From paid work in business to working up the courage to take a step further

Latvian company JAZ has developed a digital platform called JAZNEXUS that helps companies draft sustainability reports and assess the sustainability performance of business partners and suppliers. Both company’s products are currently available on the Latvian market, but JAZ sees its next phase of growth as being linked to the development of new solutions and the expansion of its operations abroad, particularly in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. 

Ella Ancāne, the creator of the digital platform and CEO of JAZ, previously worked for many years in the field of sustainability management and risk management. Although she had clearly recognised the need for simple digital sustainability tools in her professional life, the decision to leave her paid job and start her own business was not an easy one. A key impetus for taking this step came from her first meeting with experts from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) business incubation programme in Sigulda. 

“I had no previous experience of running my own business. I had an idea, but at the same time it was a huge risk – leaving a job with a salary to start building something of my own. Even before applying for the incubation programme, I went to a meeting at the LIAA office in Sigulda. The way the experts spoke so encouragingly about the opportunities and support available to entrepreneurs helped me pluck up the courage to take the plunge,” Ms Ancāne recalls. 

JAZ joined the LIAA business incubation programme in July 2024 and soon thereafter began developing its digital tools. During the programme, the company made use of both training and networking opportunities, as well as financial support to purchase various services necessary for its development. 

“Funding was one of the primary factors that made it possible to start implementing this idea in the first place. For certain services, it was possible to recoup 50% of the amount spent. If I’d had to cover all the costs myself, it would have been a huge personal risk, especially with a family to support. In all likelihood, without this support, I would have found it much harder to take the plunge,” th CEO says. 

Ella considers not only the funding but also the practical involvement of the incubation programme’s experts to be a significant benefit. In the early stages of the company’s development, the opportunity to seek advice, discuss ideas and receive help in finding the necessary contacts was crucial. 

“The support from the incubator team throughout this phase has been invaluable. I could always phone them, ask a question and get advice, and when necessary, the experts also helped me find the right contacts. For a new entrepreneur, it’s very important to have the right people around who can not only explain the opportunities available, but also offer encouragement,” Ella emphasises. 

Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund