Ten Slovenian Women Join EWA 2025 to Shape the Future of AgriFood Sector

• Lara Božič is the founder of Selfuel, a natural powdered energy drink made with plant-based ingredients like guarana, adaptogenic herbs, electrolytes, and vitamins—free from sugar and artificial additives. Designed for people with busy lifestyles, Selfuel provides lasting energy and supports overall well-being without the crash of traditional energy drinks. Her business model includes online sales via Amazon, subscriptions, and an upcoming AI-powered app to help users build personalized healthy routines and long-term wellness habits.
• Petra Gorečan founded Milkimami, a Slovenian brand offering natural snacks like lactation biscuits and granola to support breastfeeding mothers. Made from local ingredients, the products boost milk production and provide essential nutrients. Milkimami also promotes sustainability and community through eco-packaging, expert partnerships, and educational content. With over 7,000 products sold and strong customer loyalty, Petra plans to expand the brand to Italy and Germany.
• Meta Jeraj is the founder of Simply Soup, a brand offering ready-to-cook, frozen soup ingredients made from 100% natural Slovenian produce. From beef to pumpkin soup, the meals are quick, healthy, and free from additives—perfect for busy people who want nutritious food fast. By using local ingredients and minimal packaging, Simply Soup supports Slovenian farmers, reduces food waste, and lowers the carbon footprint. Sold through markets and local shops, the brand is growing steadily while staying true to its focus on quality and sustainability.
• Eva Mustafa is the founder of Nonstop, a startup that fights food waste by turning beer pomace into healthy snacks like baking mixes, crackers, and grisins. Using local ingredients and smart processing, Nonstop supports a circular economy and lowers the carbon footprint. The brand works with breweries, bakeries, and restaurants, offering its products to both businesses and individual customers through online shops and gift packs. Eva’s goal is to expand into other surplus foods and strengthen the local agri-food system—combining taste, sustainability, and innovation.
• Anica Štublar is the founder of Bee Landscape, a brand offering fermented foods made from honey, pollen, propolis, and local herbs like nettles. These spreads, drinks, and snacks are rich in probiotics and antioxidants, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall health.
  By using local ingredients and promoting sustainable farming, Bee Landscape helps protect biodiversity and reduce its carbon footprint. Products are sold online, at trade fairs, and in local shops, and the brand also runs workshops for health-conscious consumers seeking natural, local alternatives.
• Lana Petek is the creator of Superfood Sprinkles, natural toppings made from local fruits, vegetables, and superfoods—free from sugar and additives. Gently dehydrated to keep vitamins and fibre, they boost meals with extra nutrition and replace sugary sprinkles.
  Made from local food surpluses and packed in eco-friendly materials, they support sustainability and the circular economy. Aimed at health-focused adults, parents, and athletes, the sprinkles are sold online, with plans to grow into international markets.
• Katja Šturm creates innovative freeze-dried asparagus products grown on her family farm. Rich in nutrients and naturally preserved, her range includes powders, chunks, and supplements that support healthy eating all year round while reducing food waste. With sustainable, pesticide-free farming and eco-friendly packaging, Katja promotes a circular economy. Her products are sold online, directly to consumers, and through partnerships with restaurants and caterers—appealing to health-conscious families and food lovers who value local and sustainable choices.
• Janja Matk runs a high mountain organic farm that creates specialty goat’s milk products like ice cream, freeze-dried treats, and goat butter, using traditional Slovenian breeds and local flavors like tarragon and dried pears. Freeze-drying keeps the nutrients intact and extends shelf life—perfect for tourists and health-conscious food lovers. With sustainable, small-scale production and direct local sales, Janja supports the regional economy and plans to grow into niche markets with her one-of-a-kind dairy creations.
• Anja Zorko created Belokranjski Trio, a blend of flakes and seeds made from local Slovenian ingredients with three unique flavors: Lepa Anka, Zeleni Jurij, and Pears, Apples, Plums. Rich in fiber, omega fats, protein, and superfoods, it supports digestion, immunity, and mood. The product is sustainably made, uses glass packaging with refill options, and targets busy people who want quick, healthy meals. Anja plans to offer a to-go yogurt version, subscription packages, and expand internationally, helping connect rural producers with urban consumers.
• Nina Bavdek offers Salty Granola, a plant-based, gluten-free snack made from local, seasonal ingredients like oats, seeds, and natural spices. Free from artificial additives, it’s high in protein and fiber, perfect for vegans, allergy sufferers, and anyone seeking a healthy, sustainable diet. Aimed at health-conscious people, athletes, and busy professionals, the granola is sold online and through cafés and specialty shops using eco-friendly packaging. Nina’s project supports the local economy, encourages healthy eating, and helps reduce the carbon footprint.

• Lucia Lučka Klanšek, PhD
• Rok Starič
• Nika Močnik
• Anja Žagar
• Urša Žorž Požrl
• Anuška Beltram
• Mateja Vadnjal
• Nika Škerjanc
• Maša Madon
• Petra Medved Djurašinović, PhD
  

What’s Next for EWA Slovenia Participants?

Over the coming six months, the ten inspiring women selected for EWA Slovenia will focus on developing their business ideas with dedicated support and hands-on experience. Each participant will receive at least six hours of mentorship per month, helping them fine-tune their projects and tackle entrepreneurial challenges with expert guidance.

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, they’ll expand their knowledge through virtual training sessions, deep dives into market research, and interactive workshops designed to sharpen their professional skills. The journey will culminate in a Demo Day on November, where participants will showcase their progress and pitch their ideas. They’ll compete for a total of €15,000 in grants, bringing them one step closer to turning their visions into reality and making a lasting impact in the agrifood sector.

The Centre of Business Excellence (CBE) at the University of Ljubljana's School of Economics and Business offers top-tier business education and networking opportunities. With over a decade of experience, CBE combines academic expertise with practical insights from industry professionals. It provides a range of programmes, from short online workshops to longer academies, including the prestigious LJUBLJANA MBA. As part of the triple-accredited SEB LU, ranked among the top 1% of business schools globally, CBE aims to foster long-term growth and development for both individuals and businesses, adapting to dynamic trends and changes in the business environment.

Learn more about The Centre of Business Excellence (CBE) on their webpage.