The mission of the Top Women Business Montenegro (TWBM) initiative is not only to support women but also to contribute to creating an economic system that enables women to be competitive, innovative, and successful, said Ljiljana Burzan-Nikolić, Executive Director of BI Communication agency and initiator of the TWBM project. During the ceremony, where the best Montenegrin companies managed or owned by women were awarded the TWBM 2024 recognition, she emphasized that there are many inspiring businesswomen in Montenegro.

As part of the TWBM Awards 2024, the third edition of the Top Women Business Montenegro magazine which recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the most prominent women in the business world of Montenegro was also launched.​

“Our mission is to put them in the spotlight and make their contributions visible. TWBM is more than an initiative; it is a community. When we look at the results, we see opportunities for growth and improvement. Along the way, we adopt concepts and ideas that align with our values, and one of them is equanomics – a new economic approach that helps us more precisely define and direct efforts toward true equality in economic opportunities,” stated Burzan-Nikolić.

She further expressed that TWBM will continue to be the voice of women facing business challenges, yet building a path toward equal economic opportunities through support and motivation. “I invite you to join us in creating change because together, we can achieve the vision represented by equanomics – the vision of true equality in the business world,” she said.

Martin Leberle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Bank, stated that success requires hard work, dedication, good partners, and a bit of luck.

“When a reward follows, it provides direct, professional, and almost unfiltered feedback on your entrepreneurial skills and performance. The female entrepreneurs who are being recognized today can be immensely proud, and all others will surely be further motivated to be in the position of today’s awardees next time,” Leberle emphasized.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, stated that the UNDP proudly supports the Top Women Business Montenegro initiative, which celebrates the exceptional achievements of female entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economic and social development of the country.

“These awards reflect business achievements, but they are also more than that – they are a confirmation of the strength, creativity, and determination of women who inspire communities and create positive change. At UNDP, we believe that empowering women in business is not just a matter of equality, but a key factor for sustainable growth and progress. That is why, through initiatives like this, we build networks of support, break down barriers, and open new opportunities for future generations of female leaders in Montenegro,” said Paniklova.

The award for the most successful micro-enterprise managed by women went to Optimum Company. The TWBM 2024 award was presented to Executive Director Maja Orlandić-Latković by Marija Šuković, Head of the Secretariat of the Competitiveness Council.

The most successful small enterprise managed by women was PZU Apoteka – Drogerija Dama. The award was presented to Executive Director Suzana Petrović by Mitar Bajčeta, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro.

The award for the most successful medium-sized enterprise managed by women went to Škorpion Company. The award was presented to Executive Director Daniela Dangubić by Ekaterina Paniklova, the UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro.

The most successful large enterprise managed by women was S Press +. The award was presented to Executive Director Danijela Peruničić by Remon Zakaria, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) office in Montenegro.

The most successful micro-enterprise owned by women was Markas. The award was presented to owner Kristina Kasalić by Ratko Nikolić, Director of BI Consulting.

ETC was recognized as the most successful small enterprise owned by women. The TWBM 2024 award was presented by Martin Leberle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NLB Bank, to Azra Jevrić, the owner and Executive Director of ETC.

The TWBM Business Achievement Award is presented by BI Communication based on rankings conducted by the business information provider BI Consulting. The rankings were made using the international definitions of women-owned businesses (MEST IWA 34) based on financial reports for the year 2023. The TWBM 2024 awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in Podgorica.