SBA was founded in 1993 by a common initiative of the European Union and the Government of the Slovak Republic. Its founders are the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia, and Slovak Association of Crafts.
The mission of the SBA is to provide complex assistance to entrepreneurs, support their business at national, regional, and local levels, and strengthen the competitiveness of entrepreneurs within the EU common market and in non-EU markets.
OUR STORY
All services provided by the SBA are free of charge for clients. Future entrepreneurs or SMEs have a choice of different types of services depending on the form of assistance they need—professional seminars, multi-day courses, individual counseling, mentoring, incubator, coworking, participation in international events and courses, Creative Point technology workshop, process audit, etc. They can also receive financial support in the form of micro-loans. A special form of support is also mapping and analyzing the business environment or the regulatory framework affecting entrepreneurship in Slovakia and presenting the results.
SUPPORT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP (NON-ENTREPRENEURS)
Those interested in entrepreneurship can participate in dozens of events throughout the year across Slovakia. The events focus on interesting topics related to starting a business. They can request consultations with an expert on topics they need to address, be part of an Accelerator, get a place in Coworking, network with each other and with experts, and gain know-how from mentors that they can apply in the real business world.
Creatives will find their place in Creative Point. Every month, creative discussions and hands-on workshops are organized. Participants will learn how to work with graphic software, create handmade items, or operate new technologies.
The first step towards entrepreneurship is a visit to the Front Office Client Centres in regional towns in Slovakia, where expert staff will guide them and introduce them to the full portfolio of services.
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SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTREPRENEURS
Entrepreneurs may encounter various challenges on their journey, and the SBA offers events, seminars, and workshops on current business topics to help them overcome these challenges. They can learn about entrepreneurship, meet successful people, hear their stories, and gain insights from experienced lecturers. Entrepreneurs can also attend international events at the EU level or send their employees to training courses.
The Incubator—both physical and virtual—helps entrepreneurs under three years old to survive in the market. Each member of the physical incubator receives not only a venue for their business but also a package of support services. Entrepreneurs can also work on their business projects at Creative Point.
Consultancy services are also very popular. Once the application is approved, entrepreneurs can consult individually with an expert on selected topics for 10 or 80 hours. The consultancy is tailored to the client’s needs and can also be used by entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond Slovakia, supported by SBA’s role in internationalisation. SBA is a member of the Enterprise Europe Network, a global network that helps small businesses maximize their opportunities in the European marketplace.
This year, SBA introduced a new service that allows entrepreneurs to carry out a process audit, which helps evaluate and recommend improvements to specific processes in a company.
SUPPORTING FAMILY BUSINESS
SBA provides valuable support to family businesses, offering advice, information, and expert assistance on succession planning, generational change, and preparing for the transfer of ownership.
SUPPORTING START-UPS, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY
Startup Sharks is an initiative designed to increase the chances of innovative business ideas and plans succeeding in the market. Startup Sharks offers three services: (a) arranging participation in domestic or international events focused on innovation and technology, (b) providing mentoring for innovative product development, and (c) offering internships in world-class science and technology centers.
SUPPORT FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION
A grant scheme was launched in 2021 to support entrepreneurial education. The aim is to reward projects that build entrepreneurial skills among kindergarten pupils, students, graduates, and teaching staff.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
SBA offers micro-loans to entrepreneurs on favorable terms, addressing the problem of access to finance for small and start-up businesses. The loans, ranging from EUR 2,500 to 50,000, are designed to finance investment and operating needs. The repayment period is set at 6 months to 4 years, with a deferred repayment option for start-up entrepreneurs.
SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
SBA monitors and analyzes the business environment, focusing on reducing the regulatory burden on SMEs and improving conditions for business in Slovakia. This includes cooperation with international institutions such as the EC, the OECD, and the World Bank.
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
SBA actively participates in international projects aimed at supporting SMEs within the EU framework. These projects bring European topics to Slovakia and implement them as part of the Small Business Act for Europe initiative.
We are here to help you boost and develop your business through our comprehensive services or international project cooperation!
