IMPAKT RAYE is a Regional Academy for Young Entrepreneurs — a program designed to empower young people from the Western Balkans to explore, start, build and grow their business ideas in a real-world, and highly supportive environment. Over 8 weeks, you’ll gain tools, confidence and connections to move from thinking to doing.
Learn what IMPAKT RAYE is, why it matters, and how it fits into a growing movement of youth-driven entrepreneurship across the region.
Turn your passion into a real startup through guided workshops and expert mentorship.
Learn to craft and deliver compelling pitches that capture attention and inspire investment.
Meet like-minded peers and future co-founders from across the Western Balkans.
Present your ideas to real investors and get valuable feedback and support for your startup.
Calling All Young Entrepreneurs Aged 18–28
Find out why this program is right for you, and discover the benefits of joining a cross-border community of early-stage changemakers.
Explore the 8-module structure of RAYE, delivered online in weekly sessions, with a final in-person summit on Jahorina Mountain.
Meet the mentors, founders and professionals guiding your learning journey — selected from across the region for their achievements, experience and supportiveness.
CEO of ROI Institute, Inc.
Dr. Patti P. Phillips, CEO of ROI Institute, Inc., is a renowned leader in measurement and evaluation. Patti helps organizations implement the ROI Methodology® in more than 70 countries around the world. Since 1997, Patti has been a driving force in the global adoption of the ROI Methodology and the use of measurement and evaluation to drive organizational change. Her work as an educator, researcher, consultant, and coach supports practitioners as they develop expertise in measurement and evaluation. Her work spans the private sector, public sector, nonprofit, and nongovernmental organizations.
Business angel investor, serial entrepreneur, diplomat
Ardian Hoxha is a Chapter President of Keiretsu Forum for Southeast Europe. He is a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and diplomat with a diverse background spanning industries such as jewelry, education, media, entertainment, food, telecommunications, and construction. He is the founder and investor behind numerous ventures, including Keiretsu Forum SEE, the American School of Kosova, Duplex Club, Glam Radio, Green and Protein, SushiCo Kosova & Albania, Coders Lab Kosova, SEE Talents, Comfy Living, and Albafone. Ardian holds an Executive MBA from IEDC – Bled School of Management and actively contributes to Kosovo's business community as Treasurer of the Board of Governors at the American Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founding member of the Rotary Club Prishtina. His achievements have been recognized with the UNICREDIT Alumni Achievement Award (2012) and the FashionTV Nightlife Award at the Cannes Film Festival (2013). Ardian is passionate about using entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of positive change.
COO at Saga a Noventiq Company Belgrade
Danijela has 30 years experience in financial, public and IT Sector. She has valuable experience and awareness of current financial issues and substantial understanding of overall Finance & Banking terminology & responsibilities by managing area profitability growth and leading product, process, service and sale related activities in the SEE region. Her high-performing business and operations-management executive skills are followed by strong background in Retail , Corporate, Risk ,Operation and IT (process &product management, IT-development & roll out strategic IT, Business transformation and innovation programmers. She masters Black Belt, Six Sigma, Lean, Transformation Optimizing Process, Value Stream Mapping, Process Excellence with extensive scope of responsibility, proven success, and track record of delivering optimal results in high-growth environments through initiatives that exceed operational performance targets and yield measurable outcomes. Danijela is a skilled strategist supporting the Group/Organization to increase efficiency and operational excellence by managing plan budget capacity and resource deployment from E2E process perspective, including costs, volumes and revenues followed by delivered up to €20 million profit result as individual goal.
Strategy/Leadership/Transformation Excellence Advisor
Degree in International Economics and Management plus Master of Science Degree in Innovation and Technology from BOCCONI University (Italy). Postgraduate Specialization in Strategic Management and Leadership from HARVARD University (USA). Attended most prestigious world universities in UK, Canada, USA. Member of MENSA. Strategist. Visionary. Changemaker. Engaged in many world projects (UN, UNDP, ILO, USAID, GIZ…). The greatest impact made on IT industry development as the executive director of Bit Alliance, the leading association of IT companies in BiH and as the leader of SouthEast European IT Cluster. Creator of IT Manifest BiH. Many times awarded for her excellence (Woman of the Year 2021 for Business Management, Organization of the Year 2022 for Social Impact, Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise and Innovation in Europe…). Face for Porsche campaign “Females driven by Success”. Through her platform “THINK.”, advises the greatest companies, organizations and leaders in the region on excellence in corporate/organizational/leadership strategic transformations. Philanthropist. 10+ years personal mentor, coach and trainer to hundreds of young talents in BiH, ex-Yu Diaspora and the region (BH Futures Foundation, Youth Camps for Programmers, Gaudeamus, Women Mentors Network…) focusing on their personal, academics, career, professional and leadership development. Motivational and inspirational speaker, 500+ times. Certified NLP Trainer, NLP Coach, Inspire Expert and TA Counselor, profiling herself in the field of Leaders’ Psychoanalysis. Proud single mother of 3 children.
Executive Director, Investment Foundation Impakt
Sanja is a seasoned executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience in international business, economic development, and foreign investment. As Executive Director of the Impakt Investment Foundation, she leads initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans. Her prior roles include Executive Director of the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) and over a decade as Business Development and Marketing Manager at Wolf Theiss, advising global clients on market entry and growth.
She has participated in prestigious international programs such as the IVLP (USA), Stanford’s LAD, the British–BiH Fellowship (UK), and the Berlin Founders Program. Sanja is also an advisor to Keiretsu Forum SEE and has worked with Science Park Graz. Her leadership roles span organizations like IFTDO, EWA, CEEWABA, and WORLD MINDS, and she serves on boards including the Lykos and Impakt Foundations.
In 2025, she became the first Senator from BiH at the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation. A certified NLP Master Practitioner fluent in English and French, Sanja is a regular speaker at global conferences and a key voice in shaping business, policy, and innovation in the region. In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, and sailing.
Entrepreneurship Development Advisor, Legal expert
Danijela Jakovljević is an Entrepreneurship Development Advisor at the Impakt Investment Foundation. She is an experienced legal expert specializing in contract lifecycle management, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. She has extensive experience in legal advising, policy harmonization, and risk management gained through work in government institutions, international organizations, and the private sector. Throughout her career, she has provided legal support in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with EU and national regulations. Her expertise includes compliance program management, corporate legal structure advisory, and contributing to legal reforms. She is passionate about education, creating legally sound business environments, and is committed to growth in dynamic environments where strategic legal leadership is key to success.
Marketing consultant
Kenan Kurdić is a marketing consultant and founder of the boutique consultancy spektakl, helping brands discover and articulate the right story to tell. His approach is sharp, thoughtful, and free of unnecessary noise — always focused on what truly moves the needle. He believes the best results come when you clearly identify what the audience really wants and deliver it in a way that feels authentic, direct, and effective. Kenan is an expert in communications, digital marketing, and content creation, with extensive experience in marketing, and social media strategy. responsible for implementing social media strategies, writing articles, scripting videos, and mentoring entrepreneurs on marketing strategies. Kenan is recognized for his passion for creative, innovative, and effective marketing and for his dedication to each client, making him a distinguished and successful professional in his field.
Founder and President at The Futurist Foundation
The founder of The Futurist Foundation established in 2010 to care, educate, mentor and nurture young entrepreneur. At the age of 18 years old in 1994, opened his first company, venturing into organizing some of the well-known conferences and events in Malaysia that landed him to be certified by the Malaysia Books of Records for being the “Youngest Entrepreneur in Malaysia.
Regional Youth Cooperation Office-RYCO
Over 14 years of experience in research, programme management, and administration, working for the EU, international organisations, institutional mechanisms and civil society in the region. My career trajectory underscores a steadfast dedication to advancing initiatives aimed at bolstering senior management within international, regional initiatives, (RCC-RYCO) and non-governmental organisations operating within the Western Balkans. This commitment is underscored by my proactive involvement in endeavours aimed at enhancing various facets of the region's landscape, encompassing political dynamics, socio-economic development, regional cooperation, and inter-ethnic relations. Specialised in specific topics: International Relations & Security | Foreign Policy | National Security & Western Balkans | Civil Society | Defense Cooperation | Democratic Decline | Balkans | Caucasus | Central and Eastern Europe | Diversity | Equity, and Inclusion | Regional Cooperation Strategist Actively engaged in various professional networks and organizations, including Rotary Club, Kosovo United States Alumni (KUSA), German Marshall Fund, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Soros Foundation WB, and Trust Building Forum of the United Nations, among others.
Product & Innovation Strategist
Mladen is an experienced product manager, entrepreneur, and innovation strategist in the software industry, with a strong background in digital product development, growth strategy, and team leadership. He is particularly focused on building SaaS products and B2B lead generation systems, known for delivering clear, actionable insights as a speaker, mentor, and consultant. Currently, he is expanding his ventures and launching new digital solutions with a focus on the UAE market. Startup founder (Quantum Workfow), awarded a seed grant by the Innovation Fund Serbia, and ranked as a semifinalist in the Best Tech Innovation Competition organized by the Ministry of Education. Participated in multiple startup accelerator programs and collaborated with mentors including Maja Voje (Go-To-Market Strategist) and Malcolm Duerod (International Burch University). Recognized for a structured yet entrepreneurial mindset and a consistent ability to move ideas from concept to market. Passionate about discovering market gaps, solving complex problems, bringing products to market, and driving sustainable growth.
IMPAKT RAYE Project Coordinator
Belma Gijo is a prominent marketing and PR professional with vast experience working with small businesses and startups. At the Impakt Investment Foundation, she focuses on brand growth strategies and supports entrepreneurs in developing brand recognition and utilizing digital tools for successful marketing campaigns. Her ability to develop and implement digital marketing strategies and foster media relationships has significantly increased the Foundation’s engagement and visibility. Belma is also a mentor and educator, offering workshops, trainings, and consultations to help entrepreneurs with marketing, branding, and business strategy. Her approach emphasizes clear knowledge transfer, content tailored to individual needs, and support for long-term business sustainability and success.
Financial expert
Samira Šurković is a certified accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and tax consulting. She is results-driven and has extensive regional experience, especially in CEE. She currently leads AssetFin, a financial accounting firm focused on providing high-quality advisory services with an emphasis on entrepreneurship financing and sustainable growth strategies. She works with various types of companies, including sole proprietors, startups, and small businesses, promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and lifelong learning. Samira was also a financial expert in the LEADER project (“Local Economy Activation – Development Through Recovery of Entrepreneurship”), advising on bookkeeping regulations, business registration processes, VAT laws, and offering direct support to entrepreneurs through individual consultations and online communication.
Managing Partner/Attorney at Law at dmb partners
Dina Duraković is a lawyer with two decades of experience in legal consulting, focusing on corporate, labor, and competition law. She has played a key role in some of the largest cross-border transactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing global corporations, international organizations, and financial institutions. Known for her ability to lead multi-jurisdictional legal teams, she brings deep expertise to complex international business deals.
Dina is also the co-founder and lead educator of the Labour Law School, the first modular professional training program in BiH designed for in-house lawyers and HR professionals. Developed in partnership with the renowned advisory firm Revicon, the program has been running successfully since 2018 and is widely recognized as a leading initiative in labor law education across both entities and Brčko District.
In addition to labor law, she regularly delivers training in corporate and commercial law, as well as competition law, collaborating with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and business associations. Internationally recognized, Dina is ranked by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, and she is a co-founder of the IMPAKT Investment Foundation.
Applications are open. It only takes a few minutes to apply — the real journey starts after that.