Ostrava to Recognize Entrepreneurs for the First Time: Applications Open for the “Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year” Award
Entrepreneurs who are just starting out or who have recently made significant progress with their projects are eligible to apply. Representatives from a wide range of crafts can participate—from traditional to modern fields, including food production, textile and clothing manufacturing, woodworking, leather and footwear production, design and artistic crafts, electrical engineering, IT, mechanical engineering, printing, and photography.
“In Ostrava, many inspiring business projects are emerging—often driven by enthusiasm, courage, and honest work. With the new ‘Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year’ award, we want to give space to smaller entrepreneurs who bring new ideas and inspire others. At the same time, we aim to motivate them in their further development and use this opportunity to raise awareness about the support and mentoring opportunities that the city offers and actively finances,” says Deputy Mayor for Strategic Development Lucie Baránková Vilamová.
This new award also expands the city’s business support activities, which have so far focused primarily on the start-up grant program in Ostrava carried out under the PODNIKEJ!!! brand. The Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year award complements existing support tools, fulfills the goals of the City of Ostrava’s Strategic Plan, and offers entrepreneurs another opportunity to showcase their projects and inspire others.
An expert panel will evaluate not only the quality of the business idea but also its broader impact. Important criteria will include the promotion of craftsmanship and knowledge sharing, building on traditional craft techniques and developing them under current conditions, introducing innovative solutions, and the social impact of the business.
The evaluation will also take into account how entrepreneurs develop their business and plan for the future—for example, whether they work with a long-term strategy, have a stable and economically sustainable plan, consider environmental responsibility, collaborate with experts, and communicate openly with the public.
The winner will receive a financial prize of CZK 50,000 and the title Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year. The award ceremony will take place as part of the traditional City of Ostrava Awards event. Applications can be submitted until April 30, 2026, via the website podnikej.ostrava.cz, where detailed information about participation conditions is also available.