On Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Crystal Palace, the organisation FAM proved that the entrepreneurial future is created where the right energy comes together.
The third conference, “Never too early. Never too late,” brought together 200 participants and sparked conversations that transcend generations and transform the business landscape.
Recognised as one of the key annual events for entrepreneurs in Slovenia, the conference highlighted a simple truth: in entrepreneurship, there is no right age, no perfect moment, and no ideal conditions. There is only courage and choice. The stories shared in the two panels were personal reflections on growth, setbacks, opportunities, doubts, turning points, challenges, and excitement — everything at the heart of entrepreneurship.
Darinka Pavlič Kamien, President of the FAM Association, underlined this in her opening address:
“In entrepreneurship, we are never too young, never too old, never too late and never too early. We are exactly where we need to be — today.”
Why wait? — The power of youth, ideas, and courage
The first panel focused on the stories of young entrepreneurs who embarked on their business journey straight after their studies or very early in their careers. They showed that you don’t need perfect conditions to begin. Their shared message: an idea is enough, courage is essential, and the future is something you take into your own hands.
Panel participants were:
Tine Lugarič, Creative Director at Trampolin and one of Slovenia’s most prominent creatives
Denis Petrovčič, founder and CEO of Blocksquare, who has tokenised real estate worth over USD 200 million
Alenka Dovžan, former alpine skier and first Olympic medallist for independent Slovenia, now an entrepreneur
Anja Slapšak, Head of Marketing at the family-owned company BBT
Bogdan Kronovšek, CEO of Kronoterm, who transformed their family business into an international success story
The discussion was moderated by Tatjana Kolenc and Črtomir Časar, and it concluded with a key takeaway: “There is no perfect moment — but it is always the right moment to start.”
The time is now! — The power of experience, maturity, and renewed courage
The second panel confirmed that experience is not a brake — it is fuel for entrepreneurship. After years of work in corporations or leadership positions, a new path can begin — an entrepreneurial one.
Participants included:
Metod Grah, co-owner of Terme Vivat
Matjaž Čadež, pioneer of electronic banking, founder of Halcom and mBills
Nena Veber, coach, supervisor, and trainer
Danica Vidmar, author and accredited coach
Dobrila Pazlar, entrepreneur and holistic business mentor
Moderated by Mateja Zavadlal and Marko Šola, the panel built its central message around one thought:
“Sometimes we need half of our life to discover who we are. And the other half to finally become it.”
A conversation with Borut Pahor: “From president to entrepreneur.”
The special guest of the conference was Borut Pahor, former President of the Republic of Slovenia, now an entrepreneur. During the talk, he emphasised the importance of new beginnings:
“When one chapter closes, a new opportunity opens. What matters most is that we dare to enter it.”
He especially highlighted authenticity, dedication to clients, and commitment to the projects he accepts:
“The client is my master,” he stated, “and I am prepared to do everything for them.”
He also shared his experience about entry into the world of advertising, which he sees as a new entrepreneurial opportunity, adding that he no longer plans to return to politics.
Inspiring guests and special moments
The conference also featured remarkable guest speakers: Natalia Al Mansour, Ambassador of Slovenia to Abu Dhabi, who addressed participants via video, encouraged cooperation and offered support in opening doors to the UAE, Dr. Jerneja Jug Jerše, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, who highlighted the importance of business integration within the EU, Domen Prevc, ski-jumping champion, who also joined via video from Falun, sharing his career journey and plans.
Manuel Perhavec, tenor and star of “Slovenija ima talent,” inspired present participants with a stunning vocal performance.
In her closing remarks, Darinka Pavlič Kamien emphasised: “The courage of the young and the wisdom of the experienced is a combination that creates the entrepreneurial future we need. When they join forces, boldness meets responsibility, ambition meets wisdom, and ideas become reality.”
The conference created a space for inspiration, learning, networking, and open conversation about how to start a business — early or late, for the first time or all over again.
The conference “Never too early. Never too late.” once again showed that true value emerges when generations come together, share experiences, and open essential entrepreneurial conversations without hesitation. Every thought, every exchange, every new connection contributed to a shared ambition — to shape an environment where entrepreneurship thrives.
If you missed attending the conference, recordings of all three panels and the full event are available at the links below.
| Panel – Zakaj čakati |
| Panel – Zdaj je čas |
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Borut Pahor na podjetniški preizkušnji
Source: Business Women’s Association FAM |
