Latvian company SIA “JAZ” has developed the digital platform “JAZNEXUS”, which helps companies prepare sustainability reports and assess the sustainability performance of their business partners and suppliers. Both of the company’s products are already available on the Latvian market, while SIA “JAZ” sees its next stage of growth in developing new solutions and expanding internationally, particularly into Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The creator of the digital platform and CEO of SIA “JAZ”, Ella Ancāne, previously worked for many years in sustainability management and risk management. Although her professional experience had clearly demonstrated the need for simple digital sustainability tools, the decision to leave salaried employment and start her own business was not an easy one. An important push towards taking this step came from her first conversation with experts from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) business incubation programme in Sigulda.
“I had no previous experience running my own company. I had an idea, but at the same time it was also a huge risk—to leave salaried employment and start building something of my own. Even before applying for the incubation programme, I went to a meeting at LIAA’s Sigulda Representative Office. The encouraging way the experts explained the opportunities and support available to entrepreneurs helped me find the confidence to make the decision to start,” Ancāne recalls.
SIA “JAZ” joined the LIAA business incubation programme in July 2024 and soon afterwards began developing its digital tools. During the programme, the company made use of training and networking opportunities, as well as financial support for various services required for its development.
“Funding was one of the prerequisites that made it possible to start turning the idea into reality in the first place. For certain services, it was possible to recover 50% of the amount spent. If I had had to cover all the costs myself, it would have represented a very significant personal risk, especially when you have a family. Without this kind of support, it would most likely have been much more difficult for me to take the leap,” says the company’s CEO.
Ella considers the practical involvement of the incubation programme’s experts to be just as important as the financial support. During the early stages of the company’s development, the opportunity to seek advice, discuss ideas and receive assistance in finding the right contacts was particularly valuable.
“The support of the incubator team throughout this entire period has been invaluable. I could always call, ask a question and receive advice, and whenever necessary, the experts also helped me find the right contacts. For a new entrepreneur, it is extremely important to have the right people by your side—people who can not only explain the opportunities available but also provide encouragement,” Ella emphasises.
The article was produced as part of the project “Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship for SMEs”, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Union.
Photo: Jevgenijs Davidkins
