Vilamová: When Ideas Need Room to Grow
66 ǀ POSITIV WOMAN
When Ideas
Need Room to Grow
Somemes all it takes is a single idea, a ny spark, and life can turn in a completely new direcon.
Each of us has something to oer the world, and somemes you just need to know where
to start—and have someone who will back you. In Ostrava, a space has been created for everyone
who wants to turn their ideas into reality. Podnikej!!!, a strategic project under the fajnOVA brand,
is precisely the place where dreams begin to turn into projects, and projects into life experiences.
Podnikej!!! was launched as a strategic project under
the fajnOVA brand to support innovation in business,
new technologies, and the development of the
entrepreneurial environment in Ostrava. Its aim is to
attract young, talented and hard-working people
to the region and offer them an environment in which
their ideas can grow. The programme brings together
the city, experts and aspiring entrepreneurs through
accelerator programmes, mentoring and community
activities. It helps people not only to start a business,
but also to build a network of contacts and knowledge—
which is often the most valuable asset of all.
How the Programme Started
The programme was created in response to the need for
systematic support for both aspiring and experienced
entrepreneurs, companies, and tradespeople in the fields
of craft and technically innovative business. The city
has long supported innovative projects, but what was
missing was a unified framework that would help ideas
evolve from the first spark all the way to realisation.
The first edition, launched in 2023, introduced three
accelerators: FashionUp, Culinary Accelerator, and the
Craft Accelerator. More than thirty participants took
part in these projects. Among them were craftsmen
of various specialisations—small business owners
running cafés or vegan catering services, designers
who turn old spoons into jewellery or create textile aids
for diabetics, and entrepreneurs reviving traditional
crafts such as weaving.
“The first year of the accelerator was a tremendous
learning experience and brought many inspiring
stories. Some participants rebranded their businesses
thanks to the programme, others expanded into
e-shops and workshops, and some even hired their first
employees. What makes me happiest is the creation
of a strong community that not only works together,
but also connects personally. This year we expect even
more participants, and we hope their stories will inspire
others,” said Lucie Baránková Vilamová, Deputy Mayor
for Strategic Development and Culture.
Second Year: More Options and Themes
Building on the success of the first year, the second
edition offers six acceleration programmes.
The original trio has been joined by IdeaHUB
Booster, Bezva prodejna, and AI & Business Lab,
focused on innovation, sustainability, sales strategies,
and connecting business with modern technologies.
Each programme has its own focus, but they are
united by a single goal: to make those first steps easier
and support people in their entrepreneurial ambitions.
The programme has also grown on the community
side. Participants meet, share experiences, and create
a network that goes beyond individual projects.
A major benefit is that, thanks to support from the City
of Ostrava, the programmes are completely free for
participants.
Lucie Baránková Vilamová believes that the meaning
of life is something we create ourselves, and that every
change begins with courage. She graduated from
VŠB–Technical University of Ostrava, and her professional
path has led through the worlds of project management,
markeng, and business. She has gained experience not
only in pracce, but also in university lecture halls, where
she taught students to believe in their ideas and not
be afraid to turn them into reality. In 2021, she became
a nalist in the Manager of the Year compeon in the
Public Administraon category. Today, she inspires others
through her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship,
showing that courage and belief in one’s own ideas can
help make Ostrava a beer place.