Connecting business, academia and policy.
SME(s) without borders
Register for event
Date: November 5, 2025
Venue: Assembly Hall, the Bratislava University of Economics and Business
An information booth by SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency will be available throughout the event, offering entrepreneurs details about support programs and students insights into internship opportunities. Amazon will also host a careers booth, where students and graduates can explore internship and full-time roles. At the same time, local SMEs will showcase their products and services at dedicated booths.
About Event
SMEs without Borders organized by the Bratislava University of Economics and Business and Amazon returns, building on the success of our first edition. This conference moves beyond simply discussing barriers in the Single Market. Our core objective is to collaboratively develop concrete practical proposals aimed at significantly improving the business environment. We are focused on generating tangible solutions and actionable outcomes that will empower SMEs – the key drivers of Central Europe’s competitiveness – to thrive and expand across borders.
Agenda
08:30 – 09:00
09:00 – 09:30
Registration & Morning Coffee
Opening
Europe Needs Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Radim Dvořák - Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia
doc. Ing. Peter Drábik, PhD., MSc. - Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, the Bratislava University of Economics and Business
09:30 – 11:00
Panel Discussion:
Less Bureaucracy, More Results: Smart Rules for Agile SMEs
Bureaucracy hinders business, but smart rules pave the way for faster decision-making and easier business operations. From e-invoicing to simpler tax procedures, what digital solutions make life easier for companies and transform administration from an obstacle to support?
Martina Bíliková - Director General of the Tax and Customs Section at the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak republic
Iveta Ondrášiková - Director of Department of Business Environment at Ministry of Economy of the Slovak republic
Ivan Štefanec - Honorary President, SME Europe
Monika Naďová Krošláková - Associate Professor at the Bratislava University of Economics and Business, Founder of Family Business Center, Co-owner of a family business (G2)
Milan Dubec - Entrepreneur and Investor
11:00 -11:15
Coffee break
11:15 – 12:45
Panel Discussion:
One Market, Many Obstacles: Breaking Down Barriers to
Cross-Border Growth
The EU single market opens doors, but structural, legal, and administrative barriers still hinder SME growth. What solutions work for our neighbors, and how can inspiring examples help overcome the boundaries of cross-border expansion?
Alena Sabelová - State Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and Knowledge Economy
Jan Poruba - Deputy Director for European Affairs and the Internal Market, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
Martina Slabejová - Executive Director, The American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia
Filip Franek - Public Policy Manager CZ & SK, Amazon
12:45 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 14:15
One-on-One Interview:
How to Keep the Ideas Flowing (and the Business Scaling)
Oto Kóňa - Founder, Biznis Piknik
14:15 – 15:00
Panel Discussion:
The Power of Online Marketplaces
Just a few clicks and the world is at your fingertips. Online marketplaces open doors to global markets from the comfort of your home. How can SMEs leverage Amazon and other platforms to transform from local sellers to global players?
Filip Hatiar - Head of Performance Marketing, Dedoles
Michal Kľúčik - Head of Account Management, Expando
15:00 – 15:15
15:00 – 15:15
Support in Practice
How SARIO supports SMEs on their journey to international success
Gabriel Gottgeisl - Director of the National Project Department, Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO)
15:15 - 15:30
One-on-One Interview:
The Growth Story that Became a Bestseller
Michal Meško - CEO, Martinus
15:30 - 15:35
Student Award
Young minds, big ideas - recognition for the best student project
15:35 - 17:00
Cocktail reception
(invite only)
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