A new generation of Croatian entrepreneurs proves that innovation in tourism does not only come from large corporations, but also from the heart of local communities, where the everyday needs of citizens become the foundation of successful business ideas.

As part of the educational program of Uplift Academy, whose fourth season finished recently, a series of projects has been presented that reveal how Croatian small and medium entrepreneurs are successfully coping with the challenges of digital transformation and the demands of modern tourists. The program is organized by Mastercard and the educational institution Algebra, and its goal is to empower micro, small and medium entrepreneurs through expert knowledge, mentorship and practical projects.

Entrepreneurship that solves real problems

This year's winner is the team Stay Pawfect, who developed the idea of an application for connecting pet owners with reliable caretakers, walkers and sitters. The project arose from a real need – because all team members, including the mentor, have pets and face daily challenges regarding their care when traveling or handling business obligations.

"We noticed that the market in Croatia offers very limited options for pet care when owners are not at home. Our application enables quick and secure connection with individuals who can take over the care of the pet, whether it is short-term care or regular walks," said Irena Lučić, a member of the winning team and the entrepreneur behind the brand diWine.

In addition to Irena's involvement, the project was developed by Petar Glavaš from Hostel ERKS Premantura, Ida Oreb from ARKA Dubrovnik and Nina Štulić from TOČ. Their experience and the daily challenges they face as pet owners have been transformed into an application that addresses a clear market need.

Mentorship approach that delivers results

Participants went through 10 modules over a five-month educational cycle covering leadership, digital transformation, innovation in entrepreneurship, destination and finance management, AI in marketing and a range of other areas that are key to competitiveness in the tourism and service sector.

Mentors Dijana Novak Krešić, Renata Ćurković, Marijana Šarolić Robić and Petra Stojanov provided expert guidance, and the best team was decided by a professional jury composed of representatives of well-known Croatian companies and institutions. According to dr. sc. Maja Brkljačić from Algebra LAB, it was precisely the breadth of market potential and innovation in solving real problems that was decisive.

"Pets today are equal members of the family and people are increasingly willing to invest in their well-being. The solution offered by Stay Pawfect directly addresses a real need, making it extremely valuable," Brkljačić emphasized.

Accommodation, networking and visibility as the key to success

The special value of Uplift Academy lies in the fact that participants come from various parts of Croatia, from coastal tourist destinations to smaller continental towns. This year, particular emphasis was placed on the accommodation capacities developed or managed by the program participants themselves – such as hostels in Premantura or private accommodations in Dubrovnik, which are connected to their projects and entrepreneurial stories.

Thus, Uplift also becomes a platform for mutual connection and promotion, as participants not only learn and develop ideas through projects, but also establish contacts that can form the basis for future cooperation. The platform uplift.hr offers free access to educational materials, interviews and expert analyses that can be used even by those who are not directly involved in the program.

Spreading the entrepreneurial spirit throughout Croatia

The four seasons of Uplift Academy have resulted in over 130 trained entrepreneurs, and a fifth season has been announced, with new content and approaches that will further empower local communities. Organizers emphasize that Uplift is not just education, but a movement that promotes the development of sustainable and adaptable entrepreneurship in tourism and service activities.

Education, mentorship, promotion and the practical application of knowledge – these are the pillars of this program that continues to grow and develop, keeping up with market changes and entrepreneurs' needs. Moreover, the fact that more and more participants return and continue cooperation after the completion of the program demonstrates the strength of this initiative and its positive impact on the domestic business scene.