First-year students shine with business ideas in Business I course

On Friday, December 13, first-year Hospitality and Tourism Management students from the Business I course, taught by RIT Croatia’s faculty member Milena Kužnin, presented their innovative business ideas to a panel of four expert judges. The judges included Zvonko Čuljat, RIT Croatia Alumnus, Founder of TERABOT, Petra Ljubišić, RIT Croatia Alumna, Founder of Marelas Creative Digital Agency, Kate Obradović, Co-owner of Barba Restaurant, and Elena Vračarić, Owner of Slatko kao cukar. This event showcased the students’ creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit as they pitched solutions to real-world problems.

How the Students Prepared

Guided by Milena Kužnin, students followed a structured, hands-on learning process to bring their ideas to life:

• Idea Development: Teams brainstormed 10 ideas per week over 10 weeks, creating a portfolio of 100 potential business ideas.
• Research and Analysis: Each team selected two ideas for deeper exploration, conducting market research, SWOT analyses, and feasibility studies.
• Business Pitch Creation: Finally, teams chose one idea to refine into a comprehensive business pitch, incorporating feedback and honing their presentations.

Kužnin explained the educational goals of this approach: “We aim to not only teach students the principles of business but also to give them practical tools they can use. By working in teams and presenting their ideas to a panel, they learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and build confidence in their entrepreneurial skills. This course is as much about personal growth as it is about business.” She added that defending ideas in front of expert judges was a vital experience: “It’s not just about having a great idea—it’s about presenting it convincingly, responding to tough questions, and showing the confidence to stand behind your vision. These are skills that will serve them in any career they choose.”

Insights from the Judges

The judging panel brought a wealth of expertise, offering insights that were both practical and inspiring. Petra Ljubišić emphasized the importance of a clear and practical idea that addresses real-world problems: “I was looking for well thought-out concepts, with a strong understanding of the target audience and how the idea could succeed in the real world. Passion and enthusiasm are crucial—they can truly make or break a pitch.” She encouraged students to follow their passions while being patient and persistent: “Start with something that genuinely excites you. Keep learning, listen to feedback, and trust your instincts. Success takes time, so don’t expect results overnight. Patience and consistency are your greatest allies.”

Kate Obradović highlighted the value of originality and thorough research: “When launching a business, it’s vital to understand the market you’re entering. A strong idea backed by detailed market research and a unique angle has the best chance of success. The originality of the concept and the quality of execution will determine how far it goes.” She also praised the students for their confidence during Q&A sessions: “I paid attention to how assured they were in answering questions. It showed how much they believed in their ideas and their preparation. Confidence is key when pitching an idea.” Reflecting on the experience, Kate expressed her admiration for the students: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to judge this event. Listening to young, ambitious students pitch their ideas was inspiring and brought back memories of when I was starting. Their energy and creativity were truly impressive.”

Petra and Kate both noted how the students’ enthusiasm made the event memorable. As Petra put it: “Watching young entrepreneurs pitch their ideas gave me so much energy and reminded me why I love what I do. Their excitement and passion were infectious, and it made the judging process thoroughly enjoyable, even though it was challenging to choose a winner.”

The Business Ideas

The students’ pitches covered a range of industries and addressed diverse needs:

• Pilates Studio ABStract (Emma Markota, Sarah Coha, Nela Babac)
• Car Wash "Lapad" (Emilija Nikolić, Matija Koprivica, Stijepo Antunica, Orsat Martinović)
• Go Healthy Pop-Up Drink Station (Vuk Batričević, Pero Dedo, Tadija Klikovac, Vuk Žindović)
• Dubrovnik Accelerator (Teodora Ćirović, Sara Redžepagić, Daria Miroshnychenko, Vladimir Kobylianskii)
• Taverna GOT (Mia Bajurin, Mia Stijepčević, Petra Ljepopio, Petra Skurla)
• Perfume Vending Machine (Relja Vuković, Roko Sain, Mario Prce, Dominik Zovkić)
• Event Hall Rental (Anđela Belada, Elis Turkoglu, Sara Blažević)
• Catering Service (Mark Sinishtaj, Luka Savin, Franko Vlahović, Mauro Stanić)

The Pilates Studio ABStract team earned the highest points for their innovative concept, clear presentation, and passion.

The Real Reward: Feedback and Growth

The feedback from the judges was invaluable. Milena Kužnin explained the significance of this input: “The insights students receive from experienced professionals help them refine their ideas and grow as entrepreneurs. Even if they don’t pursue these specific projects, the lessons they learn here will benefit them in the future.”

This event was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and resilience. The students demonstrated not just their ability to generate ideas but also their determination to bring them to life. Guided by their professors and inspired by the judges’ insights, these young innovators are well-equipped to make a lasting impact in the business world.