The LEAD Project is an initiative planned to help businesses integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in a practical, accessible, and measurable way. One of its key components will be the ESG Coach platform - a digital solution for company-wide education on ESG principles.

This project is funded by the European Union through the EmBRACE Small Project Fund, and implemented by Alicorn (Montenegro) in partnership with PRIME Communications (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Pro-Map (Croatia).

LEAD Project aims to provide companies of all sizes with the tools and knowledge to strengthen long-term business resilience, enhance competitiveness, and drive positive impact.

ESG Education with the LEAD Project

In today’s changing business landscape, applying ESG principles is no longer optional, but a necessity for companies seeking to remain competitive, relevant, and aligned with global market expectations. This is especially important for SMEs that want to ensure sustainable growth, attract investment, and meet evolving regulatory and stakeholder demands.

“Sustainable business practices are no longer optional. They need to be embedded into our core strategies,” said Sanja Gardašević, CEO of Alicorn, and added: “Through the LEAD project, we will equip companies with the necessary tools and knowledge to implement ESG standards, making them stronger and more resilient in today’s volatile market conditions. For ESG strategies to be effectively implemented, it’s crucial that everyone within a company understands their importance—only then can sustainability become a part of everyday business operations.”

Tools for Transformation: What ESG Coach Offers

The core of LEAD Project lies in two digital tools currently under development

• The self-assessment tool – An interactive tool designed to help companies assess their ESG readiness, identify gaps, and receive personalized recommendations for improvement. This is especially valuable for SMEs that often lack internal ESG resources.
• ESG Coach mobile app – A user-friendly, educational platform that provides companies and employees with tailored ESG training through interactive modules, quizzes, and certification options. The app is designed to support learning at all organizational levels, from executives to operational teams.

Together, these tools will offer companies a structured, accessible, and scalable path to improve ESG performance.

Supporting ESG Adria Summit 2025

A presentation of the LEAD Project will take place during ESG Adria Summit 2025, scheduled for April 9–11 at Porto Montenegro, Tivat, as part of the official Summit programme.

Biljana Braithwaite, CEO and Founder of Sustineri Partners and organiser of the Summit, highlighted the importance of ESG education for local businesses and what LEAD Project is doing: “Building a resilient future requires more than just compliance - it’s about true commitment to sustainable practices. The ESG Adria Summit brings together stakeholders from different areas to accelerate this transformation. In the process, we ensure that businesses thrive in an evolving global landscape. This project understands the significance of this mission and will play a key role in driving it forward.”

Regional Reach and Long-Term Vision

The project runs from February 2025 to February 2026 and includes key milestone events in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, designed to engage the wider business and policy community.

Beyond its initial timeline, it is expected to remain available and grow into a lasting platform for ESG capacity building in the region. The goal is to create a strong and connected ESG community - one that drives innovation, responsibility, and long-term value across borders.

The project aligns with the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme 2021–2027 and promotes cross-border cooperation to support ESG adoption among SMEs in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

The content within this project was developed with the support of the European Union. All materials created as part of the ESG Coach initiative are the sole responsibility of the consortium consisting of Alicorn (ME), Pro-Map (HR), and PRIME Communications (BA), and can in no way be considered to reflect the views of the European Union.