December 6, 2018 - Last week, local NGO CEDRA Split launched a new incubator in style at Hotel Cornaro. Over 70 people packed inside the conference room to hear about the new initiative for young people to firstly learn business skills before developing their own business as part of an incubator for local youth and entrepreneurs.

Christian Grotnes Halvorsen, the First Secretary of the Norwegian Embassy, kicked off the event and emphasised the importance of working together. He explained how the embassy is currently working together with Croatia to create a stronger and reciprocal partnership. He also encouraged those interested to apply and not to worry about potential failure or even their fear of failure.

His speech was followed up by two successful entrepreneurs from Dalmatia. First, Ante Dagelić from GetByBus, who shared his story of how, thanks to a great idea and team, they have managed to develop an impressive firm. Afterward, Marin Cokarić from Hotel Krilo and BitCro, talked about the highs and lows of starting a business as well as his more recent move into mentoring local young people in following their dreams.

The rest of the event focussed on the incubator itself, and the target groups it will reach over the next 24 months. There will be two recruitment rounds, each with 30 spaces for youth aged 20 – 29, who are currently not in education or employment but based in Dalmatia. Anyone who meets these criteria is encouraged to apply, no matter what your educational background, nationality or business knowledge is.

After two months of training, the participants will then be mentored and coached in developing their business ideas further, working in teams and if all things go well, setting up their own enterprise. They will also have the opportunity to travel to one of the partner countries to learn more and share their own idea, as well as having support accessing finance and investors.

Furthermore, AYEN is going to host the first Split business angel meetup on January 24th. This is for anyone in Split looking to invest their time or money into a local startup, and those who are keen can become a volunteer mentor on the program, taking on their own young entrepreneurs and shaping the local talent.

The application stage is now open to all young people, so you can apply here.

For any other information, keep an eye on their Facebook page or contact them via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The project “Active Youth Entrepreneurship Network” is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment

To learn more about the events in Split, follow TCN's dedicated page here.