Starting a Business in Serbia: Heroic Feat or Bureaucratic Nightmare?
Earn your own money, say entrepreneurs, but is it really that easy? If you thought starting your own business was just about having a good idea and willpower, brace yourself for a shock! Serbia is a country where bureaucracy and financial hurdles are a real wall for beginners.
Financial Maze: Personal Savings or Loans from Family
Most beginners in Serbia finance their business from personal savings or loans from family and friends. Banks? Forget it! Loans for startups are rare because banks see beginners as too risky. The capital market? Still in its infancy, so no help there either.
Bureaucratic Marathon: Counters, Papers, and Wasted Time
Although there is a one-stop system for company registration, many entrepreneurs complain about the lack of centralized and clear information on legal obligations. Taxes, contributions, labor protection, fire safety – all sound like a horror story for beginners. Not to mention many procedures are not digitized, so time is wasted at institution counters.
Naled and Small Business Council: Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Naled established the Small Business Council to help micro, small, and medium enterprises fight regulatory barriers. But is it enough? Council members say every proposal undergoes detailed analysis, which is good, but the question is how quickly and effectively problems are solved.
Key to Success: Education, Planning, and Team
Before starting a business, you must thoroughly research the market and understand customer needs. It is also important to inform yourself about available support, trainings, and grants. And don’t forget – a good team is half the job!
Conclusion: Serbia is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Starting a business in Serbia is like crossing a minefield – it takes courage, patience, and a good plan. If you have an idea and will, but no finances and don’t know where to start, prepare for a fight with bureaucracy and financial obstacles. But hey, if you succeed, the experience is priceless!
Got a startup story or a paperwork nightmare? Share in the comments, so we can laugh or cry together over the fate of entrepreneurs in Serbia!
