The Grammar School and Secondary Technical School of Electrical Engineering and IT in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm recently hosted its second “Breakfast with Entrepreneurs” – a meeting format that gives learners the opportunity to personally connect with inspiring regional figures and hear their authentic stories. The school carefully selects its guests, aiming to invite personalities who can inspire young people not only professionally, but also on a human level.
This time, the guest was Jiří Novotný, Mayor of Trojanovice.
Entrepreneurship Rooted in Place
The meeting was not just about public administration. Above all, it focused on our relationship to the place we come from and the courage to shape the future where we live. Jiří Novotný spoke about the history of Trojanovice and the wider region, about the times when people left in search of work abroad, and about how new opportunities can now be created locally.
A particularly inspiring moment was the reminder of sculptor Albín Polášek and other personalities who successfully connected regional roots with global impact. This idea – thinking globally while staying connected to one’s local environment – resonated throughout the entire meeting.
CÉRKA as an Example of Good Practice
A strong emphasis was placed on the CÉRKA project and the broader approach to community development. Learners were introduced to a concrete example of how a strong idea, perseverance, and collaboration can create long-term value for a local community.
It was more than just a “good practice” presentation. It was a clear call to action: think about your surroundings, recognize their potential, and build your own brands, projects, and business opportunities right where you are. Entrepreneurship does not necessarily mean leaving – it can also mean returning and contributing to local development.
Travel as a Source of Inspiration
The talk also highlighted the importance of travel. According to Jiří Novotný, gaining experience, exploring the world, and collecting inspiration are essential – but so is bringing that inspiration back home. The combination of openness to the world and responsibility toward one’s own region is, in his view, the key to sustainable development.
When Schools Create Space for Real Stories
The “Breakfast with Entrepreneurs” project is coordinated by Lucie Pátková, the school’s entrepreneurship coordinator at the Grammar School and Secondary Technical School of Electrical Engineering and IT in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. Thanks to this initiative, learners have the opportunity to meet people who truly turn their ideas into reality and take responsibility for them.
The second breakfast once again confirmed that personal encounters and the sharing of real-life experiences play an irreplaceable role in fostering entrepreneurial thinking. Motivation does not grow from textbook presentations, but from stories of people who show that change is possible – and that it begins with each of us.
