The second Pitching Event within the “Youth Start UP” project was successfully held on 2 December 2025 in Sjenica, bringing together more than 80 participants and showcasing 15 innovative business ideas developed by young people from the cross-border region.
The Youth Start UP project aims to increase youth employability and support the creation of new jobs, while its specific objective is to build an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs ready to start their own businesses. The project is implemented by the Municipality of Pljevlja, NGO ADP-Zid, and the Municipality of Sjenica.
Fifteen entrepreneurial teams presented business concepts developed through workshops and mentoring sessions, covering areas such as digital services, creative industries, tourism, ecology, social innovation, and community-oriented initiatives. Participants demonstrated creativity, motivation, and an understanding of market needs, while the audience provided valuable feedback. 
Representatives of the Municipality of Sjenica, Municipality of Pljevlja, ADP-Zid, and other partners highlighted the importance of EU-funded cross-border cooperation and its positive impact on youth empowerment and local development.
The event also included a panel discussion with institutional representatives and local entrepreneurs, focusing on challenges young people face when starting a business, available support mechanisms, and the role of the local community. Financing opportunities for start-up ideas—from local programs to EU-funded grants—were also discussed, along with the importance of quality business planning and networking.
For the Municipality of Sjenica, this event represents an important step toward strengthening youth entrepreneurship and confirms that investing in young people brings long-term benefits for the entire community.
