In April 2025, IRI Centar hosted the pilot workshop “Building a Sustainable Business Model”, designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs transform their ideas into resilient and impactful ventures. Conducted online in three intensive sessions (April 11, 15, and 23), the workshop provided practical guidance and hands-on experience in business model development.
A Structured Path to Stronger Ventures
Facilitated by business consultant Goran Pavlov (IRI Centar), the workshop guided participants step by step through the essentials of business model design. Teams defined their development stage, identified the type of innovation they were pursuing, and profiled their ideal customers. Using the Triple Business Model Canvas, they tested and challenged their assumptions, ensuring their ideas were grounded in real-world needs and capable of delivering long-term value.
Innovation Tools in Practice
Participants explored a set of proven tools to strengthen their concepts:
- Startup Development Phases – to assess maturity and next steps
- Doblin’s 10 Types of Innovation – to classify and diversify innovation strategies
- Persona Development & Customer Journey Mapping – to keep the user at the center
- Triple Business Model Canvas – to iterate and refine business ideas
- Storyboarding – to visualize how solutions work in practice
This blend of methods created an engaging environment for experimentation, reflection, and feedback.
Projects with Purpose
The workshop brought together diverse teams and ideas, all aiming to contribute to sustainable growth:
- The Green Olympic – A solution for managing green spaces in Split during peak tourist season (Permakultura Dalmacija).
- Impronto di meno App – A mobile app to reduce plastic waste and encourage recycling at cultural events.
- The Digital Tourist Guide – A platform to promote sustainable tourism and year-round cultural experiences.
- Coupions – Free Time App – A smart couponing app connecting users with local offers, events, and leisure activities.
Lasting Impact
With a fast-paced yet collaborative format, the workshop allowed teams to make tangible progress in just three hours. Each session concluded with a reflection meeting to review learnings and define concrete next steps.
By combining expert mentoring, innovative tools, and peer exchange, Building a Sustainable Business Model gave participants clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies to move their businesses forward. These early ventures are now better positioned to deliver meaningful, sustainable solutions that align with the digital and green transition.
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