Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) announced the Western Balkans Six Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026 at a ceremony held today in Sarajevo, celebrating six outstanding women whose businesses are advancing innovation, sustainability, creativity and digital transformation across the region.

Western Balkans Six Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026 are: Jori Vila, Tamara Đurić, Flandra Marmullaku, Aleksandra Simoni, Marija Kukunoska and Željana Vulović. More information on the winners below.

Selected from around 180 nominations received from across the Western Balkans, this year’s laureates were recognised for building successful businesses, developing innovative products and services, and contributing to their economies and communities.

The event was opened by Amer Kapetanović, RCC Secretary General, alongside Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Addressing the guests, Kapetanović said: “Women entrepreneurs are not asking for a separate economic universe. They are asking for their fair share: fair access to finance, markets and networks, fair visibility, and fair recognition of the value they already create. Women’s entrepreneurship is not a side agenda; it is a competitiveness agenda. We remain committed to ensuring that many more women-led businesses across the Western Balkans can start, grow, compete and contribute fully to the development of our region.”

Meet the Western Balkans Six Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026:

Social Star Woman Entrepreneur – Jori Vila, Oz Marketing

With more than 18 years of experience, Jori Vila helps entrepreneurs, companies and brands build stronger identities, communicate with clarity and increase their digital visibility. Her strategic and creative approach strengthens market presence, audience engagement and public outreach.

Artistic Woman Entrepreneur – Tamara Đurić, Magbago d.o.o.

Tamara Đurić combines contemporary fashion design, textile innovation and responsible craftsmanship to create distinctive products with a strong creative identity. Her work brings together artistic expression and sustainability while contributing to the visibility and growth of women-led businesses in the creative economy.

ICT Woman Entrepreneur – Flandra Marmullaku, Data4X

Flandra Marmullaku develops artificial intelligence- and data-driven solutions that help businesses gain market insights, advance digital transformation and make evidence-based decisions. Her innovative and scalable approach strengthens business intelligence capabilities and contributes to the growth of the digital economy.

Young Woman Entrepreneur – Aleksandra Simoni, Green Lining

Aleksandra Simoni transforms recycled materials into artistic and functional products through sustainable design and 3D printing. Her work brings together circular economy principles, creativity and innovation, reflecting the ambition and potential of a new generation of women entrepreneurs.

Green Woman Entrepreneur – Marija Kukunoska, Premium Safety Solution

Marija Kukunoska supports businesses in creating safer and more sustainable operations through workplace safety, risk prevention, protection and compliance services. Her work helps improve standards across the private sector while promoting responsible, resilient and sustainable business practices.

Tourism Woman Entrepreneur – Željana Vulović, System of Quantum Bits
Željana Vulović develops technology-driven solutions that support digital reservations, automation and smart management across tourism and hospitality services. Her work connects hospitality development with digital transformation, helping businesses improve service quality, operational efficiency and the overall guest experience.

The Western Balkans Six Women Entrepreneurs of the Year initiative was launched in March 2022 within the framework of the Common Regional Market Action Plan and forms part of the RCC’s broader regional agenda on women’s economic empowerment, competitiveness, inclusive growth and regional cooperation.

The initiative goes beyond celebrating individual success. It aims to strengthen the position and visibility of women entrepreneurs across the region, showcase inspiring business stories, encourage regional cooperation and support women’s participation in the green and digital transitions.
Women entrepreneurs are important drivers of prosperity, innovation and resilience in the Western Balkans. Through their ideas, leadership and determination, they create jobs, open new opportunities and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Through its work on women’s economic empowerment, the RCC will continue supporting stronger regional networks, improved access to finance, greater visibility and better data, as well as the integration of women-led businesses into regional and European value chains.

The award ceremony took place ahead of the Gender Equality Forum, held within the framework of the Berlin Process, connecting the celebration of women’s entrepreneurial achievements with broader regional discussions on gender equality, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

More information on the recognition and its laureates - https://www.rcc.int/priority_areas/65/western-balkans-women-entrepreneurs-of-the-year