break cultural barriers and enable women to
Ms Finet believed that many women wanted to breastfeed their
nurse in style.
babies for the health and emotional benefits, but often felt nervous
about showing “too much skin” in public. With mamaNANA’s tops
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your product
and dresses, women can dress as fashionably as they want, while
from its competitors?
breastfeeding discreetly and comfortably. All of the items look like
You would never guess that our tops and dresses are nursing
regular clothing except for a detail in the cut that enables the baby
clothes, because they are as fashionable as regular clothes.
to easily access the breast.
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
in any way?
When the recession hit, we were worried, but surprisingly, that’s
when our business started growing really fast, so who knows
where we would be if there hadn’t been a recession!
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
business …
… is not to pick a business opportunity just for the money. Select
something you deeply care about.
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Antonio García Allut
Spain
Name of Company
Lonxanet
Business Sector
Fishing, environmental protection
and empowering traditional fishing communities
Year of Business Launch
2001
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.lonxanet.com;
www.fundacionlonxanet.org
Email Address
antonio.garcia.allut@fundacionlonxanet.org
Postal Address
C/Juan de la Cierva 26
15008 A Coruña
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Spain
“ Once you have started there is no way back.
It gives meaning to your life and to the world we live in.”
Lonxanet is transforming the inadequate social, economic and
What inspired me to start my own business …
environmental conditions in which traditional fishing communities
When I was a child, I used to go with my father, who was a doctor,
operate. Lonxanet creates a more efficient link between supply and
to visit the houses of the fishermen on the Galician coast. I could
demand by selling directly to individuals and restaurants all over
see the poor conditions in which they lived. After carrying out a
Spain. Fishermen who participate in Lonxanet are shareholders,
deep analysis of the economic model of our society, I came up with
who not only increase their income, but are encouraged to trans-
a model that could provide solutions to some of the problems in
form from being “fish gatherers” to stewards of the marine environ-
the traditional fishing sector.
ment, managing their resources and guaranteeing sustainability for
future generations. This has led to the establishment of a “Protected
What were your biggest fears when starting your own business?
Maritime Area of Fishing Interest”, which was founded, defined and
My main fear was that the key actors in the project, the fishermen,
regulated by the fishermen themselves.
would not get involved. Secondly, I feared that the project could be
boycotted by key people in the fishing industry. Finally, I was afraid
Antonio García Allut is sharing his model worldwide through
that the administration would not be in favour of the initiative.
RECOPADES, a network of similar traditional fishing communities
in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your product
and service from its competitors?
The whole model is different as its main aim is not about business,
but about social transformation.
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
… in the case of social entrepreneurs, like me, we involve people
to solve local and regional problems and seek a social rather than
a financial benefit for our actions. Our aim is to humanise the
economy.
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Cecilia Hertz
Sweden
Name of Company
Umbilical Design
Business Sector
Space technology transfer and outer space design
Year of Business Launch
2001
SME Support Scheme used
Support from Almi, Innovationsbron and the
Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional
Growth (Tillväxtverket)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.umbilicaldesign.se
Email Address
cecilia.hertz@umbilicaldesign.se
Postal Address
Floragatan 13
114 31 Stockholm
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Sweden
“ Start small, think big and do it with passion!”
One of Umbilical Design’ goals is to facilitate human life by integrat-
What inspired me to start my own business …
ing space materials and technologies into commercial, everyday
When I was a student working with outer space design projects, I
products such as a ski helmet, protective clothing for smelters and
was inspired by the “everything is possible mentality” in the space
equipment for extreme sports. They aim to create interesting syner-
sector.
gies between industries that generate innovative design solutions.
The company is also involved in a project with university students as
What were your biggest obstacles or fears when starting your
part of an effort to bring space technology and business develop-
own business?
ment together to create exciting jobs.
Other people’s mindsets. People told me I couldn’t start a space
design company in Sweden. Even if I am a strong advocate of
Umbilical Design is one of ten companies in Europe that were
listening to other people, I am glad that I didn’t listen on this
chosen to participate in a technology transfer initiative coordinated
occasion!
by the European Space Agency.
In developing your product/service (s), have you been using
any national/regional support schemes/programmes for small
and medium-sized enterprises?
Yes, over the years Umbilical Design has got support for different
innovation projects from Almi and Innovationsbron. For our major
project called “Down to Earth – Commercializing Space Tech-
nologies for a Sustainable Earth”, we are working together with
Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) and have received
support from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional
Growth (Tillväxtverket). We plan to showcase the first sustainable
ideas and concepts based on space technology and materials at
World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
What would you tell another entrepreneur who is faced with a
crisis?
I once heard an artist say, “Change is always positive”. I have
adopted that quote as it helps me to keep things in perspective,
even in a crisis.
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Shefki Idrizi
The former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia
Name of Company
Renova
Business Sector
Materials for the building industry
Year of Business Launch
1997
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.renova.com.mk
Email Address
info@renova.com.mk
Postal Address
s. Dzepciste
1200 Tetovo
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The former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia
“ Nothing is unreachable.”
Renova produces plasters, paints and varnishes of exceptional qual-
The persons who inspired me to start my own business …
ity. All products are naturally based, ecologically-friendly and do not
After years of working in Switzerland, I decided to start my own
contain chemicals that pollute the environment. The products also
business. My parents didn’t want me to stay in Switzerland any
contribute to energy efficiency and remain durable in most extreme
longer, so thanks to them, my final decision was to return home at
climate conditions.
the end of 1991 and to start my business in my native country.
The company uses lime rock from nearby Sharr Mountain as the
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
base for many of its products. Used for building and painting walls
… that entrepreneurs with quality business ideas are essentially
since ancient times, this rock is characterised by its unique white-
the instigators of society’s overall growth.
ness as compared with other types of lime in the region.
My advice to those people who are considering starting their
Renova not only invests in its factories, it also invests in the future of
own business …
the population. In 2005, Renova established a foundation, which
… is to be determined and to believe in their goals, because they
has awarded 94 university students and 65 secondary school stu-
will face many obstacles from the authorities. With persistence,
dents with scholarships.
though, they will achieve their goals.
What would you consider to be the best preparation for
becoming an entrepreneur?
The best teacher is practice – especially in taking risks and clearly
setting goals. Entrepreneurs should have a clear vision as they
strive to reach their goals.
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Umut Karakaş
Germany
Name of Company
DATA 4U – Marketing and Media Research Institute
Business Sector
Marketing / Research / Communication
Year of Business Launch
1997
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.data4u-online.de
Email Address
u.karakas@data4u-online.de
Postal Address
Schwedter Str. 1
10119 Berlin
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Germany
“ I view setbacks as chances,
not as defeats.”
Umut Karakaş is the daughter of a working-class Turkish family
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your service
who migrated to Germany. She first began working at Data4u as
from its competitors?
a research assistant to support herself through university. Being
Data4u is the only market and opinion research institute in Europe
a female from an ethnic minority in a male-dominated sector
that focuses exclusively on the ethnic minority markets (especially
meant that her rise in the company was not easy, yet today she
Turkish, Russian and Polish ones). The work of Data4u builds
owns 50 per cent of the company and is one of its directors.
bridges between cultures, countries and clients.
Since 1991, Data4u Marketing and Media Research Institute have
What were your biggest fears when starting your own business?
provided businesses with the expertise and execution they require
My business was built with a lot of caution and vision, and with our
to gain a competitive advantage. With a team of specialised and
work on ethnic minorities we found the right niche.
diverse staff, Data4u also connects businesses in Germany with
markets in Turkey and vice versa. The service that Data4u provides
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
to businesses is unique, as the company has the data that busi-
business …
nesses need to reach their target markets among ethnic minorities
Achieving success in business is like a menu with a lot of ingredi-
across Europe and Turkey.
ents: creativity, effort, fun, knowledge and the courage to believe
in your own ideas.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
… the joy I have while working and the freedom to make my own
decisions.
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Audrius Kavolis
Lithuania
Name of Company
A. Kavolis Individual Enterprise
Business Sector
Wood processing
Year of Business Launch
1991
SME Support Scheme used
EU Structural Funds
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.drozle.lt
Email Address
kavolis@zebra.lt
Postal Address
A. Kavolio IĮ, Daržinių k.
28420 Utenos raj.
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Lithuania
“ If you dare to dream about something,
you are able to make it come true.”
Audrius Kavolis made and exported furniture until orders dried up in
What inspired me to start my own business …
2009 due to the financial crisis. He decided to look for a new mar-
After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the economy
ket, which led him to design a new style of rabbit hutch, which is
collapsed. I had to find a way to survive, and starting my own busi-
superior to the hutches typically used in Europe. The hutches allow
ness was the solution.
rabbits to breed in a more spacious, humane and sanitary environ-
ment. They have an energy-efficient heating system for northern
What were your biggest fears when starting your own business?
climates, which encourages baby rabbits to grow faster, thus mak-
My greatest fear was the investment risk associated with buying
ing rabbit meat production a viable business for those who use the
equipment and facilities for the new business. I had to invest all of
hutches.
my life savings, because in those days, banking was quite primitive.
The company is making its contribution to sustainable develop-
In developing your product/service(s), have you been using
ment by providing employment to local residents in the rural com-
any national/regional support schemes/programmes for small
munity where its operations are based, as well as supplying locally-
and medium-sized enterprises?
grown rabbit meat, which is a healthier alternative to shop-bought,
In 2008, my company participated in the Local Employment Initia-
mass-produced beef or pork.
tive, using EU Structural Funds administered by the Lithuanian
Labour Exchange. As a result, 8 employees work with safe, modern
wood-working equipment.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
… the complete absence of monotony. There is always something
new to learn, to see and to discover. Each day is different.
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Sedat Kiliç
Turkey
Name of Company
ALSE Makine Pet. Tur. Ins. Ltd. Sti.
Business Sector
Gas Saving Systems for Welding Machines
Year of Business Launch
2007
SME Support Scheme used
Young Entrepreneur Development Programme of
the SME Development Organisation of Turkey
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.alsemakine.com
Email Address
sedat@alsemakine.com
Postal Address
Cevat Dundar Caddesi 17/C
06370 Ostim-Yenimahalle
(Province Ankara)
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Turkey
“ The future has to pass the past;
no innovation will be the last!”
In his second year at TOBB University of Economics and Technology
What were your biggest obstacles when starting your own
(Ankara), Sedat Kiliç established his own company to distribute the
business?
energy efficient, gas-saving system for welding machines which
The main obstacle was my age. Because I was so young, most of
he had developed. With the support of university staff, he was able
the companies I approached did not have confidence in me or my
to upgrade the system to provide gas savings of up to 90 per cent.
ideas.
The system also reduces the amount of harmful gases that workers
inhale while operating the machinery and protects the environ-
Why is entrepreneurship important for society?
ment by stopping harmful gas flows.
Technological progress and labour force are inversely proportional.
For instance, whereas a robot was being produced by 100 workers
The media attention Sedat Kiliç received for his invention created
in 1 month in the past, today it can be produced in 1 day without
huge demand on an international scale. His system is now being
any worker. The increase in the unemployment rate, especially in
used by firms such as FIAT, Hyundai, Mercedes, Renault, Aygaz,
the young population, is the main indicator of this situation. Entre-
Beko and hundreds of other companies with welding operations.
preneurs are important because individuals must contribute to
By 2009, the system had spread to more than 18 countries across
society by creating new labour opportunities through new busi-
Europe, America and Asia.
nesses, which can thus balance the drawbacks of technology.
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Do not be humble when you are thinking. Do not give up on an
idea that you have faith in. Do not lose your amateur spirit.
What would you consider to be the best preparation for
becoming an entrepreneur?
Motivation and belief. We have to realise that the only thing that
we have to lose, is the faith in ourselves.
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Jacob Krogsgaard, Mikael Sloth,
Thomas Luckmann, Jesper Boisen
Denmark
Name of Company
H2 Logic
Business Sector
Fuel cell engines and hydrogen refueling stations
Year of Business Launch
2003
SME Support Scheme used
European and national support schemes, mainly
focusing on energy technology
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.h2logic.dk
Email Address
info@h2logic.dk
Postal Address
Industriparken 34 B
7400 Herning
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Denmark
“ We see no limits, only opportunities!”
Since 2003, H2 Logic has positioned itself as a world leader in sys-
What inspired us to start our own business …
tem and market integration of complete hydrogen fuel cell motive
We started the company during our studies for Business Develop-
power solutions. It is a unique product developed by young engi-
ment Engineering at Aarhus University Herning in Denmark. The
neers that tackles one of the major problems of today and tomor-
huge success of wind turbines in Denmark was very motivating,
row: the emission of greenhouse gases.
and the natural next step for us was to look towards hydrogen.
The basic value proposition is that hydrogen fuel cell systems can
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your product
deliver silent, zero-emission motive power delivery, like batteries,
from its competitors?
while still having the operational range and short refueling time of
Overall, our products are sustainable and enable future independ-
a vehicle with a gasoline-fueled combustion engine.
ence from fossil fuels. As we are a small company, we are also
focused on developing and marketing our products very efficiently
H2 Logic has just entered a clean-tech partnership with Shell on the
due to our limited resources. This gives us a cost advantage com-
development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and stations.
pared to larger companies that may be less efficient.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
… the freedom, and that work really does not feel like work. It is
like having a day where you do what you love.
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
business …
You should start dreaming about what kind of future business you
would want to create. Dreams are the best fuel you can get.
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Eugeniu Lisnic
Romania
Name of Company
SC JirmaN Engineering SRL
Business Sector
Civil engineering, renewable sources of energy
Year of Business Launch
2007
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.woodengine.ro
Email Address
Lisnic_eugeniu@yahoo.com
james@woodengine.com
Postal Address
Victory Avenue 3, no. 39, ap. 40
500222 Brasov
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Romania
“ The real good human being is the one
who could be bad, but wasn’t.” (Nicolae Iorga)
Armed with a civil engineering degree (“Gheorghe Asachi” Univer-
What were your biggest fears when starting your own
sity, Iasi) and a Master’s in Renewable Energy Sources and Environ-
business?
mental Management (“Transilvania” University, Brasov), Eugeniu
My age. I thought that people wouldn’t believe in me because I
Lisnic was still studying when he started his company that focuses
was so young.
on the construction of wooden houses. With only one part time
employee for secretary and without office, he met his first clients in
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
restaurants.
in any way?
The recent economic crisis affected my business, but not my strat-
The benefits of wood-framed houses go beyond aesthetics. The
egy. My strategy is to move forward through any problems and
amount of thermal energy required for a wooden house is sig-
solve them.
nificantly less than what is required for brick or concrete houses.
The materials used are renewable and no toxic waste is produced
What would you tell another entrepreneur who is faced with a
throughout the process. Wood-framed houses also require less
crisis?
time and money to construct. Eugeniu Lisnic’s goal is to construct a
Try to learn as much as you can from more experienced
building that is exclusively powered by renewable sources of energy.
entrepreneurs.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
… putting my thoughts into practice, pleasing my employees and
being pleased with the growth of my business.
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Magdalena Lubińska
Poland
Name of Company
Moho Design Co. Ltd
Business Sector
Interior design
Year of Business Launch
2004
SME Support Scheme used
European Regional Development Fund (Regional
Operational Programme 2007–2013 for Silesian
Region)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.mohodesign.com
Email Address
magda@mohodesign.com
Postal Address
ul. 3-go Maja 24/7
40-095 Katowice
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Poland
“ The only limit is in your mind.”
Magdalena Lubińska was destined to become a lawyer until her
What were your biggest obstacles or fears when starting your
passion for design led her to leave university during her fourth year
own business?
in order to found her own company. Moho Design’s made-to-order
It is difficult for any new brand to succeed, but more so for an
rugs and carpets are made with wool from New Zealand and are
unknown brand from Poland because our country is not yet an
woven using a traditional Polish method. Woven felt is a highly
established design centre.
durable material which retains its resiliency much longer than other
traditional materials. The fibres absorb very little dust and are resist-
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
ant to distortion. Moho Design can customize a woven felt product
in any way?
to the client’s exact specifications according to thickness, density,
We haven’t felt the impact of the crisis. Design is the most impor-
colour, size and blended materials.
tant element of our company’s business strategy. Using an inte-
grated approach to design, Moho doesn’t need to compete based
The company has representation in the UK, Poland, Norway,
on price like other companies.
Germany, Austria and the US. Its unique work was recognised
by Wallpaper* with the Design Award in 2006 in the category
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
of Best Textiles as well as by the Red Dot Award in 2008 in
They play a crucial role in the economy, offering new technologies,
the category of Product Design.
solutions and jobs.
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Follow your intuition, take up the challenges, develop your
passions and be determined in pursuing them.
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Sava Marinković
Serbia
Name of Company
TeleSkin
Business Sector
Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
Year of Business Launch
2007
SME Support Scheme used
Business-Technology Incubator – Innovation grant
(Ministry of Science)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.teleskin.org
Email Address
info@teleskin.org
Postal Address
Ruzveltova str. 1a
11000 Belgrade
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Serbia
“ If you’re not waking up each day trying to change the world,
then find something else to do.”
Using a simple, low-cost procedure, Teleskin helps medical practi-
The person who inspired me to start my own business …
tioners to detect skin cancers and melanoma in its early stages. In
… was my boss and mentor, who said, “Do it, because if you don’t,
the labs and universities of Belgrade, there was promising research
you’ll always ask yourself, ‘What if?’”.
being carried out in this field, but due to events in the recent history
of the country (sanctions, war, turmoil) it was difficult to turn visions
What were your biggest obstacles/fears when starting your
into realities.
own business?
Deciding to start – it was a trade-off between giving up an exciting
Teleskin was developed in Serbia with a team of researchers, doctors
corporate career and trying to realize a vision of something com-
and leading minds in skin analysis and cancer assessment. It is a
pletely new. It was a long road to raising investment capital, full of
completely non-invasive procedure, which is as simple as taking a
doubts at times, but at end, we had a firestorm of investor interest
digital photo of the skin. Teleskin is part of a project supported by
that really started us off.
the Ministry of Science, which is being run in seven clinics across
Serbia with the goal of validating the system. Teleskin combines
In developing your products and services, have you been using
western-style entrepreneurship and experience with local Serbian
any national or regional support programmes?
talent.
Yes, we’ve been part of the Business-Technology Incubator
(www.bitf.rs), for new, high-tech start-ups, which is one of the first
of its kind in Serbia. We also received an innovation grant from
the Serbian Ministry of Science to help with the development and
validation of our results.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
… the excitement around a vision and being part of a great team
that can make that vision into a reality.
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Dr Barry McCleary
Ireland
Name of Company
Megazyme International
Business Sector
Technology
Year of Business Launch
1988
SME Support Scheme used
Two grants through Enterprise Ireland
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.megazyme.com
Email Address
barry@megazyme.com
Postal Address
Bray Business Park
Southern Cross Road
Bray Co Wicklow
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Ireland
“ I love the independence. I get to make my own decisions
and to live with the consequences. My job is my hobby.”
Megazyme International is a global leader in the manufacture and
What were your biggest fears when starting your own
supply of high quality and innovative test technology for the cere-
business?
als, food, feed, fermentation, dairy and wine industries. Megazyme
When I left a secure position as the Principle Research Scientist
has set new standards in Test Technology and now supplies a
with the government, it did cause some concerns. But I knew that
comprehensive list of over 70 diagnostic test kits and over 300 other
hard work, tied in with a few good ideas and a focus on developing
reagents and substrates. Major enzyme manufacturers turn to
products that customers actually need, would lead to success.
Megazyme for reagents for the standardisation of their commercial
products and for enzyme discovery.
In developing your products and services, have you been using
any national or regional support programmes?
In 1988, Barry McCleary started the business in the garage of his
Over the past seven years we have been fortunate to obtain two
family home. Today, as CEO and technical director of Megazyme,
grants through Enterprise Ireland. The first one was a Research
he competes with multinational companies and has an export
Technology Innovation grant, which supported the development
rate of 97%. Megazyme International was named Irish “Innovator
and implementation of a molecular biology division within the
of the Year” at the Small Firms Association National Small Business
company. The second grant, a National Development Programme
Awards 2009.
grant, allowed Megazyme to extend its molecular biology
capabilities.
What would you tell an entrepreneur who is faced with a crisis?
Minimise the possibility of a crisis by taking calculated risks. Stay
calm. Analyse the situation: there is always a solution. Be honest.
My advice to those who are considering starting their own
business is …
Have a business plan. Focus on cash flow. Minimise loans. Be pre-
pared to work hard. Be willing to take a risk – and have the time of
your life.
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Gerrino Mulder, Mike Broers
The Netherlands
Name of Company
Atalanta Sports
Business Sector
Organisation and consultancy in sports; health
and active leisure industries
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
Partly (approx. 30–40% of total revenues) funded
by local and regional government subsidies
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.atalantasports.nl
Email Address
gerrino@atalantasports.nl
Postal Address
Lage Kanaaldijk 112d 9
6212 NA Maastricht
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The Netherlands
“ Heaven starts on earth.”
Just as Jamie Oliver promotes healthy food as sine qua non for a
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your product
healthy society, Gerrino Mulder and Mike Broers do the same with
and service from its competitors?
physical exercise. The goal of Atalanta Sports is to get the inhabit-
Without a doubt, it’s the ethical dimension. In our hearts, we really
ants of Maastricht to exercise in order to curb obesity and other
want to help people become active and healthy in a structured
diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle. Their aim is to create fun
way, so they can enjoy life more. And we are willing to work incred-
and accessible events that people want to be a part of.
ibly hard for that.
Starting in their own region, they coordinated policy-makers,
What were your biggest obstacles/fears when starting your
companies and stakeholders from a diverse range of fields to make
own business?
structured and long-term investments in large community projects
Lots of people doubt entrepreneurs for their pure, good intentions.
that go further than good intentions. Atalanta Sports also wants
For a long time, I have struggled with that. Now that’s finished: I’m
to reach its goal in a socially responsible way: believing that sports
proud of who I am and what I do.
must be financially accessible for all, it has a strong focus on the
lower socio-economic groups and migrants.
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
We are dare-devils! Where others get frightened or depressed by a
situation, we are challenged.
What would you tell another entrepreneur who is faced with a
crisis?
Have faith in yourself. A crisis is a very good source of creativity.
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Lorenzo Mulè Stagno
Malta
Name of Company
Business Marketing Services Ltd (BMS)/
Allied Consultants Ltd (AC)
Business Sector
Advertising and design (BMS); Market research,
management training, business consulting,
EU-funded projects (AC)
Year of Business Launch
1991
SME Support Scheme used
EU Structural Funds
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.bms.com.mt;
www.alliedconsultants.com.mt
Email Address
lms@bms.com.mt
Postal Address
Teomangeo, Triq tal-Hriereb
1671 Msida
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Malta
“ You are what you make of yourself.”
Lorenzo Mulè Stagno started his career as a mathematics teacher in
What was the event that inspired you to start your own
governmental secondary schools, yet today he is the director of the
business?
communications firm Business Marketing Services (BMS).
In 1990, I migrated from a sheltered life in Malta to a large city in
Germany. This adventure lasted for one year, but I learnt many
After living in Germany for a year in the early 1990s, he returned to
lessons from it: not to take things for granted, to feel ok about
Malta to join some friends in opening a publishing and advertising
quitting and failure, not to give up at the first hurdle and to be
agency. Almost a decade later, the company formed a strategic
proactive.
alliance with a business consulting and market research firm called
Allied Consultants (AC). BMS is now a successful niche communica-
In developing your products and services, have you been using
tions firm, which applies marketing theory as well as its know-how
any national or regional support programmes?
for the market.
Being strong believers in consultancy, we obtained free consul-
tancy through European Social Fund (ESF) for the advertising and
Lorenzo’s entrepreneurial experience involved building the manage-
publishing units. We are also in the process of applying for some
ment training unit within AC and launching the Malta Business
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grants for the crea-
School. Being a teacher at heart, he uses both academic and practi-
tion of an e-business portal for our business and management
cal knowledge to give real-life lessons to would-be entrepreneurs
training, and our market research and business consulting units.
and start-up companies.
How to overcome a crisis:
Do not panic, keep your brain working, be creative and try to find
opportunities even in a crisis.
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
You need equal doses of passion and reason. Do not be afraid to
fail and take the plunge.
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Kolbrún Eydís Ottósdóttir
Iceland
Name of Company
Nox Medical
Business Sector
Health technology
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
2006–2008: Government grant of excellence to work
on paediatric sleep diagnostic solutions
2006–2009: Location in Innovation Centre Iceland
2009: Further governmental grants for marketing
and spin-off product development
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.noxmedical.com
Email Address
keo@noxmedical.com
Postal Address
Kim Medical Park Vatnagardar 18
104 Reykjavik
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Iceland
“ It will be tough and require a lot of work and dedication,
but if it is your dream … go for it!”
Nox Medical was founded in Iceland in 2006 by a group of engi-
The event that inspired me to start my own business …
neers, medical professionals and investors with extensive experience
… was when the company I had worked at for a decade ceased
in the field of sleep diagnostics. The mission of the company is to
its operations in Iceland. I regarded this as an opportunity to chal-
develop the next generation of sleep diagnostic systems based
lenge myself and to start a business based on my own skills and
on the latest advancements in the fields of electronics, wireless
vision.
technology and software architecture. Nox Medical’s innovations in
improved sleep diagnostics contribute to better health by making
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
it more simple, efficient and comfortable to diagnose sleep disorder
… the opportunity to improve the quality of life for some of the
breathing in all types of patients, especially children.
millions of people suffering from sleep disorders.
The team used to work for another company, but was fired when
What would you consider to be the best preparation for
the company was relocated to another country. The team then
becoming an entrepreneur?
decided to start up its own company, the mission statement of
Have a clear goal, a good business plan and a good market over-
which is described with the words „Sleep for all”.
view, and learn how to run your business.
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
… they plant the seeds of the future.
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Miguel Pina Martins
Portugal
Name of Company
Science4you
Business Sector
Production of scientific toys; organisation of
animation events
Year of Business Launch
2008
SME Support Scheme used
FINICIA (a start-up programme run by IAPMEI –
Portuguese Institute for SME and Innovation)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.science4you.pt
www.science4you.es
Email Address
info@science4you.pt
Postal Address
Edifício ICAT – Faculdade de Ciências da
Universidade de Lisboa
1749-016 Campo Grande, Lisbon
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Portugal
“ Man is what he makes of himself.”
Science4you is a successful venture between a public university and
In developing your product/service(s), have you been using
entrepreneurs, which combines social responsibility with business
any national/regional support schemes/programmes for small
goals. It began as an initiative by the University of Lisbon to attract
and medium-sized enterprises?
young children to science through the development of scientific
About a dozen financing partners (between students from both
toys. A partnership with ISCTE business school (University Institute
schools and some teachers) joined efforts to make it happen, and
of Lisbon) was formed and a group of students proposed to create a
they got the final impulse by a start-up programme called FINICIA
business out of the activities and products designed.
run by IAPMEI, that encourages micro venture capital operations.
The toys and activities offered by Science4You are innovative,
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
didactic and appreciated by parents, teachers and the children.
… they contribute essential values to society – values that encour-
The partners believe that the products will foster new scientists
age work and values that encourage a better world.
and technology entrepreneurs. All of the nine employees currently
working at Science4You are under 30 and the president of the board
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
is 25 years old.
in any way?
Science4you started selling in the middle of the crisis, so we only
know how to thrive in a crisis.
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Despite the difficulties, never lose your courage, hope and desire
for success.
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Nataša Ratej
Slovenia
Name of Company
Rima LLC
Business Sector
Construction, pre-fabricated houses
Year of Business Launch
1990
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.rima.si
Email Address
natasa.ratej@rima.si
Postal Address
Cesta 30.avgusta 4
1260 Ljubljana Polje
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Slovenia
“ Be true to yourself.”
RIMA LLC offers quality, pre-fabricated houses tailored to the desires
The person and event that inspired me to start my own business …
of the customer. Starting in the 1990s, RIMA was one of the first
My husband and I started the business in 1990 because of our
companies in Slovenia to use pre-fabricated construction, with low-
desire to have our own business and to succeed. After my hus-
ered ceilings and pre-fabricated dry walls. Eventually, RIMA offered a
band’s death in 2004 I took over the business.
complete portfolio of construction services.
What were your biggest fears when starting your own
Its innovation has brought the company significant success in Slov-
business?
enia. One example is RIMA Mobile homes, which are mobile units
Initially that there will not be enough work. Then that I would not
for both leisure and business purposes. Another innovation is Flex-
be able to succeed in a male-dominated industry and have to deal
sys, a system of pre-fabricated facilities which can be constructed
with non-ethical partners.
and enlarged according to the changing needs of the owner.
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
RIMA LLC strives to continue to develop new products based on the
Be persistent, set realistic goals and follow through with a plan.
real needs of customers.
What would you tell an entrepreneur who is faced with a crisis?
Be critical about your own business and be prepared to make
tough decisions in order to keep the company healthy. Adjust
quickly to new circumstances.
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Tzony Siegal
Israel
Name of Company
Non Linear Technology
Business Sector
Medical Devices
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
The Israel incubator system
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.nonlinear-tech.com
Email Address
tzony.s@nlt.co.il
Postal Address
6 Yoni Netanyahu Street
60376 Or Yehuda
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Israel
“ Keep it simple.”
Non Linear Technology (NLT) makes it possible to use a truly mini-
In developing your products and services, have you been using
mally-invasive approach to treating a wide range of lumbar spine
any national or regional support programmes?
degenerative conditions. Their unique design allows for the inser-
The Israel Incubator System.
tion of the various tools and implants into the areas being treated
and curving them once inside.
What would you consider to be the best preparation for
becoming an entrepreneur?
NLT is an excellent example of the market-driving role of techno-
Learn to market your ideas well and to the right investors.
logical innovators. Beginning with their raw idea, a doctor and an
entrepreneur put together a professional team, built a company
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
and created a suite of products that stands at the technological
… the thrill of research and development in all its stages.
forefront of the world’s medical device industry.
Entrepreneurs are important to society because …
… they are ahead of their time and if successful, bring about
changes which result in both social and financial improvements.
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Guy Stamet
Luxembourg
Name of Company
AirFlowControl SA
Business Sector
Ecotechnologies
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.afc.lu
Email Address
guy.stamet@afc.lu
Postal Address
2A, rue de l’Ecole
4394 Pontpierre
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Luxembourg
“ A crisis is just a situation not an ending!”
AirFlowControl is a thermal energy-saving system based on the
The person and event that inspired me to start my own business …
management of the required ventilation and smoke ejection
In 2004, the first time in my career, proud to work for my multina-
openings in elevator shafts. The advantages of this system include
tional employer, I had serious differences on ethical values with my
savings in heating costs and a reduction of CO emissions. There are
General Manager. Luckily I took part in self-development training
2
also positive effects regarding comfort, cleanliness and improved air
on “Decide for yourself – before others do it for you”. I went home –
quality in the rooms adjacent to the elevator levels.
and so I did!
The investment costs per elevator shaft amounts to €2,500, with an
In developing your products and services, have you been using
average return on investment coming in under two years. Field tests
any national or regional support programmes?
have shown that annual savings may exceed €5,000 per elevator
In the beginning, we were scared to share our business idea with
shaft, depending on the dimensions of the shaft and the architec-
anyone to prevent our business model from being copied. This was
ture of the buildings. 5,000 to 10,000 units are expected to be sold in
a mistake. Our research and development could have been more
2010.
efficient and cost-effective if we had sought official support from
existing programmes, which are generally driven by experienced
and available professionals!
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
A good business idea can be the trigger for starting a business. But
the humility, the ongoing internal reflection, as well as the capacity
of the general manager to involve and assist his employees – that
is the key to an ongoing and profitable business!
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
in any way?
Meeting a crisis immediately after our first company’s kickoff was
not a gift. We enforced our strategic orientation to services &
products even stronger linked to energy efficiency. Thus another
three recently created companies are born thanks to opportunities
offered by the crisis.
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Heini Staudinger
Austria
Name of Company
GEA
Business Sector
Footwear and furniture
Year of Business Launch
1980
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.gea.at
Email Address
heini@gea.at
Postal Address
Niederschremserstraße 4
3943 Schrems
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Austria
“ Ever tried, ever failed, does not matter.
Try again, fail again, fail better.” (Samuel Beckett)
GEA was founded at a time when the footwear sector in Europe was
What were your biggest fears when starting your own
already in a crisis. In the last ten years the company has been able
business?
to grow each year, from 12 employees at the beginning to 120 now.
I was naive. I was simply convinced it would work. There was no
This was made possible through fair cooperation, authenticity in
fear at all.
marketing and the establishment of the company’s own distribu-
tion channels, i.e. setting-up shoe shops in a number of bigger
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
cities. Paying special attention to customers’ needs and offering a
in any way?
fully flexible service (e.g. special shoe fits) has lead to the company’s
Since this crisis arose, our business has actually grown by 30%. Our
reputation for high quality products, customers’ trust in their phi-
strategy is still the same. But since the crisis, more and more people
losophy and recognition of GEA’s commitment to add value to the
don’t trust in the global economy – they understand and love our
Waldviertel (Forest Quarter) region.
messages more and more.
Beyond his core business, Heini Staudinger’s interests expand to the
Why are entrepreneurs important for society?
environment with a production site driven 100% from solar energy
Entrepreneurs are only important for society as long as they stay
(100kW). Financed through participative capital from customers;
human. If they do not, then you can see the inhuman results.
it incorporates social responsibility with equitable salaries for his
employees and an initiative for hospitals in Africa (for which he was
What would be your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
able to raise €500.000).
Be conscious of your abilities, and even more important is to know
WHO you are.
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Kath Sutherland
United Kingdom
Name of Company
START (Ability)
Business Sector
Service Provision
Year of Business Launch
1999
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.startability.org.uk
Email Address
start.ability@ntlworld.com
Postal Address
21 Shrewsbury Road, Heaton, Bolton
Lancashire BL1 4NW
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United Kingdom
“ We are, each of us, angels with only one wing;
and we can only fly by embracing one another.” (Luciano de Crescenzo)
START (Ability) enables individuals who were previously socially
The event that inspired me to start my own business …
excluded to access statutory services, employment, leisure facilities,
… was a conversation with my wonderful husband! I was ranting
and in some cases, to start their own businesses. The company
about how unjust it was that disabled people and the people who
helps these individuals make informed decisions by providing
provide day-to-day support for them were not receiving quality
appropriate and accessible information and advice.
services and practical support. He told me that I had better get out
there and fix it!
The founder of START (Ability), Kath Sutherland, has a particularly
insightful knowledge of the issues that affect disabled people, as
In developing your product/service (s), have you been using
she herself is disabled. She works with many other organisations to
any national/regional support schemes/programmes for small
find practical solutions to often very difficult issues.
and medium-sized enterprises?
I sought the advice of the Disabled Entrepreneurs’ Network, who
Among her successful ventures is an Easy Read version of “Setting up
provided me with invaluable information about setting up a busi-
in Business? A Resource Guide for disabled people and their advisors”,
ness as a disabled person. They told me about ways in which I
business consulting and providing training materials and support to
could receive financial help to pay for my support worker and the
disabled people who are organising or managing groups.
assistive technology that I needed to use a computer.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
Knowing that I don’t have to compromise on standards or princi-
ples as START (Ability) is my vision.
What would you tell an entrepreneur who is faced with a crisis?
Don’t give up! Every business goes through rough patches. Success
is finding alternative ways of overcoming the crisis.
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Lotte Tisenkopfa-Iltnere
Latvia
Name of Company
MADARA Cosmetics Ltd.
Business Sector
Cosmetics
Year of Business Launch
2006
SME Support Scheme used
European Social Fund (ESF)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.madara-cosmetics.com
Email Address
info@madara-cosmetics.lv
Postal Address
2 Sampetera street
1046, Riga
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Latvia
“ Do something passionately
and it will bring good results.”
MADARA produces a range of natural and organic cosmetics
What inspired you to start your own business?
using raw materials found in Latvia. The brand has been certified
My passion for a natural lifestyle and my hobby of making organic
according to the international ECOCERT standard, which is more
cosmetics at home led me to start MADARA cosmetics.
rigorous than the conventional regulations governing cosmetics.
This guarantees that there has been a genuine practice of environ-
In developing your products and services, have you been using
mental respect throughout the production process and that natural
any national or regional support programmes?
substances of a superior ecological quality have been sourced.
Yes, we received a small grant from an ESF programme that sup-
Energy-efficient production equipment is used and the packaging is
ports female entrepreneurs. It helped us to buy some laboratory
also environmentally friendly. MADARA has been recognised as the
equipment needed for product development.
greenest enterprise in Latvia.
What would you tell an entrepreneur who is faced with a crisis?
Just three years after launching, the products are being sold in 23
Evaluate what the needs in the market are. Talk to people and
countries worldwide (not only EU countries, but also Mexico, Japan,
monitor the situation carefully.
Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine, etc.). And in 2010
MADARA plans to also start co-operation with USA, Russia and China.
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
… being a creative and positive person.
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Igor Tjurin
Estonia
Name of Company
Audes LLC
Business Sector
Electronic devices
Year of Business Launch
1992 (predecessor from 1935)
SME Support Scheme used
Product development programme by EAS
(Enterprise Estonia)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.audes.ee
Email Address
audes@estpak.ee
Postal Address
Pae street 3a,
41533 Jõhvi
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Estonia
“ The first half of your life you work for reputation;
the second half of your life, reputation works for you.”
Audes LLC produces high-quality electronic devices, with a focus
The event that inspired me to start my own business …
on speakers in all shapes and sizes. The company’s approach goes
… was the collapse of the Soviet Union and the declaration of
beyond quality, by striving to capture the very essence and impor-
Estonian independence. At the same time, the lack of knowledge
tance of sound and the thoughts it provokes. Ultimately Audes’ goal
of how the rules of sales and marketing worked in a capitalist
is to recreate the sounds of nature and, in just one listen, to deliver
system was quite a challenge.
the harmony of life through the richness of sounds. The company
does not just aim to improve sound, it aims to improve listeners.
What is the specific quality that distinguishes your product
and service from its competitors?
Although it is a quite small company by EU standards, with 63
If a customer has a quality issue, we fix it as fast as possible and
employees and 25 million Estonian kroons (ca. €1.6million) turnover
do it at our own expense. We prefer to lose money rather than our
in 2009 (previously, it has been higher), the company has found
reputation.
many “exotic” markets for export. For example they sell speakers in
Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Norway, Kuwait, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
What would you tell another entrepreneur who is faced with a
Taiwan, Yemen, the USA, Ukraine and most of the EU countries.
crisis?
You should believe in yourself, and reinforce that with more per-
sistent work.
What is your advice to those who are considering starting their
own business?
You should understand that once you start your own business, you
will have the cruellest employer – yourself.
69
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Silje Vallestad
Norway
Name of Company
Bipper Communication
Business Sector
Mobile Communication
Year of Business Launch
2007
SME Support Scheme used
Innovation Norway and Incubator programme
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.bipper.com
Email Address
post@bipper.no
Postal Address
Thormøhlensgate 51
5006 Bergen
70
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Norway
“ Of course I can do it!”
When Silje Vallestad realised that her young children would soon be
What inspired me to start my own business …
using mobile phones, she wanted to find a way to ensure that they
One day my six-year-old neighbour showed me her mobile phone. I
would be safe while using them. The lack of existing options led her
was shocked that kids at this age were mobile phone users. Realising
to establish Bipper Communication, which develops software solu-
that my daughter would soon want her own, I looked for a solution to
tions for making mobile phones safer and better adapted for use by
ensure that she would be safe when using one. When I couldn’t find a
children. Its services are web-based and target parents. Through an
solution that I liked, I had to make it myself – so I started Bipper!
easy-to-use online administration portal, parents can define and set
limits on how their young children use their mobile phones. Parents
What were your biggest obstacles or fears when starting your own
can also equip phones with a safety alarm and locate the phone
business?
(and their child) through online mapping.
When founding Bipper, I had no knowledge of either technology or
telecommunications. All I had was a vision of the product I wanted for
Through its Do Good Foundation, Bipper Communication is also
my young family and myself, but I did not know whether it would be
willing to involve, empower and enable children and young people
possible to make it. I really started from scratch and needed to fight my
to participate in creating a safer and better world.
way forward. Giving up a secure and well-paid job was tough, but I had
to go for it 100 per cent.
In developing your product and service(s), have you been using
any support schemes for small- and medium-sized enterprises?
Yes. Innovation Norway has been a great support. In addition, our
company has been located in an incubator for the first two years,
providing a great network and advisory services right next door.
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy in
any way?
The recent recession forced Bipper to turn away from the capital-inten-
sive development of its own Bipper-Mobile to instead focus on devel-
oping an innovative software solution. This change of focus turned out
to be positive as it minimized our capital binding. We were however
close to bankruptcy several times. It was really tough!
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Linda Vavříková
Czech Republic
Name of Company
Allegria – Company for experiences
Business Sector
Services
Year of Business Launch
2004
SME Support Scheme used
None
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.darky-jsou-zazitky.cz
Email Address
kontakt@firmanazazitky.cz
lv@firmanazazitky.cz
Postal Address
Nad Petruskou 63/1
120 00, Prague 2
72
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Czech Republic
“ Be stubborn
and believe in your product.”
The Allegria company arranges various kinds of unconventional
What were your biggest obstacles when starting your own
experiences – such as cultural or sport events, gastronomic or well-
business?
ness services, or even adrenalin kicks – which can be presented as
Bureaucracy. I hate papers …
gifts to individuals and corporate clients.
In developing your services, have you been using any support
While still at University, Linda Vavříková started her business at
programmes for SMEs?
the end of 2004, after realising that choosing gifts for relatives and
The Czech Chamber of Commerce helped us to gain ISO 9001:2001.
friends was often quite difficult. She realised that similar business
models already existed in western countries and decided to develop
Has the recent economic crisis affected your business strategy
this idea in Czech and Slovak Republics. It can be said that she and
in any way?
her staff have actually created this market segment in both coun-
Yes, people started to buy cheaper experiences and we had less
tries. Later she was awarded as the Czech Starting-up Businessper-
B2B clients last year. It changed at the end of the year, Christmas
son of the Year 2008.
was a real success.
The best publicity for Allegria is having satisfied clients talk about
For me, the best thing about being an entrepreneur is …
their adventures to others, and the company is now able to offer a
… my liberty to decide.
large range of experiences based on the client’s expectations.
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Mimoza Vojka Emanuels
Albania
Name of Company
SAM Ltd.
Business Sector
Custom Sportswear Manufacturer
Year of Business Launch
1993
SME Support Scheme used
USAID (United State Agency for International Development),
Albinvest (Albanian Agency for Business and Investment)
ANE (previous Agency for Export Promotion),
GTZ (Agency for Technical Cooperation),
BAS (Business Advisory Services)
Age Range
-20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
Number of Employees in 2009
2–50
50–100 100–150 150–200 200–250
Company Website
www.samwear.eu
Email Address
info@samwear.eu
Postal Address
Rruga siri kodra
Ish blloku magazinave
0000 Tirana
74
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Albania
“ Know how to do and know how to serve.”
After working for the same client for 15 years, Sam Ltd. was forced
What were your biggest obstacles when starting your own
to make 50 workers redundant as the client was hit by the financial
business?
crisis and could no longer order sufficient quantities to keep our
As one of the first private businesses in Albania, we always had –
personnel fully occupied. The company had started a customised
and occasionally still have – to travel unknown roads filled with
sportswear line some five years ago and had invested in all the
obstacles big and small. But, never fear – it’s just a road!
necessary new machinery, while buying and stocking all the fabrics,
accessories and other consumables.
How has the recent economic crisis affected your business
strategy?
It has now established this line to a capacity of ca. 400 pieces per
After 15 years, we had to make redundancies in our business
day with a workforce of 30 operators. All the garments can be
because of insufficient orders. The workforce was therefore
different, there are no minimum quantities for any order, and the
decreased in February 2009 and focus was put on investing and
clients have no restrictions in the design and use of colours. Despite
selling ready-made garments, which resulted in a 10% increase in
having made two-thirds of her workforce redundant, Mimoza Vojka
turnover for that year.
Emanuels expects their turnover to increase by ca. 30% this year,
and for next year to see a further increase of 50%.
My advice to other entrepreneurs …
Keep things simple, focus, and keep going.
Entrepreneurs are important to society, because …
Along with creating work, we also support personal and social
development.
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For more information:
EUROPEAN SME WEEK 2010: http://ec.europa.eu/sme-week
EUROPEAN SMALL BUSINESS PORTAL: http://ec.europa.eu/small-business
FUNDING FOR SMES: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/finance/index_en.htm
More information on the European Union is available on the Internet
(http://europa.eu).
Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.
European Commission –
DG Enterprise and Industry
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Union, 2010
ISBN 978-92-79-14667-1
2010 – 80pp. – 29.7 x 21 cm
DOI 10.2769/4557
© European Union 2010
Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
Printed in Germany
Printed on elemental chlorine-free bleached paper (ECF)
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How to obtain EU publications
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and/or ISBN number;
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You can obtain their contact details on the Internet
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to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed.
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C
http://ec.europa.eu/sme-week
NB-80-09-173-EN-
This publication is financed under the Competitiveness
and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), which aims
to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises.
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