Women’s Leadership and Economic Reforms: Montenegro at the G100 “Mission Million” Conference
Top Women Business Montenegro and the “Women’s Business” Trademark Presented as Models of Institutional and Market Support within the G100 Global Network
As part of Mission Million, a global initiative dedicated to the economic empowerment of one million women entrepreneurs worldwide, Montenegro was presented as a country that is actively shaping a sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystem through strategic reforms, the European integration process, and strong women’s leadership.
The Mission Million initiative is implemented by the G100 network, which over the course of 100 days connects countries, institutions, and women leaders to showcase national economic ecosystems, foster international cooperation, and strengthen the role of women in the sustainable and digital economy. Montenegro’s participation in this global process forms part of broader efforts to align national policies and initiatives with global goals related to gender equality, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
Montenegro was presented on the 89th day of the initiativeCrna Goraje predstavljenathrough an online conference coordinated by Zvezdana Oluić, G100 Chair for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Montenegro. The conference brought together representatives of public institutions, the analytical community, and initiatives focused on women’s economic empowerment.
The speakers included Ljiljana Burzan-Nikolić, Founder and Executive Director of BI Communication; Ana Šebek, Independent Advisor at the Ministry of Economic Development; Mirza Mulesković, economic analyst; and Nina Perunović, economist.
During her presentation, Ljiljana Burzan-Nikolić introduced the initiatives Top Women Business Montenegro and the “Women’s Business” Trademark, highlighting their role in strengthening the market credibility of women-owned businesses through standardization, certification, and structured institutional partnerships.
“Top Women Business Montenegro and the ‘Women’s Business’ Trademark are original initiatives developed through domestic expertise and capacities. They are based on standardization, credibility, and a shared framework that enables coordinated action by public and private stakeholders in supporting women-owned businesses. Their presentation within this global initiative confirms that even small markets can develop functional and sustainable support systems through effective public–private partnerships,” Burzan-Nikolić stated.
In her address, Zvezdana Oluić emphasized the long-standing contribution of the Business Women’s Association and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Montenegro, underlining the importance of continuity, institutional memory, and the strategic connection of local initiatives with global platforms such as G100.
The strategic framework of public policies and institutional support for women entrepreneurs was presented by Ana Šebek, who highlighted the role of economic reforms, grant schemes, legislative improvements, and the principles of gender-balanced corporate governance. She noted that, with more than 12,000 women-owned companies in Montenegro, policy focus is increasingly shifting from business entry toward growth, digitalization, and internationalization.
Economic analyst Mirza Mulesković addressed the openness of Montenegro’s economy and the central role of the MSME sector, pointing to development potential in tourism, services, the digital economy, the green transition, and investment. He particularly emphasized the importance of the EU accession process and Montenegro’s membership in the SEPA system, which further enhance competitiveness and facilitate cross-border business operations.
Nina Perunović presented research and educational programs focused on financial literacy, ESG standards, innovation, and access to European Union funds, with a special emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
G100 is a global network of 100 women leaders who, through 100 thematic wings and with the support of He-for-She allies (Denim Club), provide both thought and action leadership aimed at creating a more equal, progressive, and inclusive environment for women worldwide. Through advocacy, cooperation with governments and institutions, and the development of concrete initiatives and policy recommendations, G100 actively contributes to closing gender-based economic and social gaps in this decade.
