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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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 opening speech was held by Ms. Mirjana Doncic who welcomed the guests and thanked Teknoxgroup for their generous support and initiative to host such a wonderful humanitarian event. She stated that CANSEE has been working with its members since 2014 to boost economic relations between Canada and Serbia, and believe that solidarity and philanthropy are an integral part of a better and more responsible life for all members of the community.

This Ice Skatting networking event was opportunity to our hardworking members, partners, friends and their children to skate for humanitarian purpose.
All proceeds gathered during the event will be donated to the Association of Single Parents and Families of Children with disabilities “Blue Shell”.
CANSEE with this type of event multiplies business communications, promotes the city of Belgrade and Serbian-Canadian bilateral relations as well as corporate socially responsible practices of our valuable members that support families with additional needs.

Thank you all for coming and we hope that you had a great time in the winter wonderland or by the side with hot chocolate or tea.
CANSEE hopes that this will become our yearly tradition and that we will inspire others to follow our path.
#teknoxgroup #canada #serbia #donatetocharity #thankyou #plavaskoljka #blueshell #ice #greatday #goodvibes

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Wonderful artist Ljiljana Burčul, Lilium Stellam Art kindly donated an astonishing painting on silk, named “Victory” that is available for purchase, starting price is 3000 EUR, proceeds from the sale of this beautiful art piece will be forwarded to HRH Crown Princess Katherine foundation for the children.
Sale of the art piece is open till the 25th of December 2023. Please come forward with your generous heart and purchase this beautiful painting as it’ll bring many more smiles to children’s faces and to filling their hearts with love and happiness for Christmas.
Special thank you to providers of the security of the event G4S and Limo Service Mios.

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Successful reconstruction of the former Novkabel production hall led to, what is now a modern business premise with a carbon neutral footprint, that incorporates unique Schneider Electric solutions, powered from renewable sources. This will ensure work comfort and functionality.

The grand opening was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, the Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović, the Minister of Information and Telecommunications, Mihailo Jovanović, the French Ambassador to Serbia, Pierre Cochard, as well as numerous guests, company representatives, and prominent figures from the Serbian business and public spheres.

During the opening of the InGrid offices, a contract that will ensure the improvement of the distribution network in Serbia was signed. Schneider Electric will be a partner in the state project for the modernization and automation of the medium-voltage electricity distribution network in Serbia. The project will significantly enhance the reliability of electricity supply to end consumers and it will improve the efficiency of power delivery management, while reducing power outages for end consumers technical losses in the energy system.

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More than 60 people attended the event, including our guests of honor H. E. Giles Norman, Ambassador of Canada to Serbia and NALED Managing Bodies, Assembly, Boards and Committees.

Mirjana Dončić Beaton, CANSEE Managing director, thanked the guests for coming and wished them a warm welcome to this significant networking event.

H. E. Giles Norman stressed out the importance of networking, not only among the companies, but the countries as well. He congratulated CANSEE on a job well done.

Igor Vukasinovic, as the director of Apatinska pivara and a member of the management board of NALED, addressed the guests with a welcome speech and wished them a pleasant evening, enjoying great food, premium drinks and a beautiful terrace.

Vladimir Marinkovic also welcomed the attendees in front of the Hotel Indigo.

We would like to kindly thank our valuable sponsors who made this evening possible: Unija Smart Accounting, cargo-partner, Apatinska pivara, Dundee Precious Metals, Stara sokolova and Indigo hotel.

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She shared her rich experience and expertise with the attendees, helping them gain insights into the importance of effective crisis management strategies. The lecture focused on key elements of crisis management, including timely response, transparency, stakeholder collaboration, and reputation preservation.

The workshop breakfast provided an excellent opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and experiences on how to prepare for potential crisis situations. We believe that collective engagement in building strong relationships and sharing knowledge is crucial during challenging times.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the significance of this event, and we look forward to future opportunities to create even greater success together.

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BD2P’s employment team represented by Vuk Drašković and Miloš Andrejević gave a thoughtful insight into compliance with the labor regulations of Serbia, focusing on the Labor Law, and a general compliance with the labor-related regulations of Serbia in the various areas such as harassment at work, whistleblowing, safety and health at work, data protection, etc.

We would like to thank the BD2P law office for their hospitality and cooperation.

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Ms. Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, Managing Director of CANSEE Association, greeted those present and expressed great satisfaction that the project is being organized again. She thanked Ivey Business School for their trust and stated that it is one of the most prestigious business schools, which has been organizing this MBA project in developing countries since 1991 for young entrepreneurs who want to start their own business and acquire the necessary skills in finance, marketing, communication, management, human resources. She also thanked the members of the association as well as the hardworking partners who recognized the importance and benefits of this educational program.

Mr. David Morgan, Counsellor (Political) & Deputy Head of Mission, welcomed the participants and Canadian lecturers and congratulated the CANSEE Association on the successful continuation of the LEADER project and on its excellent organization.

He cordially thanked all project partners, organizers, participants as well as Canadian lecturers who have come a long way to share their knowledge.

Ms. Ivana Kovačević, head of the Department for Education, addressed the audience in front of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

The ten-day program involves 38 participants, mostly young entrepreneurs from various fields – information technology, marketing, economics, design, mining and geology, and others.

The focus of the ten-day intensive course will be the acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge important for the development of entrepreneurship, and the participants will independently and in groups create and present their own business plans. It is designed in the form of workshops in the style of MBA programs, specially prepared in relation to the profile of the participants to enable them to successfully develop their business ideas.

The partners of the LEADER Project Serbia 2023 are Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Embassy of Canada in Serbia.

The event is sponsored by Schneider Electric, Teknoxgroup Serbia, Apatin Brewery, Delta Holding, Contango Rudnik, Dundee Precious Metals, Stara sokolova, Walk Legal , Zlatna reka resources, Bojović, Drašković, Popović & Partners.

And the project was supported by Division Visual Solutions, NALED, eKapija, ICT Hub and Apollo Digital Printing.

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The Association of business women in Serbia presented the award “Success Flower” to the best women entrepreneurs in Serbia at the Opera & Theatre Madlenianum.

The best companies are also recognized, for applying socially responsible business strategies as well as principles of gender equality and providing the best model for the inclusion of women in supply chains, and are presented with the award – “Most Gender Sensitive CSR Model“.

This year, 3 awards for the most gender-sensitive company were awarded to Schneider Electric (1st place), Erste Bank AD (2nd), and Nestlé Adriatic d.o.o. (3rd).

We are proud to see that our valuable member Schneider Electric is being recognized for its efforts to put into effect goal 5 of the 17 Global Goals – Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. They include as many as 10 women in the supply chain. They support women in IT through many activities and also encourage girls to choose IT-related fields, among other things, through the years-long support of International Girls in ICT Day, marked by the Association of Business Women in Serbia for the past 12 years.

In Serbia, they operate with two entities – Schneider Electric Serbia and Schneider Electric DMS NS based in Novi Sad, which is a unique research and development center for Smart GRID solutions. It is especially devoted to the development and delivery of its main product, ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System)

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