8.2 Business consulting in Slovakia

There is a decentralized system of advisory services in the scope of enterprising in Slovakia. Therefore there is no integrated registry of all subjects dealing with this business. There are subjects from multinational audit-consult companies to individuals – sole traders with a small regional market working on the market.

In the former part, the consulting service supported by the state by means of consulting company network was mentioned. These companies originated as independent organizations in the scope of the National agency for development of small and medium businesses and affect on the market in all regions of Slovakia. The enterpriser can use services of :

first contact points (CPK) – www.cpk.sk

regional advisory and information centres (RPIC)

business and innovation centres (BIC)

Except of the structure affect on the market, also the networks in the scope of the Ministry of construction and regional development – Regional development agencies (RRA) and First contact information centres (ICPK), which have been established besides the offices of the individual self-governing regions. The consultants for needs of using the EU funds in the scope of agriculture are registered on the paying agency website (www.apa.sk). These advisors have a relevant accreditation and the costs for their services are eligible expense in case of obtaining grant.

Except of the “stony” companies, there are also several specialized handbooks, mail-orders or internet portals which deal with helping enterprisers. When it comes to foreign languages, the most information is in English – including websites of the public administration bodies and business organizations. One needs to conceive that only general information is translated into the foreign languages because of the frequent changes e.g. in the laws.