Empowering Slovakian Youth: Friends of Bata Partners with Junior Achievement Slovakia

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership development, partnerships are essential drivers of progress. We are delighted to unveil our latest venture at Friends of Bata: a strategic alliance with Junior Achievement Slovakia, aimed at nurturing the future wave of Slovakian entrepreneurs and visionaries.


Our Shared Mission

The core of our partnership with Junior Achievement Slovakia is to promote entrepreneurship education throughout the country. This collaboration will involve several key initiatives designed to inspire and equip young Slovakians with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the modern business world.

Junior Achievement (JA) Slovakia is an integral part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a global network nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. JA Slovakia plays a crucial role in developing entrepreneurship, economic thinking, financial literacy, and digital skills among primary and secondary school students. The organization’s programs prepare young people for the labor market, ensuring they have the necessary skills to succeed in their careers.

During the 2022/2023 school year alone, approximately 35,000 students, 1,000 teachers, and 820 schools participated in JA Slovakia’s programs. Over its more than 30 years of operation in Slovakia, JA has impacted over 470,000 students, supported by 500 industry professionals who engage in experiential education.

Together, we will:

1. Promote Entrepreneurship Education: Implement educational programs in schools across Slovakia.

2. Create Case Studies: Develop educational content based on local entrepreneurs' success stories.

3. Sponsor Events: Organize webinars and workshops to discuss these case studies and other entrepreneurship topics.

4. Startup Competition: Host a competition for JA Slovakia students to encourage innovation and practical business experience.

At Friends of Bata, we support entrepreneurial education through an online platform offering e-learning content and connections with successful entrepreneurs. Our role includes serving as advisors and jurors in JA Slovakia’s competitions, enhancing the real-world impact of their programs.

Together, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem of young entrepreneurs in Slovakia, ready to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Stay tuned for our upcoming events and initiatives as we embark on this exciting journey!

Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship can be daunting, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.

However, the journey of Adrian Escabias, as detailed in our latest Friends of Bata case study, offers invaluable insights and practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's why young entrepreneurs should delve into Adrian's story of ups and downs, and the strategies employed to successfully launch Aticco Ventures:

  1. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Adrian's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship showcases the importance of resilience. He faced significant setbacks, including the collapse of his startup Subbo and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Escamu. His ability to bounce back and continue innovating is a powerful lesson for any entrepreneur.
  2. Learning from failure: The case study highlights how Adrian turned failures into learning opportunities. For example, the legal issues and partner conflicts he faced in Subbo underscore the necessity of solid legal agreements and the importance of having experienced advisors.
  3. Importance of Intellectual Property: Protecting intellectual property is crucial, as illustrated by the challenges Adrian faced with his CTO at Subbo. Ensuring proper legal safeguards can prevent devastating losses and help maintain the integrity of your business.
  4. Securing Funding: Adrian's experiences reveal the complexities of startup funding. From relying on personal finances and bank loans to establishing community-based pledge funds, his journey underscores the need for creative and strategic approaches to secure capital.
  5. Building a Supportive Community: Aticco Ventures is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Adrian has created an environment where startups can thrive through mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources.
  6. Networking and Relationship Building: The value of strong professional networks is a recurring theme in Adrian's story. Regular networking events and workshops at Aticco Ventures help entrepreneurs build essential connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.

For  aspiring entrepreneurs, Adrian Escabias's journey provides a realistic and inspiring look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It offers practical lessons on resilience, the importance of solid legal foundations, creative funding solutions, and the power of community. By learning from Adrian's experiences,  entrepreneurs can better navigate their own paths and avoid common pitfalls.

Click here to download the case study and find our all details about his challenges and journey!

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