How to Start a Business From Scratch – 10 Steps for 2026

Starting a business sounds intimidating – bureaucracy, taxes, registration, accounting. But in reality, founding a company in Slovenia has become far simpler than it used to be. You can register a sole proprietorship (s.p.) or a simple limited company (d.o.o.) for free, in less than three days, without a lawyer or notary.

In this article we walk you through 10 concrete steps from an idea to a working business. If you do not yet have an idea, first read our article 10 business ideas with minimal capital. But if you already have an idea, let us begin.

Step 1: Choose and validate your business idea

Before registering anything, make sure your idea solves a real problem that people are willing to pay for. How to validate an idea:

• Talk to 10–20 potential customers – would they pay for your service? How much?
• Check demand – Google Trends, Upwork, Facebook groups – are people searching for what you offer?
• Analyse the competition – does it already exist? If so, do you stand out with something?

Step 2: Choose a legal form (s.p. or d.o.o.)

In Slovenia, two forms are most common for beginners:

Tip: to start with minimal risk, begin with an after-hours s.p. – keep your regular job and test the idea on the side. Once your earnings exceed your salary, switch to a full s.p.

Step 3: Write a business plan

Even if you do not need one for the bank, write at least a basic business plan – clearly define the idea, target market, competitive advantage, financial projections, and timeline. This is not bureaucracy – it is your map. Learn how to build one in the article What is a business plan.

Step 4: Register the company at a SPOT point

Registration takes place on the SPOT portal (formerly eVEM) or at a physical SPOT point. The procedure is free. You need:

• A personal ID and tax number
• A company name – check availability at AJPES
• A company seat – your address, rented premises, or a virtual office
• Selected activities – under the Standard Classification of Activities (SKD)
• A digital certificate or SI-PASS – for online registration

After registration you receive an AJPES decision – with it you go to the bank to open a business account.

Step 5: Open a business account

To operate, you need a separate business transaction account (TRR). Banks in Slovenia: NLB, SKB, UniCredit, Sparkasse, N26 Business, Revolut Business. Compare monthly account maintenance fees – differences can be €5–20/month.

Step 6: Find an accountant

An accountant is not a luxury – it is a necessity. For an s.p. with flat-rate expenses, accounting is simple (from €50/month); for a d.o.o. it is more demanding (from €100/month). A good accountant saves you more than they cost – through tax optimisation, timely filings, and advice.

Tip: ask for a recommendation in your coworking space or entrepreneurial community. At makerSP_CE you have access to entrepreneurs who know reliable accountants.

Step 7: Arrange insurance and contributions

For an s.p., social insurance is mandatory (~€400/month for a full s.p.), including pension, health, parental, and unemployment insurance. For an after-hours s.p., contributions are significantly lower (~€80/month). Your accountant helps you arrange all the filings.

Step 8: Set up basic infrastructure

What you need to get started:

• Website – at least a basic page with a description of services and contact details. WordPress or Squarespace are affordable.
• Email address – info@yourdomain.si looks more professional than gmail.com.
• Business cards and logo – you can create a basic visual identity with free tools (Canva).
• Accounting software – Čebelca BIZ, Minimax, or e-Računi for issuing invoices.
• Workspace – home, coworking, or an office – depending on your needs and budget.

For a professional workspace without high fixed costs, a coworking space is the ideal solution. At makerSP_CE you get everything – internet, printing, a meeting room, parking – for €135/month.

Step 9: Get your first customers

No customers, no business. Here are 5 ways to get your first customers:

1. Personal network – tell friends, family, former colleagues. Word spreads.
2. LinkedIn and social media – announce that you are starting a business. Be specific – what you offer and to whom.
3. Free trial – offer the first service for free or at a reduced price in exchange for a reference and a review.
4. Local groups – Facebook groups, forums, local business communities.
5. Coworking community – your neighbouring coworker might just need your service or know someone who does.

Step 10: Measure, adjust, grow

For the first 6 months, reality will almost certainly differ from the plan. That is normal. The key is to measure results (revenue, costs, number of customers, satisfaction), adjust your strategy based on feedback, and not give up too soon. Most successful entrepreneurs started with small steps and grew gradually.

To keep your motivation going in tough moments, read our article How to stay motivated as a startup founder.

How much does it cost to start a business in Slovenia?

Grants and incentives for new businesses (2026)

Slovenia offers several programmes for new entrepreneurs:

• P2 start-up incentive – up to €72,000 in grants for innovative startups (SPS).
• P4D digital transformation – up to €30,000 for SME digitalisation.
• SPIRIT Slovenia – mentoring programmes and training for young entrepreneurs.
• Local development agencies – free advice and help preparing applications.

More information: startup.si and SPOT.gov.si.

Frequently asked questions about starting a business

Can I open a business for free?

Yes. Registering an s.p. and a simple d.o.o. at a SPOT point or on the SPOT portal is free – the state covers the procedure costs. The only cost for a d.o.o. is the €7,500 founding capital.

Do I need a lawyer to found a company?

For a simple set-up (s.p. or single-member d.o.o.), a lawyer is not needed. The SPOT point handles everything. For more complex forms (multi-member d.o.o. with a non-standard articles of association) we recommend legal advice.

How long does registration take?

S.p.: usually 1–3 working days. D.o.o.: 3–5 working days. If you submit electronically via the SPOT portal, the process is even faster.

Is it better to start with an s.p. or a d.o.o.?

For most beginners, an s.p. is the better choice – simpler, faster, cheaper. Choose a d.o.o. if you plan a larger business, have co-founders, or want to protect personal assets from business risks.

Where do I find a workspace as a new entrepreneur?

A coworking space is ideal for beginners – low fixed costs, a professional environment, and networking. At makerSP_CE you can start with daily rental from €20 or monthly from €135, all-inclusive.

Conclusion: Start today, not tomorrow

Founding a company in Slovenia has never been as easy as it is today. Free registration, a digitalised procedure, and a rich support ecosystem – from SPOT points to grants – mean that only a decision stands between you and your own business. Do not wait for the “right moment” – the right moment is today.

Start with an idea, write a business plan, register the company, and find a space that supports your growth. The makerSP_CE coworking space is here to accompany you on this journey – from €135/month, all-inclusive.

🚀 From idea to business. Start today.

makerSP_CE | €135/month | All-inclusive | No lock-in | 24/7

See also

• Sole Proprietorship or Limited Company
• How to Open a Sole Proprietorship (s.p.)