As entrepreneurship grows, the “Spiečius” network is expanding across the regions – 20 active business hubs will soon be up and running
To respond to the rapidly growing entrepreneurial potential in the regions, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation is expanding the “Spiečius” network of active business spaces run by the Innovation Agency. As many as five new spaces will open their doors in Mažeikiai, Šakiai, Lazdijai, Šalčininkai, and Anykščiai. By the end of the year, there will be a total of 20 “Spiečius” locations operating in Lithuania, where regional entrepreneurs will be provided with free business growth services. The dates for the opening events, to which the local community is invited, have already been announced.
Opportunities for business growth must be available in the regions as well
“The growing number of new businesses in the regions shows that entrepreneurial potential is not concentrated solely in the major cities. We see that targeted efforts to develop the country’s regions are yielding results, so we must ensure that businesses established here have the opportunity to grow, transition to higher-value-added activities, implement innovations, and invest in technology. The expansion of the ‘Spiečius’ network is one of the practical measures helping to bring this support closer to businesses,” says Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Economy and Innovation.
According to Monika Paulė, director of the Innovation Agency, the regions have no shortage of entrepreneurial people or strong business ideas. However, it is not only important to support businesses at the very beginning – helping them grow and become more productive and competitive is no less of a challenge.
“This requires not only funding, but also knowledge, expert assistance, contacts, and the opportunity to learn from the experience of other businesses – ‘Spiečius’ provides exactly that kind of environment. Here, entrepreneurs can receive individual consultations, participate in mentoring, acceleration, productivity-boosting, and other business growth programs, utilize the services of the Innovation Agency, and become part of an active local business community, as well as tap into the potential of international markets. The new ‘Spiečiai’ locations bring these opportunities within reach of even more people starting businesses in the regions,” says M. Paulė.
Opening dates announced
“Spiečius” focuses on business growth and strengthening competitiveness – by assisting both those taking their first steps in business and existing companies seeking to reach the next stage of growth. Here, entrepreneurs can strengthen their skills in business management, sales, marketing, digital transformation, process optimization, and other areas essential for growth; consult with experts and mentors; and establish new business contacts.
The opening events for the new “Spiečiai” locations will take place:
• In Mažeikiai – September 28
• In Šakiai – October 2
• In Šalčininkai – October 6
• In Anykščiai – October 16
• In Lazdijai – date to be announced later
The local community is invited to the opening events starting at 2:30 p.m. – this will be an opportunity to learn about the activities of “Spiečius” and the Innovation Agency, as well as their planned services, and to make initial contacts. For more information about the opening events, visit the “Spiečius” Facebook page.
With the opening of these new spaces, there will be 20 “Spiečius” locations operating in Lithuania by the end of the year. Currently, 15 active business spaces are operating in Alytus, Birštonas, Gargždai, Kaunas, Kėdainiai, Klaipėda, Marijampolė, Panevėžys, Plungė, Rokiškis, Šiauliai, Tauragė, Ukmergė, Utena, and Visaginas.
Are you interested in joining the new “Spiečiai”?
The new “Spiečiai” in Mažeikiai, Šakiai, Lazdijai, Šalčininkai, and Anykščiai are already bringing together future local business communities. Entrepreneurs and residents developing business ideas who would like to learn more about “Spiečius” activities, the services offered, and opportunities to become community members are invited to contact us using the information provided on the website: https://spiecius.inovacijuagentura.lt/kontaktai/