secret of success - tips from european entrepreneurs

7/30/2019 Secret of Success - Tips From European Entrepreneurs

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The secreT

of successips rom European entrepreneurs

European CommissionEnterprise and Industry


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foreword

Entrepreneurs take the initiative and turn ideas into action. They have a git or identiying

business opportunities and creating success rom challenges and dreams. Entrepreneurs

turn visions into reality, while taking risks along the way. By setting up and expanding their

businesses, entrepreneurs create jobs and become drivers o the European economy.

However, Europe is short of entrepreneurs. Surveys show that almost half of the EUs citizens

(47%) have never thought of st arting a business. Why is this? Being an entrepreneur means

having to overcome plenty of challenges. But being an entreprene ur is also rewarding: the

reedom to determine your own destiny, to realise your dreams can be at least as valuable

as the fnancial gain.

It is thereore important to encourage more people to become entrepreneurs, and who

would be better placed than entrepreneurs to encourage others?

This brochure portrays entrepreneurs rom 33 countries. With rereshing openness, these

women and men give us insight into the obstacles, challenges and highlights of their

profession. They let us know who and what inspired them and what drives them along

the way. And maybe the most important part they convey the message that being an

entrepreneur can be un.

My wish is that this brochure will fnd its way into classrooms and libraries in universities

and will trigger personal choices.

Gnter Verheugen

Vice President of the European Commission, responsible for Enterprise and Industry


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Table of conTenTsArta BAZOVSKA Latvia 2Egidijus BIKNEVICIUS Lithuania 4Lszl BDI Hungary 6

Dagmar BOLLINFLADE Germany 8

Ivo BOSCAROL Slovenia 10

Antonio CAMARA Portugal 12

Richard CULLEN Ireland 14

Olivier DESURMON France 16

Maria FERMANELLI Italy 18

Angele GIULIANO Malta 20

Ronen GOLAN Israel 22

Heather GORRINGE United Kingdom 24Maria GRAPINI Romania 26

Peter HARZBECHJakob DE LEMOS

Denmark 28

Veronica HEDENMARK Sweden 30

Mria HOALOV Slovakia 32

lo JAAKSOO Estonia 34

Manolis KOULIS Greece 36

rees LONCKE Belgium 38

Ante MANDI Croatia 40

Branka RADOVANOVI Serbia 42

AnneMarie RAKHORS Netherlands 44

Shahzad RANA Norway 46Wiesaw RASZEWSKI Poland 48

Soheil SARMAD Luxembourg 50

Magnus SCHEVING Iceland 52

Costas SISAMOS Cyprus 54

Eva PNKOV Czech Republic 56

Nejdet ISKAOLU Turkey 58

Nikolay ODOROV Bulgaria 60

Einari VIDGRN Finland 62

Carmen YORNO Spain 64

Josef ZOER Austria 66


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2

LATVIA

VentEko Ltd.

"Enjoy the processitsel, whatever you

do, and the results

will ollow."

at bazovska


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessFormerly working in a company with similar activity elds to VentEko, I came

to the conclusion that I could do more and better, and I was ready to take therisk and responsibility. So at the age o 24, I ounded the company VentEko.

I started with a strong belie in my own success. Today, ater eleven years in

business, other companies as well as the countrys environment are reapingthe benets.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessNone.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy maximalist nature I alw ays keep in mind that we can never have to o much

positive ambition i it is based on hard work and innovative ideas. I have built

up my VentEko team with intelligent, positive thinking and talented individuals.

We inspire each other to take up new challenges and enjoy everything we do

together. My personal motive always do what you have promised.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArMy biggest challenge has always been keeping up the team spirit and passing

on my belie in success to my colleagues. This is extremely important i you

really want to move orward. A totally new and interesting stage o my lie

has also recently begun entering the international market which is also aChallenge with a capital 'C'.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... looking b ack and seeing that your business idea has materialised successully,

that you have built it up rom the very beginning ollowing your own lead,

motives and ethics. You are happy this is your work, liestyle and attituderolled into one, and you are doing something useul or society and the

environment.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessThe mere thought o starting a business is already a doorway into the business

world. I you decide to act on it, ollow your vision and standards, set your

standards and believe in your own success story.

surname bAzoVskAforename Ata

myeducation Business Administration,Environmental Science, Law

nameofmycompany Vte Lt.

businesscontactdetails

Postal address 22 Rigas Street2107 Pinki, Babte DistrictLatvia

E-mail [email protected] www.venteko.com

sectorofbusiness Environmentproduct/service Environmental engineering

services and consultationyearofstartup 1997

employees 58


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4

LITHuAnIA

EALINKAS UAB

"Strive and resultswill come."

egj biknevicius


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI always believed that inormation technology can change the world. I have a

visual disability, however inormation technology in particular is o real benet

to me. With important inormation, I can do as much as any person around me.

I decided to start an inormation technology business because IT solutions

solve a lot o management problems and make business more eective.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessEU oundation support and my own investment.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTStrength o purpose.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArBuilding a solid company.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...

... to have the possibility o sharing my personal experience.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessYou need to want to know, to know what you want and do whatever is

necessary to achieve it.

surname bIkneVIcIusforename eiij

myeducation Business InormationManagement

nameofmycompany eTALInkAs uAbbusinesscontactdetails

Postal address Smolensko str. 10A, 2nd oor3201 VilniusLithuania

E-mail [email protected] www.etalink.lt

sectorofbusiness Inormation technologyproduct/service Business management

systems, Internet solutions,

web hosting,IT management

yearofstartup 2005

employees 35


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HungAry

"Smooth seas dontmake skilul sailors."

l bdi

Halbo mce Zrt.


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessThe idea was born when I was 13 years and it later came true.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessFind people you like and who are capable, and things will work out.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTThe act that Im a ghter and a great believer in luck. I also realised: the harder

I work, the more I have o it.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArRe-establishing mysel and my venture in terms o morality and materiality.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that you can try to turn your idea o a successul business into reality.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIng

A busInessAnalysing the competition, building a unique strategy, being dierent, and

not running out o cash. Prepare your oxygen bottle (cash ow) and keep

checking it.

surname bdIforename Ll

myeducation Welding and Fitting,Mechanical Engineering,Welding TechnologyEngineering, and Business

nameofmycompany Hal m zt.


Postal address Szchenyi u. 83530 MiskolcHungary

E-mail [email protected] www.halbomce.hu

sectorofbusiness Industry services andinstallation o plants andpiping systems

product/service Industrial equipmentplanning, manuacturingand assembly

yearofstartup 2006

employees 195


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8

Christian Bollin Armaturenfabrik GmbH

"Whatever happensin your lie, never lose

aith in yoursel."

gerMAny

dg bollin-flade


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessAter nishing my studies (1982), I was looking or a way to combine amily and

proessional lie. I turned down a doctoral thesis because ater returning rom

parental leave, I would have ound mysel virtually excluded rom a suitablepost. Taking over the amily business was and is the ideal solution.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessMy grandather and ather, who always ollowed the example o the 'respectable

businessman' in their lie and work.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy consistency, strength o will and p erseverance. At the same time, emalecharacteristics such as empathy and the ability to communicate have helped

me to b e successul in a male-dominated proessional sector.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArImplementing my rm's philosophy: no customer should account or more

than 10% o our annual turnover. We discuss with the customer how we canachieve this. In agreement with the customer, we also turn down contracts.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... turning your own ideas into reality and receiving eedback.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessMake your work your hobby and vocation; then you'll be good at it.

surname boLLIn-fLAdeforename dama

myeducation Engineering

nameofmycompany chitia blliAmatai gmH

businesscontactdetails Postal address Westerbachstr. 290 -294

65936 Frankurt am MainGermany

E-mail [email protected] www.bollin.de

sectorofbusiness Valve manuacturingproduct/service Valves

yearofstartup 1924

employees 28


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10

"To be dierent,always set the

goals too high."

sLoVenIA

i boscarol

PIPISREL d.o.o. Ajdovina


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIt started rom a hobby and the wish to make a meaningul contribution to

the world o aviation.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessNone. Instead o a role model, the biggest driving orce was the challenge to

show that you can succeed with a high-tech product even in an unavourable

business environment.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTUnderstanding o my co-workers, unconventional thinking, the basics o

economics rom college and manners inherited rom my parents.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArSetting new aviation standards with my own products and creating new

categories o aviation activity in an environment that is rigid and has outdated

standards.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... independence, being responsible only or yoursel as a business entity, and

the act that there are no limitations imposed upon you the only limitation

is your own thinking.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIng AbusInessNever ear those who are larger and more powerul than you. Instead, set

your goals too high and do not orget to be condent in achieving them!

The real obstacles exist only in your own mind. I you are sel-condent, the

obstacles become solutions.

surname boscAroLforename Iv

myeducation Economic Sciences

nameofmycompany pIpIsTreL ...Ajvia

businesscontactdetails Postal address Gorika cesta 50a

5270 AjdovinaSlovenia

E-mail [email protected] www.pipistrel.eu

sectorofbusiness Aircrat and spacecratproduct/service Experimental aircrat

yearofstartup 1987

employees 47


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12

YDREAMS

True artists shipproducts.

(Steve Jobs)

at camaraporTugAL


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessDuring my sabbatical leave at MIT (1998-99) I understood that our research at

the New University o Lisbon could be useul in the business world.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessBill Hewlett and David Packard, the ounders o HP.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTVodaone, which selected YDreams to develop maps or mobile phones.

This was ou r rs t proj ect. Since th en, o ur inves tment i n res earch has been

the deciding actor.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArTransorming a Portuguese company into a global player.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the sense o adventure and the social relevance o our work.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessBe careul with nances so you can survive. Take risks so you can grow.

surname cAMArAforename Ati

myeducation Civil Engineering

nameofmycompanyydreAMs

businesscontactdetails Postal address Edicio Ydreams

Madan Parque-Sul2825-149 CaparicaPortugal

E-mail [email protected] www.ydreams.com

sectorofbusiness ITproduct/service Direct interaction

inormation systemsyearofstartup 2000

employees 150


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14

"Think, Plan, Execute:ollow your instincts

and don't give up!"

IreLAnd

rh cullen

Te Jelly Bean Factory


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI decided to start my own business with my ather ater years spent in the

sugar conectionary business. We explored the market or opportunities todevelop new brands and had identied an exciting niche or a high qualitysugar conectionery product. We recognised there was very little premiumquality sugar conectionery or those who wanted an alternative.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessRichard Branson, the ounder o Virgin. He was driven by determination, ambi-

tion and energy. He has developed a global brand in many sectors o industry,

rom music to consumer goods, aviation/transport to mobile phones all in a

single lietime. His story shows that i you truly believe in what you are doing

you should pursue it with grit and enthusiasm. Hard times hit everyone, but

it's how you get through them that counts.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTThe desire to succeed in a business I believed in. Ive been lucky in that Ivebeen surrounded by positive, energetic and challenging individuals who have

supported me through it all: rom my ellow Board members, to my brandguardian Pat Kinsley o Neworld Design, a true visionary, and o course myather Peter Cullen or his drive and tenacity, my ather-in-law Liam Flynn orhis wisdom and eloquence, and not least my wie Carol Flynn whose expertise

and support are invaluable.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArRaising nance in the early days was the toughest job; now it's managing

the rapid growth o the business time constraints, opening new markets,battling with currencies.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that you really can mastermind your own destiny. You can do things thatyou wouldn't get the opportunity to in an organisation where your role isclearly dened. I you believe in what you are doing you can take action, putyour own stamp on how the product looks, where it is sold and how it is

manuactured. It's really about enjoying what you do.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessGo or it. You really must have the passion and drive to make it happen.

Be honest with yoursel and get advice.

surname cuLLenforename riha

myeducation Marketing and Design

nameofmycompany Th Jll ba fat

businesscontactdetails Postal address Aran Candy Ltd

IDA Technology ParkSnugborough Road,BlanchardstownDublin 15Ireland

E-mail [email protected]

Website www.jellybeanactory.com

sectorofbusiness Conectionery

manuacturingproduct/service Gourmet jelly beans

yearofstartup 1998

employees 49


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frAnce

SINEO

"It is not because itis dicult that we

are not making it, it

is because we are notmaking it that it

is dicult."

o desurmonT


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIve always wanted to create my own company. In 2003, I was an IT Project

Manager in a large company in Paris. During the heat wave o summer 2003,

I came up with the idea o washing cars without water. Despite my enthusiasm

or the concept, I was disappointed with the result. While not wasting water,

the products used were in act toxic and polluting. This gave me the impetus

to decide to set up my own company.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessI've never had only one m odel. Ive taken good ideas rom dierent people

everywhere to make my own business model.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTWhen I decided to set up SINEO, I resigned rom my job in Paris, sold my car

and came back to my parents' home. At rst, my mother was in panic, but

my amily were quick to help me during the rst ew months. I also met some

entrepreneurs at the right time, which helped me a lot. Today, my ather,

mother, two sisters, uncle, cousin and brother-in-law are working with meat SINEO.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArCreating a company built on strong values I believed in, namely respect or

the environment, social responsibility and a continuous search or productand service innovation. SINEO continues evolving along these lines.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that I can develop projects I believe in and deend strong values.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessYou have to believe in your project, take some risks and be audacious.

surname desurMonTforename olivi

myeducation Family, sport and riends

nameofmycompany sIneo

businesscontactdetails Postal address 679, avenue de la Rpublique

59000 LilleFrance

E-mail [email protected] www.sineo.com

sectorofbusiness Repairs and maintenanceo light vehicles

product/service Waterless Eco car-washingusing biodegradable

products

yearofstartup 2004

employees 200


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18

"Nihil dicile volenti Nothing is dicult or

those who want it."

ITALy

m fermanelli

Cose dell'altro pane S.r.l.


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessThe idea emerged rom the realisation that I could ll a gap in the market: to

combine the ideas o 'homemade' and 'gourmet' to make dietary preparations

or people with celiac disease.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessThe idea or the business stems rom my experience as a designer. Ive always

been ascinated by the idea o achieving new things, ollowing new paths,

checking the easibility o everything.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy passion or cooking, the conviction that I was pursuing a good idea, theunding made available by the Bersani law, the uniqueness o the location

we work in (ormer kitchen o a Benedictine monastery), the creation o

a emale work team which always believed in its task, the support o the

CNA (the National Conederation o Crats and Small and Medium-sized

Enterprises) in creating opportunities or publicity and new relations, and

nally, determination.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArAter creating a model rm, the next big challenge is to make it work and to

show that it can be solid and long-lasting.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the reedom to consider new ideas an d new horizons even when the goi ng

gets tough.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessNever be araid o your own ideas and dreams.

surname ferMAneLLIforename Maia

myeducation Architecture

nameofmycompany c ll'alt a s..l.

businesscontactdetails Postal address Via Casale di S. Michele, 13

00135 RomeItaly

E-mail [email protected]

Website www.cosedellaltropane.com

sectorofbusiness Small ood industryproduct/service Fresh ood with certied

gluten-ree ours, usingbiological and high-qualityraw materials

yearofstartup 2003

employees 12


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20

AcrossLimits Ltd.

"Live when I'm aliveand sleep when

I'm dead!"

MALTA

ag Giuliano


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI was still studying at university or my rst degree when I started to notice

that several companies in Malta still needed simple, inexpensive IT sotware

solutions (SMEs dont have large budgets). This started me on a j ourney where

I got together with some other individuals and began oering basic database

programmes and similar productivity tools. The rest is history!

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessDuring business studies at university we had to read several case studies ooreign companies, many o which had been started by young individuals.

I thought, i they can do it, so can I!

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTInitially it was good not having to invest heavily in assets. Instead, I was running

the operation rom home. This lowered my risk and allowed me to invest in creating

better products and s ervices. My sunny and humorous nature has allowed me

to create a large network o business contacts all over Europe in just a ew years.

They have helped me grow my business and op ened up new avenues.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArKnowing which projects/clients to turn down, since we cant always accept

everything. Instead, we need to ocus on one area and excel in that. O course

we all make the wrong decision every now and then. What's important is tomove on and learn rom it or the uture.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... eeling that you can put your talents and abilities to good use whilst pur suing

projects and ideas close to your heart. I also get a lot o satisaction knowing

I am gene rating jobs or others and contributing to the economy.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessDont be araid o starting out and ollowing your gut instinct. However, do

this only with a background o sound knowledge and excellent skills,

otherwise youre just being nave. Don't give up at the rst hurdle challenges

should be taken head on and see n as learning opportunities.

surname gIuLIAnoforename Al

myeducation Business and Computing,Creativity and Innovation

nameofmycompany ALimit Lt.

businesscontactdetails Postal address Gateway Centre

Kappillan Misud StreetHMR 1856 HamrunMalta

E-mail [email protected] www.acrosslimits.com

sectorofbusiness ITproduct/service Services relating to

inormation technology,EU project consultationand training

yearofstartup 2001

employees 25 including externalconsultants


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22

"Provide servicesto cost-ecient

empowering carrier

networks."

IsrAeL

r Golan

Ortec echnologies & Communication Ltd.


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessDue to rapid technological changes, carriers nd themselves acing huge

challenges when it comes to upgrading and maintaining their networks,

while at the same time minimising their use o resources. This is where I see

the opportunity to provide them with cost-efcient services or a limited

period o time.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessBuilding a exible organisation that has the ability to adapt itsel quickly in linewith rapid changes in the environment.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTLow cost overheads.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArKeeping resources busy, regardless o the dynamics o projects requirements.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the ability to initiate processes that eventually result in a new organisation.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessPut together a clear business model with careul cost control.

surname goLAnforename r

myeducation Practical Engineering

nameofmycompany ot Thli &cmmiati Lt.

businesscontactdetails Postal address Poleg Industrial zone

Giborey Israel 13 St.P.O. Box 872042504 NetanyaIsrael

E-mail [email protected] www.ortec-com.com

sectorofbusiness Telecomsproduct/service Solutions and services

provider

yearofstartup 2005

employees 65


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24

"Success is goingrom ailure toailure without

losing enthusiasm."(Winston Churchill)

unITed kIngdoM

Hth GorrinGe

Wiggly Wigglers


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI always wanted my own business my ather had started his beore me. My

idea came rom a pile o sheep manure on our smallholding which I decided

to compost down. Using worms reduced the heap by 80% and I decided

that this natural resource could be used in homes and gardens. I made a

prototype o a wormery or kitchen waste and started Wiggly Wigglers.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessAnita Roddick (who I managed to interview a couple o years ago on my

podcast) and Richard Branson.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTIve been helped by so many people through Business Link, Young Enterprise,

my colleagues, etc. But the one person who has helped me more than anyone

else has been my husband who is my mentor and best riend Phil.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fAr

I think the coming years will probably be my greatest challenge, as so manyinuences o the current economic situation are outside my control. But

apart rom that, the business has been through its ups and downs; there

has been illness, years where we have lost money, oot-and-mouth disease

nearby, etc. Personally I have overcome serious public speaking nerves, but

now enjoy it!

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... encouraging and motivating other people to realise their strengths and

work towards improving them. Oten its within the team, but sometimes its

with suppliers and customers too. Also, having the inuence to take an idea

orward quickly and enthusiastically.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessAim to start a business that is sustainable. To do that, you need to address

three key aspects: social, environmental, economic People, Planet, Prot.Choose something you will really enjoy, and surround yoursel with pe ople

possessing dierent strengths. Enjoy yoursel and be brave.

surname gorrIngeforename Hath

myeducation General Vocation Design

nameofmycompany wil wil

businesscontactdetails Postal address Lower Blakemere Farm

BlakemereHR2 9PX HereordshireUnited Kingdom

E-mail [email protected] www.wigglywigglers.co.uk

sectorofbusiness Retail mail orderproduct/service Wiggly Wigglers is a Really

Rural Liestyle Store

yearofstartup 1991

employees 17


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26

PASMAEX S.A.

"Proessionalism,respect, equity,

aith, justice."

roMAnIA

m Grapini


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI worked or 10 years in a textile company beore 1990. I eventually realised

that I liked the job I had chosen, but I needed the reedom to make my own

decisions. This is why I chos e to start up my own business in a eld I k new well,

even though I had to leave my job as general manager o a state company.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessI created this business, starting as a leader. I've built mysel up as a leader

through my voluntary work in dierent organisations. I raised my credibilityand made people who wanted to conduct business with my company eel

sae. This was necessary given that the company was small and new on the

market and that it initially had difculty attracting attention.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTThe ability to convince people and the ability to orm a proessional team.

It isn't enough simply to want to be an entrepreneur; you also have to be able

to be one. In my opinion, an entrepreneur has to have natural qualities in

addition to those he o r she develops. I have a lot o air, energy and ambition ,and also the desire to make something as good as possible.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArDeciding to quit my job as general manager o a state company and start

a business, investing all I had and borrowing large amounts to develop thebusiness.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that you can improve all your qualities, such as education, proessionalism,

innovation and orecasting, and you can choose the people you want to

work with.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIng AbusInessIt isn't enough to simply want some thing; you also have to be able to d o it. This

proession requires a lot o hard work, devotion, eort and involvement.

surname grApInIforename Maia

myeducation Engineering

nameofmycompany pAsMATeX s. A.


Postal address 2 Jiul St.300159, TimisoaraTimis DistrictRomania

E-mail [email protected] www.pasmatex.ro

sectorofbusiness Textile, haberdashery andnarrow abric manuacturing

product/service Ribbons, textile bands,woven and knitted elasticbands, rigid and elasticgirths, woven and printedlabels

yearofstartup 1991

employees 118


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28

iMotions Emotion echnology A/S

"Keep hammering."

denMArk

pt HarTzbecH

J de lemos


31/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessWe wanted to change the world and have an impact in order to make it a

better place!


wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTGreat people with belies and understanding in areas where we are weaker.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArRaising the money needed to bring a true disruptive technology into th e mass

market and to let go o our perectionism.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the reedom and the possibility to have an impact on the world and peoples

lives.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessHammer on! Be true to yoursel and the peo ple around you; be 100% dedicated

to what you do and make sure that you know what sac rices you MUST make in

order to succeed, even in your private lie! Get going and keep hammering!

surname HArTzbecHde LeMos

forename pt

Ja

myeducation Constantly ongoing!

nameofmycompany iMti emtiThl A/s

businesscontactdetails Postal address Vestergade 18 E

1456 Kbenhavn KDenmark

E-mail [email protected] www.imotionsglobal.com

sectorofbusiness Sotwareproduct/service Emotion Tool (non-intrusive

sotware to measure humanemotional response andvisual attention to stimuli)and Attention Tool (eyetracking or moving images)

yearofstartup 2005

employees 40


32/72

30

sweden

VH Assistans

"Its only in aheadwind that

a kite can y high

into the sky."

v Hedenmark


33/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessFollowing school, the world seemed to be opening up or all young people

except me. There was simply no place or me in the labour market. At home

in my own kitchen in Falun, with only paper, a pen and a older, and my

mum to help, I started my own business. Today, 11 years later, we employ

400 people.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessIt is not difcult to start your own company i you have a vision or a dreamand i you are willing to work hard or it.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTPersonal drive, and the dream o being able to help people with disabilities

to enjoy the same rights as everyone else, as well as my desire to enhance

the proessional status o personal caregivers.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fAr

People's prejudices and an inaccessible society. Also, eeling exposed becausethere are so ew disabled people running businesses today.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... learning new things every day. Having the opportunity to work with kind

and inspiring people in a team that shares the same undamental values.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessBelieve in your idea. You just need to believe in your idea in order to make it

happen. Be tenacious and work hard. Remember: only dead salmon ollow

the stream.

surname HedenMArkforename Via

myeducation IT and Teaching, as wellas direct experience opersonal care as someonewith a disability rom birth

nameofmycompany VH Aita

businesscontactdetails Postal address sgatan 12

79171 FalunSweden

E-mail [email protected] www.vhassistans.se

sectorofbusiness Personal assistanceproduct/service Coordination, education

and supervision o personal

assistants. Group trips andlegal advice or amilies

yearofstartup 1997

employees 400


34/72

32

Gukotex - privat spol. s r.o.

"We can doeverything i

we really want to."

sLoVAkIA

m Hoalov


35/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessAter the political change in 1989, I took a chance at sel-realisation.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessYou must have an idea, courage and discipline towards yoursel as well as

towards your employees and your business partners.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy amily.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArBuilding up a company that oers security to employees, opportunities or

proessional and individual development, and condentiality to business

partners.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... independence each entrepreneur denes his or her own goals (in terms

o success and ailure).

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIng AbusInessThe most important thing is to have a vision and objectives, together with

positive thinking.

surname HoALoVforename Mia

myeducation Textiles

nameofmycompany gtx ivat l. ..

businesscontactdetails Postal address Druby 35

97404 Bansk BystricaSlovakia

E-mail [email protected] www.gukotex.sk

sectorofbusiness Textilesproduct/service Manuacturing o clothing

items

yearofstartup 1994

employees 50


36/72

34

Cybernetica AS

"The key to success isin change change

into a new sel, not

into anyone else."

esTonIA

Jaaksoo


37/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIt was during the process o Estonia's economic and scientic reorm that one had

to make up one's mind about how to move orward. The question was whether

to pursue an academic research career or use new opportunities available inhigh tech business. As a risk-taker, I took up the latter challenge.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessThe locomotive.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy associates who shared the same values.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArSetting up the Inormation Security Research Institute as a unit within the

company structure.


... a chance to take risks, and see the gains and losses.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessA brave beginning is hal the battle.

surname JAAksooforename l

myeducation Technology

nameofmycompany ctia As

businesscontactdetails Postal address Akadeemia tee 21

12618 TallinnEstonia

E-mail [email protected] www.cyber.ee

sectorofbusiness Research and development,manuacturing, and ICTsolutions

product/service Inormation securitysystems, customs sotware,monitoring and telematicssystems, LED-based light

signalling equipment, securemarine communicationsystems

yearofstartup 1997

employees 106


38/72

36

"By designing newtools, we design

new ways o being."

greece

m kouTlis

alent Information Systems S.A.


39/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI wanted to express creativity-with-no- limits and to translate ideas into tangible,

marketable products which could eventually make a dierence in the world.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessThere was no particular 'outside' inuence or push or starting the business (on

the contrary, there were many prohibiting voices). Studying some .com / start-upstories in the US and elsewhere provided valuable hints and encouraging signs.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTThe deep and long-lasting commitment o the whole team o partners and

shareholders. This was (and still is) the determinant or overcoming the tough

challenges aced every day: technical, nancial and marketing.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArKeeping a clear vision, steady course o action and a commitment to success,

amongst the distraction o everyday duties, erce competition and nancial

activities.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the reedom to choose, and the vast array o opportunities ahead. You're

the driver, not the passenger.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessGo or it! But a) be sure that you are really passionate about the plan and your

partners and b) be prepared or tough days and challenging situations which

may take you to your limits. Also, the journey has much to teach, even i the

outcome is ailure. Go or it!

surname kouTLIsforename Mali

myeducation Computer Engineering,Educational Technologies(ocus on Geography)

nameofmycompany Talt Imatistm s.A.

businesscontactdetails Postal address 4A Karytsi sq

10561 AthensGreece

E-mail [email protected] www.talent.gr

sectorofbusiness Geo-inormation platorms

and applicationsyearofstartup 2003

employees 14


40/72

38

beLgIuM

AGRO2000

"The power opositive thought isimmeasurable andvital when running

a business."

T loncke


41/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIts the only thing Ive ever wanted to do. Perhaps it's in the genes?

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessIve never thought about it. I dont really look up to role models.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy broad training as a veterinarian, the support o my amily in my bus y work,

both practical (child care) and moral (eedback).

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArContinuing to grow my business in a rapidly shrinking market.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the satisaction you get when decisions you make turn out to be right,

getting results and seeing my employees participating enthusiastically in

the development o our business.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessThink hard, weigh up the pros and cons, but take the plunge. Its a antastic

lie experience which brings about a great deal o satisaction.

surname Lonckeforename T

myeducation Veterinary Sciences

nameofmycompany Agro2000

businesscontactdetails Postal address Hondekensmolenstraat 56

8870 IzegemBelgium

E-mail [email protected] www.agro2000.be

sectorofbusiness Agrobusinessproduct/service 1200 dierent products or

agrobusiness (mostly ordisinecting and hygienic

purposes)yearofstartup 1988

employees 13


42/72

40

"Success is thechild o audacity."

croATIA

at mandi

IN2 d.o.o.


43/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIt wasn't so much an idea as a necessity. When Yugoslavia split up and the

war started, I lost my job and ell on hard times. Other than my military and

technical background, the only thing I had going or me was my IT experience,

which I picked up while I was working in the army. So I turned my hobby into

a ull-time job and started my business.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessI really didn't have one. It was a time o war, and many things in Croatia weren't

unctioning normally. So I had to nd my own path and make things up as

I went along. Throughout that time, IN2 grew totally organically, which was

extremely difcult.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTChoosing the right people and the right technology at the right time.

We have always been at the cutting edge o technology, partnering with

leading global IT partners and oering IT services, the needs o which wereonly just emerging. With my previous experience, I was also well versed in

dealing with organisational and HR problems.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArDealing with issues that come with rapid growth, especially ater exceeding

100 employees. A ast changing environment is typical or all countries in

transition, so managing the company was more like rating than yachting.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... it never gets outdated, boring or repetitive. Seeing your business thrive

is almost like raising a child. The sense o creation and accomplishment is

immense.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessJust do it. I you have the willpower and audacity, you can overcome incredible

odds. You just need to remember that ailure is not the end, and to outlastbad times.

surname MAndIforename At

myeducation Computer Science and theMilitary Technical Academy

nameofmycompany In2 ...

businesscontactdetails Postal address Marohniceva1/1

10000 ZagrebCroatia

E-mail [email protected] www.in2.hr

sectorofbusiness ITproduct/service Sotware development

and services

yearofstartup 1992

employees 297


44/72

42

serbIA

PSech

"The uture is moreexciting than

the past."

b radovanovi


45/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI got the idea when I lost my job due to a dierence in opinion between mysel

and the management on how to organise an IT business. I decided to put my

ideas into action.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busIness

The many 'small' entrepreneurs rom Serbia who managed to create and bepersistent with a 'step-by-step' approach towards success, as opposed to

'overnight' success which is so typical or transition economies.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy amily, my business partners, and my great, young, educated, highly

proessional and ambitious team.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArLeading and expanding my company in a country in transition with constant

law and regulation changes, oering IT services o the highest quality in a

global market, and gaining and keeping clients who are among the biggestIT companies in the world.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that everything is in your hands. There are no excuses or ailure, but the

satisaction in success is huge.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessYou have to overcome ear o ailure; i one project ails the next will

succeed.

surname rAdoVAnoVIforename baa

myeducation Electrical Engineering

nameofmycompany psThbusinesscontactdetails

Postal address Milutina Milankovica 11 b11070 BelgradeSerbia

E-mail [email protected] www.pstech.rs

sectorofbusiness ITproduct/service Sotware development,

sotware engineering

yearofstartup 1996

employees 70


46/72

44

neTHerLAnds

Search Engineering

"The environmentinspires"

am rakHorsT


47/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessMy parents and grandparents were entrepreneurs, so even as a child I wanted

to become one. This dedication, in combination with my ambitions or a better

environment, shaped my upbringing. As an entrepreneur, I want to make adierence. By setting up my own business, Ive created the opportunity to

pursue even more arduously my ideals or a sustainable world.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessEntrepreneurship has run through my veins ever since I was young. Ive been

greatly inspired by my grandparents, my parents, their riends and my riends

at the European University in Antwerp. All o them are successul entrepreneurs

in their own line o business, because they all believe in their goals.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy conviction that we can help create a sustainable world. I don't believe

in inconvenient truths or change inspired by ear. We will all nd more

motivation in trust in the uture. All products and buildings should be madein such a ashion that, rom one generation to the next, they will make a real

contribution.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArStarting up a business was an inspiring, yet time-consuming challenge that

drained me o the energy I needed to develop new ideas. Since then, Ive

learned to reserve more time or contemplation. These years have taught

me that reecting regularly on the company's achievements and reserving

enough time or rest have brought on the best ideas and contributed to thesuccess.


... that I can really try to make a dierence. Entrepreneurship means I cangrab any chance I see to convince more and more people o the dire ne edor corporate social responsibility.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessAlways have aith in yoursel. Dont waste energy on people who tell you

why something cant be achieved, without losing grip on reality.

surname rAkHorsTforename AMai

myeducation Business Administration

nameofmycompany sah eii

businesscontactdetails Postal address P.O. Box 83

5473 ZH Heeswijk (N.Br.)

The NetherlandsE-mail [email protected]

Website www.annemarierakhorst.com

sectorofbusiness Engineering consultancy,laboratory and trainingservices

product/service Building management,demolition anddecontamination projects.Soil, asbestos and airquality studies. Courses

on working with asbestos,environmental aspects,saety and in-houseemergency services

yearofstartup 1994

employees 200


48/72

46

Questpoint/IntelliSearch

"No one will evercome and create the

uture or you make

your own!"

norwAy

shh rana


49/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessSince 1993 Ive had the pleasure o starting eight dierent companies within

the ICT business sector. My last company was based on the hypothesis thatit's all about people. So I selected two other people whom I wanted to work

with. Together we decided to start a business. We allowed ourselves three

months to nd out what to do. This hypothesis has so ar resulted in a business

o 21 people.


wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTChallenges.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArMaking decisions even when they are negative.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... it's all up to you and your team!

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessBe humble, create clear business value or your customers, get the right people

you eel comortable with, plan long-term, take care o your customers, don't

give up, overperorm or your customers, give credit to those who deserve

it, make decisions!

surname rAnAforename shaha

myeducation Computer Science andLinguistics

nameofmycompany Qtit/Itllisah

businesscontactdetails Postal address Gjerdrums vei 12

0484 OsloNorway

E-mail [email protected] www.questpoint.no

sectorofbusiness ITproduct/service Sotware engineering

and IT strategies

yearofstartup 2003

employees 21


50/72

48

"Help people,and meet theirrequirements!"

poLAnd

Ww raszeWski

RAVIMED Sp. z o.o.


51/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI have always been interested in scientic research and putting results into

practice. Due to the political and economic crisis in Poland in 1989, science

stopped developing and opportunities or introducing new scientic research

decreased. I was very amiliar with the needs o the Polish Health Service and

was already a specialist in toxicology and pharmacolog y. I started my business

rom scratch. I chose the area o PVC blood collection bags, mainly becausethey were oered only by Japanese and US companies.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessI had no particular role model. I was strongly convinced that my inner nature,

patience, ability to relate to other people and knowledge, combined with the

support o all my amily, would help me at the beginning o this business, which

itsel was also a natural extens ion o my previous medical and pharmaceutical

interests.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTGoodwill, support and tolerance o my amily.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArFighting with red tape and continually developing new products and services.

We started with one medical device product: the PVC blood collection bag.

Today we have ve main elds o activity: medic al devices, medicinal products ,

military auto injectors and decontamination kits, laboratory services, and

research and development. All our products are developed and manuactured

at RAVIMED.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... mobilising responsibility, having the eeling o independence, and the

opportunities available or sel-development without limits.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessBe patient and aware o the consequences in your work. Treat people withrespect and be transparent in all activities. Dont give up i you ail, dont

all into the trap o sel-satisaction, invest in development, and count every

cent.

surname rAszewskIforename wia

myeducation Military Medical Academy

nameofmycompanyrAVIMed s. ..

businesscontactdetails Postal address ul. Polna 54

05-119 ajskiPoland

E-mail [email protected] www.ravimed.com.pl

sectorofbusiness Pharmaceutical productionproduct/service Medical disposables and

laboratory services

yearofstartup 1991

employees 120


52/72

50

"No pain, no gain."

LuXeMbourg

sh sarmad

COGECO


53/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessThe passion to create something that will be around long ater I am gone.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessNo one.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTThe success and mistakes o others.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArTrying to be a good ather.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... doing things my own way and being responsible or my own experience.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessDream big, work hard, dont be araid and be air.

surname sArMAdforename shil

myeducation Serious, hard, revolutionary

nameofmycompany cogeco

businesscontactdetails Postal address 43, rue de Bettembourg

5810 HesperangeLuxembourg

E-mail [email protected] www.cogeco.lu

sectorofbusiness Constructionproduct/service Renovation and construction

o buildings (private andbusiness)

yearofstartup 2004

employees 40


54/72

52

Iceland

Lazyown

"Love like youvenever been hurt and

work like you dont

need the money."

mg scHevinG


55/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI realised 18 years ago that there was no role model in health or kids. My

challenge was: how can education about healthy liestyles be entertaining?

LazyTown was the answer an e ntertaining TV show that inspired kids to livehealthier lives.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessRichard Branson, Warren Buet and Steve Jobs.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy parents who gave me reedom to be mysel. Also, behind every good

entrepreneur is a strong wie/husband/partner. Finally, endless belie, strongvision and a great team.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArFocus, ocus, ocus practise, practise, practise... and more ocus. Entrepreneurs

do not have armies o people around them, so they need to be able to stepinto all roles in the company.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that one small idea like LazyTown can motivate millions.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessDon't be araid o a little opposition. Remember that the kite o success

generally rises against the wind o adversity, not with it.

surname scHeVIngforename Ma

myeducation Carpentry and SportsInstructing, althougheducation never ends

nameofmycompany LaT

businesscontactdetails Postal address Mihraun 4

210 GardabaerIceland

E-mail [email protected] www.lazytown.com

sectorofbusiness Entertainmentproduct/service Motivating children to adopt

a healthier liestyle

yearofstartup 1994

employees From 43-161, dependingon production periods


56/72

54

cyprus

Engino.net Ltd.

"Keep your head inthe clouds and youreet on the ground."

ct sisamos


57/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessSome years ago I was assigned by the Ministry o Education as a Design and

Technology coordinator. In s chools pupils learnt by bu ilding technolo gical

models but had great difculties creating 3D joints with the materials available.

This problem gave me the idea to design a system o modular connectors.

Ater some research, it seemed there was a gap in the market or a technical

construction toy suitable or younger children.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessI have always been ascinated by the inventions o Leonardo da Vinci and the

much earlier Greek Archimedes! A role model has also been Thomas Edison

who, through persistent work, managed to turn ideas into products.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy degrees and experience in engineering and education have helped a lot.

In R&D project s however, nancing is crucial. Funding grants rom the Cyprus

Government and the EU have helped commercialise ENGINO.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArA small island like Cyprus does not have the critical mass to sustain a spe cialised

product. This means my company has to rely mostly on expo rts and my biggest

challenge so ar has been the set-up o the international sales channels that

would achieve them. A parallel challenge o equal importance has been

the design and production o the ENGINO parts with as little investment as

possible, taking into account the many iterations needed beore optimisation

could be achieved.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that you create your own destiny! You have the opportunity to be creative

while also pushing yoursel to the limits.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessOnly do what you love and ulls your inner sel. You can only draw the

strength to overcome problems by believing in what you do.

surname sIsAMosforename cta

myeducation Mechanical Engineeringand Education Science

nameofmycompany ei.t Lt.

businesscontactdetails Postal address P.O.Box 71040

3840 LimassolCyprus

E-mail [email protected] www.engino.com

sectorofbusiness Innovative Toy Designand Manuacture

product/service Educational constructiontoys

yearofstartup 2004

employees 4


58/72

56

Ryor a.s.

"Cosmetics ismy destiny..."

czecH repubLIc

e Tpnkov


59/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessId had eighteen years o experience in cosmetics working or the Institute

o Medical Cosmetics beore I came up with the idea. Ater maternity leave, I

was creating new products and the Institute was given an award and a grant.That was the moment I learned how it all worked. I began oering my own

products to proessionals. Later on, I created products or every day users that

were marketed through specialised shops.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessAt the very beginning I knew very little, virtually nothing about business,

how to run such a company, or what it involved. But I always hoped it would

work because I didnt want to sell my ideas to others anymore and I was veryeager to succeed.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTMy colleagues who were with me rom the very beginning, most o whom

are still working with me in Ryor.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArWhenever I am coming up with some thing new.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that you dont have to sell your ideas to others.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIng AbusInessAll it takes is to be realistic and keep your aims achievable. O course you

must work hard.

surname TpnkoVforename eva

myeducation Chemical Technology

nameofmycompany r a..


Postal address Pod Spiritkou 4150 00 Prague 5Czech Republic

E-mail [email protected] www.ryor.cz

sectorofbusiness Cosmetics manuacturingproduct/service Skin treatment, skin care

and beauty products orproessional use in beautysalons

yearofstartup 1991

employees 75


60/72

58

Turkey

ELCAB KABLO VE PROFL SAN. IC. LD. I

"Why not?"

njt Tiskaolu


61/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessI started as a quality control technician with a leading manuacturer o silicone

cables in 1998. Thanks to my hard working nature and love o my job, I was

promoted to head o quality management and then production manager in a

very short space o time. My aim was to be more successul and to be a leader.

To achieve this, I set up our business together with my present partner.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessMy philosophy is to do my best in my business and also in my private lie. Ipreer not to take people as role models, but instead to ollow achievements

and success stories.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTFirst o all, my ambitious desire to reach my targets and my high level o

expectations to succeed. And o course, working very hard towards this, and

staying positive in spite o any difculties and disappointments in lie and the

business environment.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArSpending our energy ghting technical and economic barriers which are typical

o a developing country. We have to work much harder due to the lack o

industrial inrastructure and qualied sta, combined with very high nancial

and investment costs, and high taxes.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... being helpul to society and people I work with and generating value inthe spiritual and material sense success here creates an immense eeling o

satisaction. Looking back and seeing what you have generated is a beautiul

eeling. Nevertheless we look ahead, and keep on working hard.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessThe most important point is to love your job and what you intend to do. Having

targets is important, but you have to be ready to work hard to achieve them.Look orward and believe in your success, despite any negative inuences

that might occur. This belie is hal o your success.

surname TIskAoLuforename njt

myeducation Electrical Technician

nameofmycompany eLcAb kAbLo Ve

profL sAn. TIc. LTd. TI

businesscontactdetails Postal address Atatrk Mahallesi Yldrm

Beyazt CaddesiHayat Sokak No:5 BoazkyArnavutky G.O.Paa IstanbulTurkey

E-mail [email protected] www.elcabkablo.com

sectorofbusiness White goods related industryproduct/service Silicone cable, berglass

cable, cable harnesses,silicone proles, siliconetubes, signal lamps, specialcables

yearofstartup 1998

employees 75


62/72

60

BulgarIa

"N.I.K. 2006" EOOD

"Never besatisfed with your

achievements."

ny Todorov


63/72

How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIt all started with a hobby o mine Bulgarian rock music, rock bands and

concerts. The idea was to oer the ans accessories and other goods to go with

their look. Later I started creating ashion and things slowly progressed, untiltoday, where that bond music and ashion is still unbreakable.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessIn the times when I got started it was difcult to nd any decent role modelsin Bulgaria. I was guided by business literature and academics all that

environment that I was part o. My brightest guiding star was my motivation

to express mysel through new non-traditional ideas.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTWhat really helped me and the engine o my business was my aith in

everything I was doing. I had the state o mind that everything was 'doomed

to success'. That was pushing me orward and was helping me to develop

new ideas and a suitable environment or growing them.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArIve always strived to be number one! Always one step ahead o the competitors

with inormation, ideas, opportunities and capabilities. I'm ond o 'air play'

using the available business instruments like creative marketing and skilul

management.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... that eeling o immensity, o unlimited boundaries. The eeling that I canrealise every idea charges me with more energy. I kind o impose this on the

people I work with. Nothing is impossible.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessThe rst and most important thing is your decision regarding what e xactly

you are going to do and how ar you do want to go! I this is not clear enough

or you, you should better never get started.

surname TodoroVforename nila

myeducation Marketing and Management

nameofmycompany "n.I.k. 2006" eood

businesscontactdetails Postal address Briz 1869 B

9010 VarnaBulgariaE-mail [email protected];

[email protected] www.natamno.com

www.darkmoon.bgwww.mish-mash.bg

sectorofbusiness Manuacturing,retail and services

product/service Teenage apparel, personalaccessories, jewellery, sports

and leisure goods, tattoos,body piercing, etc.

yearofstartup 1994

employees 60


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62

Ponsse Oyj

"Ater rain there willalways be sun."

fInLAnd

e vidGrn


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessAs a small armer's son, I used to work on logging sites during winters. At

14 years o age, I went logging with my ather and horse or the rst time.

When the rst arm tractors appeared in the 1960s, I already had some solid

experience o logging behind me. The onl y problem was that orest machines

were breaking all the time so I decided to build my own.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessAt that time in the countryside, there were no role models or business.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTBelie in the uture and my own talents.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArSelling the company in 1988 and buying it back in 1993. That period taughtme a lot.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... seeing the results o your work.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessYou should have a clear business vision with simple products and operating

models. Stable growth is also important. Furthermore, to get the right

employees to work or you, you should share responsibilities.

surname VIdgrnforename eiai

myeducation Elementary School

nameofmycompany p oj

businesscontactdetails Postal address Ponssentie 22

74200 VieremFinland

E-mail [email protected] www.ponsse.com

sectorofbusiness Engineeringproduct/service Forest machines, inormation

systems, and services

yearofstartup 1970

employees 900


66/72

64

spaIn

CYO Proyectos S.L.

"Delight the client."

c Yorno


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIt was a matter o necessity. I was a 43 year-old unemployed woman with no

possibility o nding a new job.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessNone. Just surviving.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTReceiving the Emprender en emenino award in February 2000 rom the

Ministry o Labour and Social Aairs.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArBeing able to continue through this world economic crisis with the same

enthusiasm and honesty.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is...... the possibility o being creative and able to share the leadership role withour area managers in my work.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessBelieve in yoursel and the act that 'you can', with enthusiasm and

perseverance.

surname yornoforename cam

myeducation Industrial Studies

nameofmycompany cyo pt s.L.

businesscontactdetails Postal address C/ Celso Emilio Ferreiro,

5 Local50017 ZaragozaSpain

E-mail [email protected] www.ingenieriacyo.com

sectorofbusiness Project engineering andprogramming

product/service Structures, tooling andmachineryRobotics and A.I. inaeronautical, automotive,

cosmetics andpharmaceutical areas

yearofstartup 1997

employees 20


68/72

66

Zotter Schokoladen Manufaktur GmbH

"A sustainable uture we use only certifed

organic ingredients;in addition, anything

rom the southernhemisphere is Fair

Trade- or IMO-certifed."

AusTrIA

J zoTTer


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How I goT THe IdeA To sTArT up A busInessIve been sel -employed since 1987, always driven by the thought o turning my

visions and imagination into reality without compromise. The idea o makingchocolate arose rom my love o the product (cocoa) and the almost limitless

possibilities or developing the range o savoury opportunities.

My roLe ModeL for sTArTIng up A busInessI have no role model as such. Only the drive to make the best possible chocolatesin terms o taste, aesthetics, and ecological and social concerns.

wHAT HAs HeLped Me MosTThe large amount o positive eedback rom Zotter chocolate lovers and thesupport o my amily.

My bIggesT cHALLenge so fArKeeping our extensive range on the market. Obtaining the prices necessary

in order to compete sustainably.

THe besT THIng AbouT beIng An enTrepreneur Is... that I can turn my ideas and imagination into reality quickly, without

compromising.

My AdVIce for THose consIderIng sTArTIngA busInessYou don't need to start out with business plans, but try to realise your own

vision with all your strength.

surname zoTTerforename J

myeducation Traineeship as waiter andcookPatissier and conectioner

nameofmycompany ztt shla

Maat gmH

businesscontactdetails Postal address Bergl 56

8333 Kornberg beiRiegersburgAustria

E-mail [email protected] www.zotter.at

sectorofbusiness Food productionproduct/service Chocolate delights

rom bean to baryearofstartup 1999

employees 100


70/72

A great deal o inormation on the European Union is available on the internet.It can be accessed through the Europa server (http://europa.eu).Luxembourg: Ofce or Ofcial Publications o the European Communities, 2009

ISBN 978-92-79-10438-1

doi: 10.2769/16511

European Communities, 2009Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. When a dierent copyright owner is indicated,permission to reproduce must be requested.

prINtedoNwhItechlorINe-freepaper

EUROPE Direct is a service to help you nd answersto your questions about the European Union

Freephone number (*):00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11

*Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or maycharge or these calls.


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European Commission

The Secret o Success

Tips rom European Entrepreneurs

Luxembourg: Oce or Ocial Publications o the European Communities

2009 72 pp. 29.7 x 21 cm

ISBN 978-92-79-10438-1

doi: 10.2769/16511

For urther inormation:

The frst European SME week

http://www.european-sme-week.eu

The European Portal or SMEshttp://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sme/index_en.htm

EU unding or SMEs

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sme/unding_en.htm

NB-81


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secret of success - tips from european entrepreneurs

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