The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Aleksandar Milojević, co-founder of the Villa Dedinje Business Lounge concept, who greeted attendees and invited them to enjoy an evening of networking and conversation in the unique setting of the villa garden.

A special note of gratitude goes out to Her Excellency Michelle Cameron, Ambassador of Canada to Serbia. In her address, Ambassador Cameron emphasized the importance of the newly introduced direct flight between Belgrade and Toronto, highlighting its potential to further strengthen economic, business, and people-to-people connections between the two countries. Her continued support, together with that of the Embassy of Canada in Serbia, contributes significantly to fostering closer bilateral relations and supporting initiatives that bring the Canadian and Serbian business communities together.

Also, a special thank you goes to Air Serbia, and Mr. Željko Stojčić, Head of Trade, Corporate and Charter Sales, who also addressed the guests, highlighting the successful partnership between Air Serbia and CANSEE and emphasizing the importance of strengthening connectivity between Serbia and international markets.

Mirjana Dončić, Managing Director of CANSEE, welcomed guests on behalf of the association and presented special recognition awards to three long-standing members for their outstanding dedication, active participation and valuable contribution to CANSEE: Contango d.o.o, DPM Avala and RB Global/Stara Sokolova.

Ms. Dončić also expressed sincere thanks to the sponsors whose support helped make the event possible: DPM Avala, Envico, Unija ETL Accounting, MVJ Law Office, Cargo-partner, Walk Legal, Semos Education, Enel PS, Façade Engineering, Mijatović & Providžalo Law Office, Apatinska Brewery, and Stara Sokolova.

The CANSEE Salmon Business Dinner continues to serve as a valued gathering of the Canadian-Serbian business community, providing an opportunity to celebrate shared successes, strengthen professional relationships, and look toward future collaboration between the two countries.

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Developed by Ivey Business School at Western University in Ontario and implemented in Serbia through CANSEE, The LEADER Project continues to empower the next generation of Serbian entrepreneurs by providing practical learning opportunities, mentorship, and valuable international perspectives.

The program officially opened on May 4, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey for this year’s participants. Throughout the following two weeks, participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and educational visits designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and leadership capabilities while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

On May 6, participants visited the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, where they gained valuable insights into the importance of intellectual property protection for entrepreneurs and innovators. Through discussions with experts, they learned about trademarks, patents, copyrights, and the role intellectual property plays in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.

The following day, on May 7, participants visited NALED, one of Serbia’s leading organizations dedicated to improving the business environment and supporting economic development. The visit provided valuable perspectives on public-private cooperation, regulatory reform, and initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping participants better understand the broader ecosystem in which businesses operate.

On May 8, the group visited Ložionica, where they were hosted by Fabrika inovacija. During the visit, participants attended a presentation by Tadej Kurepa, who shared valuable insights into Serbia’s startup ecosystem and the opportunities available to emerging entrepreneurs. The session offered a deeper understanding of innovation, startup development, and the growing entrepreneurial landscape in Serbia.

As the program approached its conclusion, participants had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Canada to Serbia on May 14, together with their instructors from Ivey Business School at Western University. The visit served as an opportunity to reflect on their experiences throughout the program, discuss the skills and knowledge they had acquired, and present the innovative business ideas they had been developing in preparation for the final pitch competition. The gathering highlighted the strong partnership between Canada and Serbia in supporting youth entrepreneurship and leadership development.

The program culminated on May 15 with an exciting final pitch competition, where participants presented innovative business concepts developed throughout the program. Demonstrating creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, the teams impressed both mentors and judges with the quality of their ideas and presentations.

This year’s instructors — Stuart Morton, Evelyn Tran, Robbie Morris, and Ethan Won played a key role in guiding participants throughout the program, helping them refine their entrepreneurial skills and transform ideas into viable business concepts.

The first prize in the pitching competition was awarded to Fit Fridge, whose business concept stood out among a highly competitive field of participants. In addition, several special awards were presented to recognize outstanding individual and team contributions:

• Best Team Chemistry: HeyT Team
• Top Speaker: Milana Petković
• Top Contributor: Nikola Filipović
• Most Initiative: Milan Miljković

While the official program concluded on May 15, its impact extends far beyond the closing ceremony. The knowledge gained, connections established, and ideas developed throughout the program represent the beginning of many promising entrepreneurial journeys for this year’s participants.

CANSEE extends its sincere gratitude to all partners, supporters, and sponsors whose continued commitment makes The LEADER Project possible. Special thanks go to Ivey Business School at Western University, The LEADER Project, the Embassy of Canada to Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, NALED, the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, Fabrika inovacija, Apollo Graphic, DVS, and all organizations and individuals who contributed to another successful edition of the program.

As we celebrate the success of the 11th edition of The LEADER Project Serbia, we look forward to witnessing the future achievements of this remarkable group of young leaders and entrepreneurs and continuing to create opportunities that inspire innovation, leadership, and business excellence.

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Generalna skupština započeta je rečima dobrodošlice gospođe Mirjane Dončić-Beaton, izvršne direktorke CANSEE. Ona je izrazila svoju iskrenu zahvalnost na podršci i uspešnoj saradnji svim CANSEE članovima, kao i Upravnom odboru CANSEE. Članovi CANSEE usvojili su finansijski izveštaj za 2025. Godinu.

Nakon Generalne skupštine, sledio je Biznis Koktel, kome je prisustvovalo preko 80 uvaženih gostiju. Ovaj događaj ljubazno su sponzorisali DPM Avala, jedan od cenjenih CANSEE osnivača, kao i premium član CANSEE, Zlatna Reka Resources. U prelepom ambijentu PTT muzeja gosti su imali izuzetnu priliku da stvaraju nove poslovne kontakte ali i osnaže postojeće, uz bogat i elegantno poslužen kokteli. Gosti su takođe bili u prilici da, u pratnji izuzetnog interaktivnog izlaganja dva kustosa, obiđu celokupan prostor PTT muzeja i upoznaju se sa impresivnom zbirkom poštanskih i telekomunikacionih predmeta, kao i umetničkih dela, korišćenih u toku 186 godina postojanja Pošte Srbije, kao što je naglasio direktor PTT Muzeja, gospodin Marko Jelić.

Gospođa Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, izvršna direktora CANSEE, istakla je prošla godina bila veoma značajna za kanadsko-srpske odnose, posebno zbog uvođenja direktnog leta između Beograda i Toronta nakon više od 30 godina, što dodatno jača ekonomsku saradnju i trgovinske i kulturne veze između dve zemlje. Podsetila je i da ove godine obeležavamo 85 godina diplomatskih odnosa Srbije i Kanade, a tim povodom biće odobrena i personalizovana poštanska marka, što je usluga koju pruža Srbija Marka, u okviru Pošte Srbije.

Takođe je gospođa Dončić-Beaton naglasila da je CANSEE već 10 godina ponosni nosilac prestižnog LEADER Projekta, mini-MBA programa realizovanog u saradnji sa Privrednom komorom Srbije i Ivey Poslovnom školom Univerziteta Zapadnog Ontaria. Najavila je i 11. izdanje LEADER projekta koji će ove godine biti održan od 4. do 15. maja, uz poziv kompanijama da nominuju svoje zaposlene. Takođe je naglasila da je razlog uspeha CANSEE kao poslovnog udruženja kontinuiran rad na promociji poslovnih i kulturnih odnosa između naše dve prijateljske zemlje, Kanade i Srbije.

Izvršna direktorka gospođa Dončić-Beaton se izrazito zahvalila Pošti Srbije i PTT Muzeju što su nam omogućili da ovaj prestižni godišnji događaj održimo baš u muzeju, a posebno u ovoj godini kada slavimo važan jubilej 85 godina diplomatskih odnosa.

Gostima se obratio i gospodin Marko Jelić, direktor PTT muzeja. Zahvalio se svima na dolasku i pozvao goste da uživaju u obilasku prostorija muzeja. Gospodin Jelić je takođe naglasio da se svake prve subote u mesecu za decu uzrasta od 6-10 godina održava dečija radionica “Poštanski satić”, gde deca mogu napisati i poslati pismo svojim voljenima.

Generalna skupština i Biznis Koktel bili su veoma uspešno održani, pružajući kvalitetan i elegantan ambijent i bogatu izložbu PTT muzeja, kao i lepu priliku za ostvarivanje novih poslovnih poznanstava i povezivanje.

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The General Assembly opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, Executive Director of CANSEE. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the continued support and successful cooperation of all CANSEE members, as well as the CANSEE Board of Directors. The members adopted the Financial Report for the year 2025.

Following the General Assembly, a Business Reception was held, attended by more than 80 distinguished guests. The event was kindly sponsored by DPM Avala, one of CANSEE’s esteemed founders, as well as by CANSEE Premium Member Zlatna Reka Resources. In the beautiful setting of the Postal Museum, guests had an exceptional opportunity to establish new business connections and further strengthen existing ones, accompanied by an elegant cocktail and selection of refreshments. Guests were also invited to tour the entire museum space through an engaging interactive presentation led by two curators, discovering an impressive collection of postal and telecommunications artifacts, as well as works of art used throughout the 186-year history of the Post of Serbia, as highlighted by Mr. Marko Jelić, Director of the Postal Museum.

Ms. Mirjana Dončić-Beaton emphasized that the past year was particularly significant for Canadian-Serbian relations, especially with the introduction of the direct Belgrade-Toronto flight after more than 30 years, further strengthening economic cooperation as well as trade and cultural ties between the two countries. She also reminded guests that this year marks the 85th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Canada. On this occasion, a personalized postage stamp will be issued, a service provided by Srbija Marka within Pošta Srbije.

She further highlighted that CANSEE has proudly led the prestigious LEADER Project for the past ten years, a mini-MBA program implemented in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Ivey Business School at Western University. She announced the 11th edition of the LEADER Project, which will take place from 4 to 15 May this year, inviting companies to nominate their employees. She underlined that CANSEE’s success as a business association stems from its continuous work on promoting business and cultural relations between our two friendly countries, Canada and Serbia.

Ms. Dončić-Beaton extended special thanks to Pošta Srbije and the Postal Museum for enabling CANSEE to host this prestigious annual event at the Museum, particularly in a year when we celebrate the important milestone of 85 years of diplomatic relations.

Mr. Marko Jelić, Director of the Postal Museum, also addressed the guests. He thanked everyone for attending and invited them to enjoy touring the museum. He additionally noted that on the first Saturday of every month, the children’s workshop “Poštanski satić” is organized for children aged 6-10, where they can write and send letters to their loved ones.

The General Assembly and Business Cocktail were successfully held, offering a refined and elegant setting, the rich exhibition of the Postal Museum, and an excellent opportunity for meaningful networking and the strengthening of business connections.

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The event, co-hosted by Ambassador Michelle Cameron and CANSEE, gathered more than 100 guests and offered an excellent opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements and future plans. During the remarks, it was highlighted that this direct route represents not only improved connectivity but also an important boost for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the welcome speeches, we heard:

• H.E. Michelle Cameron – She emphasized her expectations for even stronger economic and trade results in 2026, noting the impressive 80% growth in bilateral trade during the first eight months of the year, along with significant increases in both Serbian and Canadian exports.
• Jiří Marek, Air Serbia – He highlighted that establishing the direct route to Toronto marks a historic milestone after 34 years, significantly enhancing economic, business, and cultural ties, while also facilitating travel for the Serbian diaspora and the entire region.
• Nevena Jovanović, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – She stated that the Belgrade–Toronto direct route is an exceptional achievement that will further strengthen the ties between Serbia and Canada, rooted in long-standing friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

The festive atmosphere at the Embassy of Canada provided guests with a warm setting to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy delightful food and drinks.

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The evening began with a warm welcome from Aleksandar Milojević, co-founder of the Villa Dedinje Business Lounge concept. As host, he greeted guests and wished them a beautiful evening at this unique private club setting.

A special note of gratitude goes to Her Excellency Michelle Cameron, Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, for her presence and support. Ambassador Cameron addressed the guests, speaking about building bridges between Canada and Serbia through science, diplomacy, and collaboration. Her continued support, along with that of the Embassy of Canada in Serbia, brings immense value to this event and the ongoing relationship between the two countries.

Mirjana Dončić, Managing Director of CANSEE, welcomed the guests and had the honor of presenting special recognition awards to two members who have made outstanding contributions to the association over the years: Walk Legal and Envico.

Ms. Dončić also extended sincere thanks to the sponsors who made the evening possible:

DPM Avala, Walk Legal, Elektrometal, Unija Smart Accounting, cargo-partner, Innomotics, Sobotec, Envico, and Stara Sokolova.

Special thanks were given to the beverage sponsors for providing a fine selection of drinks, including Apatinska pivara with their renowned beer and new Aspall cider, and Tabarka Džin and Gordana Simeunović, who presented a premium gin infused with four distinct flavors.

Guests enjoyed a refined salmon dinner accompanied by an array of exquisite side dishes and salads, along with a carefully selected range of drinks. The atmosphere was relaxed and elegant, and guests expressed their appreciation for both the culinary experience and the sense of connection that defines this event.

The CANSEE Salmon Business Dinner continues to be a meaningful occasion that celebrates the spirit of partnership and community among the Canadian-Serbian business network.

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The LEADER Project Serbia is proudly sponsored by CANSEE Canada-Serbia Business Association and Ivey Business School, Western University, Canada, with valuable support from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of Canada in Serbia.

This year, Ivey Business School instructors Coby Harvey, Katerina Pankhurst, Mike Hockin, Ugonwa Echendu, and Sherry Yang led the participants through a comprehensive series of workshops and mentorship sessions, helping them fine-tune their entrepreneurial strategies and business models.

The final pitch competition was the highlight of the event, where participants presented their ideas to the judges who faced a tough decision in selecting the top business pitches.

The Top Three Business Pitches were awarded as follows:

1. Željko Pelević
2. Bojan Stanković, Gordana Stanković, and Katarina Zec
3. Jana Petrović and Milijana Miodanić Manojlović

In addition to the top business pitches, several special awards were presented to recognize the exceptional contributions of individual participants:

• Top Contributor: Maja Bjelanović
• Success Spotlight: Ivala Ilić
• Outstanding Health Innovation: Katarina Milošević
• Most Dynamic Presentation: Tara Radulović and Ksenija Komatina
• Dark Horse Award: Milan Stojadinović

The judges were impressed by the level of innovation, creativity, and passion demonstrated by the participants, which made the selection process particularly challenging.

The success of this year’s LEADER Project Serbia would not have been possible without the support of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Embassy of Canada, and long-time partners NALED, Apolo Printing, DVS, and all CANSEE members. Their continued involvement is integral to the growth of this program.

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