The Top Women Business Montenegro (TWBM) initiative presented examples of institutional and analytical support for women’s entrepreneurship from Montenegro at the prestigious regional conference “500 Business Women 2025”, held on April 23 in Ljubljana.

Ljiljana Burzan Nikolić, founder of TWBM and Executive Director of BI Communication, addressed participants from across the region, emphasizing the importance of data, visibility, and equal access to resources as key factors in advancing women’s entrepreneurship.

“The presence of women in business does not automatically imply a position of power. Visibility is not about promotion – it is about access, inclusion, and influence,” stated Burzan Nikolić, sharing insights from a multi-year analysis of women-led businesses in Montenegro, conducted in accordance with the internationally recognized IWA 34 definition.

A successful case study was also presented – the national “Women’s Trademark” label project, which currently includes 185 companies and 10 institutional partners.

In the context of strategic progress, Montenegro’s membership in the international WE Finance Code initiative was highlighted, as well as the implementation of the Women on Boards program, which prepares women for leadership positions in line with EU directives.

TWBM’s participation at the Ljubljana conference contributed to strengthening regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the empowerment of a growing network of women shaping a new business culture.