Kristina Kočet, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, at the age of 26 decided to become an independent entrepreneur. Today she employs 10 people, and is expanding her activity over the state borders, to Italy and Croatia. She suggests young people as well should try their hand at business.

When Kristina Kočet lost her job, before finishing her studies, she decided to try her luck as an independent entrepreneur. »You can always start looking for a job, but the way I chose brings most experience,« she explained. Since 2010 she has been the director and co-owner of Tiko Pro, a company which helps companies and organisations apply for European projects. Last year their revenue exceeded one quarter of a million Euro; presently they are expanding their market to Italy and Croatia.

How did you recognize the need for such a specific activity on the market?

When you are young, you don't think about that. You know you are skilled at something, and address your offer to other companies; the market reacts in a positive or in a negative way. I am convinced that there is always enough space for one more company, if it does good work.

Do Slovenian companies often decide on hiring outside experts for participation in tenders or proposals?

More and more Slovenian companies decide to hire an outside expert. Not so long ago it was quite common for a company to prepare their own applications for proposals; now it is the opposite. Also large companies prefer to engage outside experts.

Do you only try to assure the money, or you discuss with them their long-term goals for individual project?

No, the money is not our purpose. We always explain to our business partners that the project idea should not be only oriented towards acquiring financial means; the idea should be a genuine wish for production or introduction of a new product or service into the market. We always aim for a long-term cooperation with a company, meaning that we proceed from their strategic image, and then try to find proposals which are suitable for their needs.

Where did you get your entrepreneurial experiences?

At home, only. My father is a craftsman; ever since I can remember I was by his side whenever possible. When I got older I started helping in our family inn.

You have several employees in your company. How is the work distributed – are you one of those entrepreneurs who hold all the strings?

Presently we have 6 regularly employed, and 4 outside co-workers. Each of the employees is familiar with his tasks, and what is expected of him/her. Our communication is based on openness and trust. Not that everything is always precisely the way we would like, but it is my opinion that you have to trust your employees and let them work. This made it possible for me to take a year of maternity leave last year. In the meantime the reins were held by my colleague Tjaša Milošič, who remains in charge of the finances and motivation.

Do you pay a lot of attention to the relations within the company, additional education?

I belong to those people who claim that you can never be over-educated. We organize a programme for all the employees yearly, while we encourage individuals to educate themselves, and if only possible the company covers the cost. Occasionally we organize internal education during our weekly meetings, as we believe it is of utmost importance to share the knowledge one of us gained with co-workers.

So you believe the time of economic crisis is an opportunity for you? After all, you created your company just when the crisis struck Slovenian economy.

The companies are more and more intensively seeking sources of financing; consequently there is more and more demand for such services – but more and more competition as well. Yet the difference can already be noticed in well prepared projects, and the correct approach.

The entrepreneurs often complain that the state, with its bureaucracy and fast changing of provisions and decisions, makes their work harder instead of supporting positive business environment. Which are your experiences?

We have positive and negative experiences. Recently certain proposals were cancelled for lack of funds. The problem is that the companies had already invested in preparation of documents, and then the proposal was closed. On the other hand, during the last years certain Ministries proved more will for discussions, and for modification of certain conditions when useful for the economy.

You became Young Entrepreneur of the Year. What is your advice to young people at the crossroad – should they try themselves as independent entrepreneurs, or look for jobs in companies which are already successful?

If they prefer to be independent, they should not be afraid, and should choose that option. They can always change their mind and start looking for a job. I can assure them that you can learn most from such an experience.