The first gathering of Serbia’s SMEs 2030, the SME100 Expo, took place in June 2022 in Kragujevac and brought together 100 leading domestic companies carefully selected based on clearly defined criteria of success, along with over 300 conference and exhibition participants. The event’s goal was to highlight the developmental potential of the domestic economy and support the development of the SME sector towards achieving sustainable development goals for the entire society. The event was organized by CEVES in collaboration with MIND Park, within the framework of the “Sustainable Development for All” platform, implemented by GIZ with the support of the Swiss and German governments.

The second annual “SME100 Expo 2023: People  – the key to success” will be held at the Science and Technology Park in Niš on November 9, 2023. We expect over 100 leading domestic companies and more than 300 participants, including representatives from government institutions, business associations, the international community, large corporations, media, the banking sector, international media, the NGO sector, experts, and the local community. The conference aims to support the development and collaboration of the SME100, leading domestic SMEs selected according to clearly defined criteria of excellence, through the exchange of useful experiences and best practices. It also aims to highlight the potential of these companies to contribute to the sustainable development of Serbia.

We will focus on the necessity, opportunities, and possibilities of strengthening the workforce and organizational capacity of SMEs to adapt to the radical changes currently reshaping the global and Serbian economy. SMEs will share knowledge on digitization and “greening” their businesses, as well as improving corporate/financial management. Special attention will be given to the need to secure suitable personnel for their further development. Additionally, CEVES will present the “SME Barometer” to measure the progress of SMEs in Serbia and the “lead time” in implementing initiatives to support them, sending messages to decision-makers about necessary development policies.

In the exhibition part, SME100 will be presented through individual panels with a particular emphasis on talent acquisition and retention strategies. Selected companies from the ecosystem of partner enterprises, support providers, and service providers, recommended by the MSP100 themselves, will also be showcased. The exhibition will include a smaller fair section designed based on interest.

This year’s SME100 Expo brings a bonus – a free training on green transition prepared and conducted by EBRD on the second day in the same venue for all pre-registered interested companies.