Supporting the growth and development of Slovenian enterprises

The Slovene Enterprise Fund is the central financial fund for supporting SMEs, start-up and scale-up companies with measures to reduce various gaps that companies face in the market.

Strategic role/vision

Mission

Operational roles

Business philosophy

Strategic role/vision

Mission

Operational roles

Business philosophy

Central financial institution for business support

We are the central financial institution, specialized in promoting the growth and development of entrepreneurship in Slovenia. We operate according to the best global practices, with the aim of providing favorable financial resources for start-up, fast-growing, innovative, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

We enable these companies to operate stably, grow, and penetrate increasingly demanding markets.

Programs for strengthening knowledge and skills

In addition to financial support, we offer companies extensive content programs for the development of business and management competencies.

These include vouchers, mentoring programs, training and networking programs, professional services, and networking.

For the implementation of the programs, we cooperate with experienced partners who make a significant contribution to the innovation and sustainable development of companies.

Active co-creator of the Slovenian entrepreneurial ecosystem

Our institution is a key player in the Slovenian start-up and SME ecosystem.

We connect entrepreneurial networks, incubators, and consulting institutions, and encourage the innovative orientation of companies. We support companies in finding new opportunities, expanding business models, and penetrating global markets.

Commitment to sustainable development

We operate in accordance with European goals for promoting entrepreneurship, research, development, and employment.

When implementing development incentives, we ensure that investments are directed towards sustainable development, circular economy, digitization, and socially responsible business.

Strategic role/vision

The Slovene Enterprise Fund is the central national financial institution for supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as startups and scale-ups.

By implementing targeted measures, SEF addresses various gaps that companies face in the market, with particular attention paid to promoting sustainable development in priority areas.

As an effective public institution, we adhere to the principles of simplicity, clarity, and transparency, and we take ESG principles (environmental, social, and governance) into account in our operations.

We announce over EUR 100 million of various development incentives annually, supporting more than 3,000 projects. This contributes to around EUR 230 million of new investments in the Slovenian economy.

Mission

With daily and long-term operations, we fulfill our mission through five strategic foundations/missions:

Filling financial gaps

We enable access to financial resources for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and scale-ups, with a special emphasis on priority and developmentally important areas of the economy.

Filling gaps in development and business competencies

Filling gaps in the development and business competencies of SMEs, start-up and scale-up companies.

Increasing innovative and sustainably oriented companies

We contribute to increasing the number of innovative and sustainably oriented SMEs, start-up and scale-up companies that are focused on long-term growth and responsible business.

Raising the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation

We promote an entrepreneurial mindset and spread the importance of innovation as a fundamental factor in economic and social development in Slovenia.

Focus on the benefit of the final recipient and consideration of ESG principles

We carry out all activities with the needs of the final recipients – companies – in mind, while consistently adhering to the principles of sustainable business (ESG) and ensuring transparent and responsible management of resources.

Operational roles

Five (5) operational roles of the Fund arise from the mission and five strategic foundations, within which measures are defined to achieve measurable goals.

Operational role 1

Provider of financial incentives to SMEs, start-up and scale-up companies with an emphasis on priority development areas

Operational role 2

Provider of specific incentives to raise business and development competencies in SMEs, start-up and scale-up companies

Operational role 3

Promoter of development partnerships to raise the innovative orientation and sustainability of SMEs, start-up and scale-up companies

Operational role 4

Promoter of entrepreneurship and innovation to raise innovative orientation

Operational role 5

Effective public financial institution with consideration of ESG principles

Business philosophy

A set of values, principles, beliefs, and value orientations that the Fund adopts and implements in its operations. These are the foundations on which the Fund builds its strategy and decisions and influences its business reputation and long-term success.

Our values/principles guide and direct us in our daily work and help shape decisions and actions that are in line with our long-term goals.

The Fund’s business philosophy includes ten (10) guidelines or principles that follow a sustainable orientation and ensure the satisfaction of end users.

Focus on the end user/recipient of funds

All solutions and activities carried out by SEF employees follow one single goal – to be effective for our users, the SMEs in Slovenia; all other solutions and activities merely follow this central orientation.

Principle of simplicity

SEF employees provide and will continue to provide suggestions to policymakers regarding the allocation of state aid, with the aim of ensuring simplicity for applicants.

Principle of clarity

We will continue to ensure transparent operations with specialized software tools, and we will also provide clear and simple information on websites for external users.

Principle of transparency

Transparent operations will be ensured by publicly announcing all important information and by complying with the legislation and regulations of the European Community and the Republic of Slovenia.

Orientation towards finding solutions for end users/recipients of funds

SEF employees value an orientation towards quick solutions that lead to sustainable practices and ensure the satisfaction of end-users.

Cooperation and connection

We are oriented towards finding positive solutions and are ready for team cooperation, which ensures synergy and sustainable solutions and thus the satisfaction of end users.

Principle of responsiveness

We are oriented towards accuracy, timely responsiveness to all new challenges or to all received requests from end users.

Implementation of concrete actions

We are oriented towards concrete and clear decisions and responsibility in the implementation of individual projects or activities.

Introducing improvements in all areas of the Fund’s operation

We are introducing improvements to financial solutions to reduce market gaps for SMEs in the financial market, which will take into account the best knowledge, experience, and resources from various countries.

We bring together educated staff who show a personal interest in the field of designing entrepreneurial incentives

SEF employees possess adequate knowledge in the field of financial and other development incentives for the entrepreneurial sector, with an orientation towards finding the most optimal solutions for end-users.

“You are not alone on your entrepreneurial journey. We are here – the Slovene Enterprise Fund. To advise you, to help you, to support you. To listen to you and to hear you. We are involved in the entrepreneurial world every day, so we understand your wishes and needs. We grow together with employees, entrepreneurs, and business partners. We believe that positive changes are created by people with vision, positive energy, and a desire to cooperate.”

Let’s grow together!