CNVP Montenegro attended a round table on "Family business challenges - registration procedures and available support measures" held in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, Tehnopolis in Nikšić on 12 February 2018.

Participants included representatives of local government, local tourism organization, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Investment Development Fund (IDF), Employment Bureau of Montenegro, banking sector, clusters and family farms.

Two key issues highlighted were: what is the difference between family businesses and classic enterprises; and what are the necessary procedures for company registration.

The Ministry of Economy advised on the new Directorate where applicants can find information about the necessary procedures and steps for registering companies and obtaining support measures. The Loan and Guarantee Service of the Investment and Development Fund pointed out that the Government of Montenegro and IDF noticed the lack of capital financing for business ideas i.e. the capital for securing credit funds is a constant problem in Montenegro. In order to overcome this issue, a special guarantee fund will be established. The Food Safety Directorate gave a detailed explanation of the laws and regulations prescribed by MARD, as well as the conditions with which producers must comply when producing and selling food on their farms. Erste Bank in Nikšić pointed out the importance of transparency, stressing the significance of supporting start-up companies.

Participant discussion concluded the need for continuous communication to promote the development of services and business for households which are engaged in food production and rural tourism.