Slovenian minority in Croatia launches business association

The Union of Slovenian Associations in Croatia has recently founded a business organisation. Rast (Growth) is based in Varaždin and will focus on implementing projects and distributing financial support, so as to assist members of the Slovenian community and promote its development, the union's head Barbara Antolić Vupora has told, CE Report quotes STA.

The decision to establish a dedicated business organisation stems from a desire to support the Slovenian ethnic minority in Croatia in a manner similar to efforts seen in Italy, Austria and Hungary, she explained.

"If you look at the structures among Slovenian communities in Austria, Italy and Hungary, you'll notice that their activities are not limited to cultural associations. Their networks of Slovenian organisations are much more extensive than in Croatia. In addition to cultural associations, they have business organisations, schools, kindergartens, libraries and sports organisations."

Antolić Vupora highlighted that the union's future lies in addressing all aspects of minority life. "In sports, we have decided to join the cross-border sports coordination network, and we eventually plan to establish a sports club. Meanwhile, an agricultural-educational community already operates in Prezid, and in May, we'll be opening a model farm, which is a major achievement and step forward," she added.

Currently, less than 30% of Slovenians in Croatia are active within cultural associations, and they are primarily older members, Antolić Vupora noted. With the creation of Rast, the Union hopes to engage those who are not currently active but represent significant potential for supporting and developing the community.

Slovenia's Economy, Tourism and Sport Ministry, in coordination with the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, runs a programme to improve the economic situation of Slovenians abroad. Until now, the union in Croatia has applied for funding under this programme, but going forward, Rast will take on this role, with the union supporting and overseeing its activities.

Last October, the ministry presented its incentives programme for cross-border entrepreneurs at a conference in the Croatian capital Zagreb. The four-year programme (2025-2028), aimed at supporting Slovenian communities in Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Austria, has a total budget of EUR 10 million. Key measures include support for economic and tourism investments and funding for cross-border organisations implementing the programme.

In addition to Rast, Croatia is also home to the SLO CRO Business Club, which has recently rebranded itself as the Slovenian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. Like the union, the chamber is a signatory to the cross-border economic coordination agreement from 2022 that aims to foster collaboration among Slovenian economic organisations in neighbouring countries.