Róbert Grüman, co-founder and CEO of StartUp HUB, spoke about goals, achievements and about the new non-refundable grants that will soon be available through the HUB at the at the “New Generation, New Opportunities” entrepreneurial roundtable discussion held at the Erdély Café tent at Tusványos Summer University and Student Camp. Other participants included Levente Mihály Ürmösi, owner of Blendem production, Levente Luka, co-owner of eMudding, and Zoltán Székelyföldi, co-founder of GDSIT Polska Sp. z o.o.. The event was moderated by Zsolt Karácsony, president of the Junior Business Club.
During the discussion, Róbert Grüman highlighted the mission of the StartUp HUB business development, adult education, and vocational training center is to make funding resources more accessible, understandable and available to young people, with a special focus on start-up funding. “Over the past three years, more than 400 young people have participated in our entrepreneurship training. They were then able to apply for the € 25000 grant with their own business plans.” – he said.
The co-founder and CEO highlighted that strengthening the startup ecosystem is a priority for them. “This requires accessible funding, an appropriate legal environment, mentors and visible success stories” – he pointed out. StartUp HUB aims to provide all these conditions. “This is the goal we have undertaken and will continue will continue to take a role in this work.” – he added.
StartUp HUB provides non-refundable European Union grants to young people who want to become entrepreneurs and turn their business ideas into reality. “In this way we contribute to the continuous renewal of the regional entrepreneurial sphere. Young people who overcome obstacles with smaller grants will be much more courageous, even in the face of other, larger calls for proposals” the CEO noted.
In the upcoming period, StartUp HUB will focus on social enterprises. ” Those interested in these non-refundable grants can expect new opportunities from September“, announced Grüman. This is another step towards giving more young entrepreneurs the chance to realize their ideas and contribute to the economic development of the region.
All participants of the roundtable discussion emphasized the importance of innovation, technology, and external perspectives, as well as the need for continuous development in businesses.
Levente Mihály Ürmösi, owner of Blendem Production, spoke about the challenges and the need for continuous learning as a first-generation entrepreneur. Their company provides photo and video services to businesses and public offices. In addition to their innovative product photo and video services, they recently opened a studio and expanded their team to three members. He highlighted the responsibility that comes with growth, the rapid obsolescence of technology, and the growing popularity of AI, against which unique human creations can stand out.
Levente Luka, co-owner of eMudding, focuses on the online sale of off-road vehicle parts and accessories. Recently introduced overlanding products make up 40% of their turnover. Their innovation was the introduction of CRM systems and warehouse management applications, which initially met resistance but ultimately succeeded. They use artificial intelligence for text and image generation. He believes that involving external perspectives and expanding knowledge are essential parts of a successful business.
Zoltán Székelyföldi, co-founder of GDSIT Polska Sp. z o.o., talked about supporting international market entry. His company, with offices in Hungary, Poland, and Switzerland, helps businesses expand abroad, generate leads in new markets, and represent them at local professional events. One of their successes was the entry of Green Way Polska electric car charging stations company into the Hungarian and Romanian markets. He also reported that, based on his experiences, companies are increasingly willing to replace distant suppliers with closer, EU-based ones, striving to regionalize the supply chain.
As a closing remark, Zsolt Karácsony, president of the Junior Business Club, thanked the speakers for their inspiring thoughts and advice, for presenting opportunities, and for the audience’s active participation, as well as the partnership of the Pro Economica Foundation. He pointed out the importance of the Erdély Café as a meeting place for young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial young people in the Summer University’s offer, contributing to the building and development of the Hungarian entrepreneurial community in Transylvania. The event was an excellent opportunity for sharing experiences and to establish future collaborations.
Photos: Botond Codra and StartUp HUB