BWBH Autumn Baazar – Community Day je iza ugla i kao i uvijek pružit će za svakoga po nešto. Brojni izlagači iz Bosne i Hercegovine i Austrije predstavit će svoje radove i usluge, a moći ćete se i informisati o radu našeg Udruženja. Uz kafu i kolače, u ugodnoj atmosferi, imat ćete priliku da upoznate naše članice, razmijenite iskustva, proširite svoju mrežu i otvorite nove puteve svojoj karijeri. A naravno, uz sve to, da obezbijedite poklone za predstojeće praznike. I više nego dovoljno razloga da nam se pridružite!
Zlatni sponzor ovogodišnjeg bazara je naš dugogodišnji partner Team23 Steuerberatung iz Beča – inovativni ured za računovodstvo i poresko savjetovanje. Već više od deset godina uspješno pružaju sveobuhvatnu podršku klijentima sa Balkana pri osnivanju firmi, izaslanju radnika (detasmani) i investiranju u nekretnine u Austriji. Sa pristupom “partneri, a ne samo administratori”, Team23 nudi proaktivna rješenja i individualnu podršku – i to, naravno, na bosanskom jeziku. To ih čini jedinstvenim i pouzdanim partnerom za firme, poduzetnike i osnivače koji žele dugoročan uspjeh u Austriji.
Zahvalnost dugujemo i našem srebrenom sponzoru Brajlović Austrija. U srcu Beča, tamo gdje se tradicija spaja sa inovacijom, započinje priča o Brajloviću. Njihova misija je jasna – podijeliti bogate okuse balkanske kuhinje sa ostatkom svijeta. Spajanjem autentičnih balkanskih recepata sa preciznošću austrijske izrade, cilj im je obogatiti dinamičnu kulinarsku scenu Evrope i u tome uspijevaju već godinama.
U nastavku vam predstavljamo ovogodišnje izlagače. Vidimo se 04.10. u Beču!
Lejla Tinjic-Zaimovic, President and Co-founder of the Association of Business Women of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has dedicated her life to empowering women through connection, education, and collaboration. From moving to a new country and starting over, to creating a powerful platform that amplifies women’s voices and businesses, her story is one of resilience, community, and leadership. She is a true inspiration for our Humans of Fuzia community of 5M+ women and allies who believe in She for She and He for She.
Q: What inspired you to start your journey with the Association of Business Women of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Lejla: The association began informally in 2016 when a group of successful Bosnian women met in Vienna. We realized the power of our shared experiences and decided to formalize the platform in 2017. Since then, we’ve focused on promoting women-owned businesses, hosting educational programs, and organizing networking events that connect women in Bosnia, Austria, and beyond.
Q: What challenges have you faced along the way? Lejla: I prefer to see challenges as opportunities. Our association is built on volunteer work, so while balancing careers, families, and community service can be demanding, we do everything with full hearts. The response from our members and community keeps us motivated. Personally, my biggest challenge was moving to a new country—starting over, learning the language, finding work, and building a new network. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me and taught me resilience.
Q: What milestones are you most proud of? Lejla: Family always comes first—I’m proud of raising my children while building a life in a new country. Professionally, I’m proud that my husband and I could integrate into a new society, find opportunities, and create something meaningful from scratch. Founding the association and watching it grow alongside starting a new career in Austria are among my proudest achievements.
Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership today? Lejla: Women leaders are everywhere—in companies, communities, and governments. I believe leadership should not be categorized by gender; great leaders can be men or women. It’s about equality, and today we see real progress.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs? Lejla: Be daring. Invest in yourself, keep learning, and never hesitate to ask or demand what you deserve. Networking is powerful—surround yourself with people who inspire you and keep moving forward.
Q: What does success mean to you? Lejla: Success is deeply personal. For me, it’s about constant growth and improvement, continuing to learn and stay true to yourself. At the end of the day, when all titles are stripped away, true success is being happy, balanced, and at peace.
“Success is a goal you set for yourself—it’s about growth, learning, and finding peace while staying true to who you are.”
On September 11, 2025, Vienna became the meeting point of innovation, community, and shared vision as we hosted Connecting Futures, a flagship networking event proudly co-curated by MenteeHub, alongside Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation, Business Women of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Making It in Austria. The event brought together an extraordinary mix of professionals, agencies, founders, investors, and community leaders from across Europe.
The response was overwhelming: tickets sold out well ahead of time, and the atmosphere throughout the day reflected just how much demand there is for spaces where innovation and community meet.
We were proud to welcome not only guests traveling from all parts of Austria but also international guests from Cologne, Munich, and beyond, alongside a truly diverse audience of internationals with roots in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
A program full of highlights
The agenda featured inspiring keynotes and panels with participants and contributors from leading organizations such as Austrian Economic Chambers, Vienna Business Agency, and a strong lineup of representatives and entrepreneurs from Bosnian and Austrian companies.
From exploring the challenges of founding abroad, to sharing stories of career growth and belonging every session sparked insights, connections, and plenty of inspiration for the future.
The company spotlights provided a dynamic showcase of organizations committed to supporting innovation and collaboration across industries and borders.
A Place to Exchange Ideas
From the first coffee to the final applause, it was clear that growth and community belong together. Listening to personal stories of building businesses abroad and reflecting on how to strengthen professional networks showed that Connecting Futures is more than sharing knowledge, it’s about building opportunities side by side.
Beyond the Stage
One of the unique highlights this year was the presence of fellows of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation, who visited Vienna as part of their fellowship journey. In the days before the conference, they visited local companies, universities, and had the chance to meet with the Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina in Austria to discuss the role of diaspora in shaping the country’s future. Their presence at Connecting Futures brought an added layer of inspiration and created a powerful bridge between the next generation of leaders.
What has stayed with us most is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from participants and guests. Attendees spoke about the energy, the quality of discussions, and the sense of belonging that the event fostered. Many described it not just as a conference, but as a community moment they want to see grow and continue.
Looking Ahead
As the lights dimmed at the event venue, one thing was clear: Connecting Futures is here to stay. This year exceeded our expectations, and thanks to our incredible partners, speakers, and attendees, it turned out even better than we could have dreamed.
We are grateful to all who joined us: our speakers, facilitators, partners, and of course, our incredible audience. Together, you made this event what it was, a true celebration of innovation, integration, and impact.
Next year we are setting the bar even higher. Expect an even more international stage, more partners, and more opportunities to connect across borders. Stay tuned, the journey continues.
What People Said
“It was great to share thoughts on the Bosnia and Herzegovina-Austria Startup Bridge. The event truly highlighted the power of cross-border collaboration and mentorship.”
— Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, Head of Startup Services, WKÖ
“Austria’s Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora has built something special here. People sharing real opportunities, practical advice, and opening doors for each other. We were impressed by the individual achievements and how supportive everyone was. This community understands how to create genuine value through connections.”
— Haris Husejnovic, Growth Manager at ZenDev
“The study visit to Vienna proved to be an inspiring and rewarding experience. Over the course of a week, we had the opportunity to visit several companies and engage in discussions with outstanding industry experts. These encounters provided valuable insights into how the industry operates in practice, offering perspectives that go far beyond the classroom. The visit was not only informative but also truly eye opening, leaving us motivated and energised. Im thankful to Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation, MenteeHub and our hosts for welcoming us and making this experience possible”
— Amir Muracevic, BHFF Fellow
“Vienna gave me a chance to meet incredible people and build connections that I know will last. The open and welcoming atmosphere made every conversation meaningful and left me inspired to keep growing, both as an individual and as a professional.”
— Demir Halilbasic, BHFF Fellow
“I was nearly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of talent and brilliant minds gathered in one place. The entire closing event was priceless in both experience and lessons learned.”
This event brought together Bosnia & Herzegovina diaspora professionals and stakeholders in Vienna. Co-hosted by the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation, the Business Women of B&H, MenteeHub Vienna, and MakingItIn Austria, this flagship networking conference aimed to strengthen ties between Western Balkan entrepreneurs and Austria's tech and innovation ecosystem. Held at Impact Hub Vienna, the event aligned closely with our mission of empowering young talents and breaking down barriers through technology, education, and leadership.
Goals & Key Themes: The meetup’s theme emphasized “Innovation, Integration & Impact.” Organizers highlighted Austria’s role as a Central European hub for technology and talent, stressing the importance of international integration. The program description underscored the goal of bringing together young professionals, founders, investors, local agencies, and companies with Balkan roots to foster lasting connections and drive shared innovation.
The conference aimed to harness the collective expertise of the Bosnia‑Herzegovina diaspora to encourage entrepreneurial collaboration and create social impact – echoing the broader mission: to unite diaspora professionals and leverage their expertise, ideas, and resources to drive innovation, business growth, and positive change.
In short, Connecting Futures sought to strengthen the Bosnian‑Herzegovinian community abroad by showcasing opportunities in technology and business, while positioning Austria as a gateway for Balkan talent.
Speakers & Sessions:BWBH President Lejla Tinjić-Zaimović opened the event with a warm welcome to the community. We are incredibly proud that all panelists, panel leaders, and moderators were members of the BWBH Association – a true tribute to how much we have accomplished in recent years.
The agenda featured a mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and informal networking. BHFF founder Edhem “Eddie“ Custovic gave a keynote on the Foundation's origin story and mission. Another keynote was delivered by Selma Prodanovic, a veteran entrepreneur and investor described as “one of the most influential women in start-ups & VC in Europe”. Between keynotes, two panel sessions explored entrepreneurship and career integration:
Panel 1 – “Starting Up Abroad”: Focused on the challenges and opportunities for expatriate founders in Austria. Panelists included representatives from the Vienna Business Agency, the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO), the tax consultancy Team23, and other leadership experts. The discussion addressed how newcomers can build companies in a foreign market, highlighting support structures and practical advice.
Panel 2 – “Belong. Grow. Thrive: Careers & Community for Expats”: Examined what it takes to thrive, not just survive, as an expatriate professional. Speakers ranged from a CFO of a leading Austrian bank to a company founder who started from scratch, as well as the host of the “Making It in Austria” podcast and a MenteeHub co‑founder. The panel shared inspiring integration stories and career journeys of Western Balkan professionals in Austria.
Fireside Chat – “Founders without Borders”: An intimate conversation with Senad Santic, co‑founder of the Bosnian software firm ZenDev. Senad shared his personal story of emigrating as a child and later returning to co-found a globally‑oriented company. This session highlighted the theme of “coming full circle” and building ventures that span multiple cultures.
Company Spotlights: Sponsors and partners – including Team23 Steuerberatung, ZenDev, Tranchulas – introduced their missions and activities in quick talks. These company presentations offered attendees a chance to learn about potential employers, partners or collaborators within the BHFF network.
Attendees & Community: Attendees included young professionals and students of Balkan heritage, entrepreneurs, investors, and agency representatives from Austria and neighboring countries. Organizers emphasized the presence of both men and women; in particular, the involvement of Business Women of B&H underlined a commitment to female leadership. The event fostered a diverse networking space: participants ranged from first‑generation immigrants to Austrian‑born professionals of Balkan descent, all sharing an interest in technology, entrepreneurship, and maintaining ties with Bosnia & Herzegovina. 5 of BHFF scholars also attended the event, previously they have visited very interesting companies. Stay tuned for more details.
Impact & Outcomes:Connecting Futures was designed as a community-building initiative as much as an informational forum. By bringing together diaspora stakeholders in Vienna, the conference reinforced BHFF’s strategy of diaspora engagement. These events demonstrate how the diaspora can uplift and strengthen our homeland through collaboration, leadership, and heart.
Connecting Futures aimed to inspire “the next generation of change makers” by demonstrating successful diaspora role models and integration pathways. It provided a platform for attendees to learn how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive social impact for Bosnia & Herzegovina, while also building their own careers in Europe. The event’s emphasis on integration also echoed our values: connecting Bosnia & Herzegovina’s future leaders with broader European networks and resources.
By blending inspirational keynotes, practical panels, and informal networking, the Vienna BH Meetup sought to empower diaspora talent and highlight Austria as a regional innovation hub. Although further follow‑up will determine long-term impacts, the positive turnout and engagement indicate that such initiatives continue to advance our vision of collective progress through youth, technology, and cross-border collaboration.
Prije nekoliko dana održan je vrlo produktivan sastanak s ambasadorom Bosne i Hercegovine u Austriji, N.E. Sinišom Bencunom. Sastanku su prisustvovali predsjednica Business Women of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lejla Tinjić Zaimović, osnivač Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation Edhem (Eddie) Čustović, te grupa stipendista i ambasadorica Fondacije u Austriji Dr. Amra Ibrić. Ambasadora smo detaljno upoznali s radom Fondacije i BWBH Udruženja i možemo slobodno reći da je ostao impresioniran postignutim rezultatima.
Razgovarali smo o aktivnostima ambasade u Austriji, privredi, obrazovanju i inicijativama koje mogu dodatno povezati Bosnu i Hercegovinu i Austriju. Posebno zahvaljujemo ambasadoru na izdvojenom vremenu, kao i na dolasku na naš meetup u Beču istog dana, gdje je bio uz nas gotovo tokom cijelog programa i pažljivo pratio diskusije.
BHFF već više od šest godina aktivno povezuje BiH i Austriju kroz mrežu stručnjaka koji ovdje žive i rade: organizuju stručne posjete, kratke obrazovne programe, bachelor i master studije te druge aktivnosti. Kontinuirano povezuju najbolje stručnjake i naše kompanije iz BiH s privrednicima u Austriji, stvarajući konkretne prilike za saradnju i razvoj. BWBH također godinama aktivno radi na jačanju veza između ove dvije zemlje i promociji i podršci privredinka porijeklom iz Bosne i Hercegovine.
Ministarstvo vanjskih poslova Bosne i Hercegovine organiziralo je danas prvi online forum pod nazivom “Ekonomski most sa bosanskohercegovačkom dijasporom”, s ciljem povezivanja i mapiranja relevantnih poslovnih udruženja, komora, klubova, inicijativa i drugih organizacija iz bh. dijaspore širom svijeta.
Na forumu je učestvovalo više od 180 predstavnika bosanskohercegovačke ekonomske zajednice iz Evrope, Azije, Afrike i Australije. Učesnicima se obratio ministar vanjskih poslova Bosne i Hercegovine Elmedin Konaković, a događaju su prisustvovali i predstavnici svih nivoa vlasti u BiH koji su iskazali interes za jačanje veza i saradnje s poslovnom dijasporom.
Konaković je izrazio zahvalnost učesnicima te naglasio da je cilj foruma izgradnja povjerenja u državne institucije, otvaranje vrata saradnji i jačanje veza između građana BiH u inostranstvu i domaćih institucija. Istakao je da bh. dijaspora predstavlja most između Bosne i Hercegovine i svijeta, kao i kapital znanja, iskustava, kontakata i poslovne reputacije. Ministarstvo vanjskih poslova, poručio je, želi biti saveznik bh. zajednicama širom svijeta. Najavio je i novu web stranicu MVP BiH, koja će biti u potpunosti prilagođena potrebama građana i partnera, te služiti kao institucionalni kanal za komunikaciju.
“Zadovoljstvo mi je što se danas ovdje okupljamo s istim ciljem – da gradimo povjerenje, otvaramo vrata saradnji i ojačamo veze naših građana u svijetu s institucijama Bosne i Hercegovine. U Ministarstvu vanjskih poslova BiH želimo graditi modernu, odgovornu i transparentnu vanjsku politiku. Zato danas želimo da slušamo vas – koje su vaše prepreke, kako možemo olakšati poslovanje, kako možemo učiniti naš sistem efikasnijim i gdje je prostor za napredak”, naveo je Konaković. Dodao je kako je vizija MVP BiH jasna – zajedno s našim građanima želimo rebrendirati Bosnu i Hercegovinu i od nje napraviti zemlju u koju se vrijedi vratiti, u koju vrijedi ulagati i koju vrijedi s ponosom predstavljati u svijetu.
O važnosti povezivanja bh. zajednica s institucijama BiH govorili su savjetnica za ekonomska pitanja člana Predsjedništva BiH dr. Denisa Bećirovića, prof. dr. Hatidža Jahić, predsjednik Vanjskotrgovinske komore BiH Ahmet Egrlić, pomoćnica direktora za promociju i analizu pri Agenciji za unapređenje stranih investicija (FIPA) Slavica Korica, te predstavnik Sektora za iseljeništvo pri Ministarstvu za ljudska prava i izbjeglice BiH Dario Šegrt, koji je naglasio značaj saradnje dijaspore s lokalnim zajednicama radi učešća u razvojnim projektima.
Predstavnici poslovne dijaspore istakli su važnost međusobnog povezivanja, umrežavanja i saradnje s državnim institucijama. Amina Agović, projekt-menadžerica BiH – Nordijskog foruma, izrazila je veliko zadovoljstvo organizacijom ovakvog događaja te najavila Prvi skup bosanskohercegovačke zajednice u nordijskim zemljama, koji će se održati 4. oktobra 2025. godine.
Prof. dr. Edhem Čustović, osnivač BH Futures Foundation, naglasio je da povezivanje bh. zajednica u svijetu i osnaživanje mladih kroz obrazovanje, tehnologiju, mentorstvo i poduzetništvo vodi razvoju BiH i doprinosi jačanju lokalnih zajednica. Najavio je osnivanje prvog venture capital fonda u BiH te pozvao javni i privatni sektor, kako u zemlji tako i u dijaspori, da podrže rad i uključe se u realizaciju poslovnih prilika i projekata u BiH.
Lejla Tinjić Zaimović, predsjednica i jedna od osnivačica udruženja Business Women of Bosnia and Herzegovina, naglasila je da je osnovni cilj udruženja umrežavanje i osnaživanje poslovnih žena iz BiH kroz jačanje njihove uloge u društvu i ekonomiji Austrije i BiH. Najavila je i poslovni događaj uspješnih firmi sa predstavnicima BiH u Beču, zakazan za 11. septembar.
Na forumu je predstavljena digitalna platforma Ekonomske diplomatije Ministarstva vanjskih poslova BiH LINK koja omogućava brzu, direktnu i transparentnu komunikaciju s MVP BiH i mrežom diplomatsko-konzularnih predstavništava širom svijeta. Platforma promoviše domaće privredne kapacitete i poslovne događaje, omogućava povezivanje s poslovnim zajednicama u inostranstvu i pruža digitalni pristup ključnim ekonomskim pokazateljima država s kojima BiH ima uspostavljene diplomatske odnose.
“Ovakvi forumi imaju za cilj uspostavljanje trajnog dijaloga i saradnje između institucija BiH i privredne dijaspore, kako bi se domaći resursi maksimalno iskoristili, unaprijedila ekonomija BiH i otvorila nova, bolje plaćena radna mjesta u svim dijelovima naše države”, saopćeno je iz Ureda za odnose s javnošću MVP-a BiH.
